How a Marine Survey Works

1. Preparing the file
An effective survey starts before the inspection. I recommend gathering all of the vessel's documents: registration papers, written Declaration of Conformity (for CE-marked craft), owner's manual, maintenance history, and invoices for work carried out and equipment installed. These records trace the vessel's history and help focus the inspection.

2. Initial consultation
Before any inspection, we discuss your project, your expectations and any specific concerns. Each survey is then tailored to the type of vessel, its design category, its age and its intended use.

3. Detailed inspection of the vessel
The survey covers every element that affects the safety, reliability and value of the boat:

Hull and structure: underwater hull and topsides, deck, cockpit, bulkheads and internal stiffening
Appendages and drivetrain: rudder, shafts, propellers, sterndrives or saildrives, through-hull fittings and seacocks
Propulsion: engines, auxiliaries, fuel systems, hoses and clips
Onboard systems: electrical installation, bilge pumps, fresh water, gas and air-conditioning systems
Deck and rigging: deck hardware, rigging, sails, anchoring gear
Safety: mandatory safety equipment, firefighting equipment
Navigation: electronics, instruments and helm station
Interior fit-out

4. Specific technical testing
Depending on the vessel, I complement the visual inspection with instrument-based testing:

Moisture readings of the underwater hull with a moisture meter, to detect any risk of osmosis on composite hulls
Ultrasonic thickness gauging, particularly on steel and aluminium hulls, to identify areas of corrosion or wastage
Oil analysis (engine, gearbox, hydraulic system…), carried out at your request by a specialist laboratory. It reveals abnormal wear or mechanical faults invisible to the naked eye.

5. Sea trial
Where possible, a sea trial allows me to assess the boat's handling and check the propulsion, steering, electronics and equipment under real operating conditions.

6. Findings and report
At the end of the inspection, I give you a verbal summary of my initial findings. Each survey is then followed by a written report delivered to the instructing party. It details the true condition of the vessel, the defects identified, the recommended works in order of priority and, for a pre-purchase survey, an estimate of its market value.

My commitment
With 30 years of experience in the Mediterranean and graduate qualifications from ENSM Marseille (RNCP Level 7 diploma and Master 500 GT Unlimited), I carry out every survey with rigour, independence and transparency. Whether you are a buyer, seller, insurer or owner, my report gives you an objective and reliable assessment so you can make your decision with confidence.