MSES offers a New Build Inspection Program to builders, dealers and buyers. This independent inspection is carried out while the vessel is still with the builder and includes the seatrial. The vessel is inspected in detail and deficiencies noted providing the opportunity for the deficiencies to be corrected at the builders’ site instead of at owner’s location often thousands of miles away.

MSES’ reports are totally impartial and can be used by all parties involved in the purchase chain.

 The vessel will be thoroughly checked against:

• sale order to verify all optional extra’s are installed and functioning

• build standards to verify that the vessel is completed according to the stated contract quality

• operating performances to verify all systems are working as could be expected from a brand new boat and

• against legal documents, checking where possible conformity with required standards

Our New Build Inspection Program can be completed with a survey carried out at any stage during construction period. An independent survey at stages can bring deficiencies to light that might otherwise go un-noticed until delivery has been made.

We perform extended quality controls with regard to hull, engine and equipment installations. We will verify whether the build conforms to specification and complies with appropriate regulatory authority and / or Port Authorities.

Getting it right at this stage saves time, money and enhances the builders image and the buyers purchase satisfaction.

MSES offers a range of Safety Checks based on the clients intended yacht usage, registration and the personnel preference of the initiator. These checks are performed against our in-house prepared detailed checklists and are reported in tick box form with detailed comments on deficiencies and recommendations.

Typically we are requested to review the safety equipment and systems on board a yacht prior to her departure for a cruise or delivery of significant duration; the request may come from the Owner, skipper or Underwriters all who maintain a vested interest in the vessels safe operation. These safety checks are integral part of our Pre-purchase and insurance entry/ condition surveys.

Our Safety checks are prepared based on each individual boat and follow the regulations and codes pre-agreed with the client. These regulations/ codes include:

• Hong Kong Marine Department Code of Practice for Safety Standards for Class IV,
• International Institute of Marine Surveyors Guide to Yacht & Small Craft Safety Equipment,
• Royal Yachting Association requirements for a yacht proceeding offshore,
• MCA (UK) Code of Practice for Yachts in Commercial Service,
• and others

For the less experienced yachtsman this provides a reassurance that he is on track to provide the required level of support to the Adventure and for the Underwriters they acknowledge that the yacht is proven to be ready to undertake the venture.

The check takes about 3 hours for a 40’ power boat if all is prepared. The Owner or Skipper must be present during the inspection in order to prepare the equipment and answer questions relating to maintenance etc.

• Steel and aluminum hull thickness measurement using ultrasonic thickness measurement
• GRP moisture testing
• Refit management
• Damage assessment for Owners and insurance underwriters
• Safety survey
• Valuations for insurance, sale and purchase and finance
• Pre-purchase , insurance entry and routine condition surveys
• New building project management
• Expert witness action

• New building and conversion project management
• UK MCA compliance examinations (small commercial vessels to 24m)
• Docking Superintendence
• Damage assessment and repair cost assessments – hull and machinery
• Pre-purchase and insurance entry and routine condition surveys

What is a Pre-Purchase Condition Survey?

A pre-purchase survey is usually requested by a potential buyer and is focused on areas where defects are likely to considerably reduce the value of the vessel and perhaps require extensive investment to correct.

The survey report is a factual summary of the inspection in a narrative format with extensive photographic record and other relevant documentation. The survey takes about 8 hours to complete for a 36’ yacht; this includes a short sea trial, inspection of the underwater areas after haul out, topsides, deck and interior structures, spars, machinery and safety equipment.

Seatrial

The short seatrial provides a basic performance benchmark for the vessels systems and is an important aspect to be considered.

What are the limitations?

The Owner is responsible for the handling of vessel on sea trials and during haul out and arranging the haul out plus powering up systems that are not operating. The Surveyor will request the owner or his representative to operate machinery in a manner that should demonstrate its current performance.

A limited number of hours are assigned to each vessel for survey, based around the vessel’s size, age and complexity. Out of necessity we cannot inspect or advise on every minor item during this survey. We are always prepared to focus on the Buyers special instructions during the inspection and report preparation. Should the Buyer request a more detailed survey this can be undertaken.

What should be the expected outcomes? The report will direct the client to the status of the vessels safety equipment, major structural, mechanical and electrical items and overall appearance and will enable if requested a value to be placed on the vessel as it currently stands.

Machinery Inspection

As part of the pre-purchase survey an external examination of the main machinery is made. This is entirely none invasive with no items being opened for close up consideration. The gears are operated and engine mounts examined; the inspection is concerned principally with determining obvious defects rather than internal deterioration. Oil sampling and analysis is offered at additional cost, this determines current oil condition and detects if excessive wear metals are present and is a reliable method when combined with access to recent maintenance records, of gaining greater reassurance as to the condition of the engines without moving to full engine strip down.

Rigging

Rigs are inspected from the deck only and sails are viewed "in bag" unless used during the sea trial. Detailed rig and sail inspections are specialist services that can be provided if required but will require removing the mast and laying out the sails ashore.