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Services

Marine Survey Services

We provide comprehensive yacht and small craft survey services to support safe ownership, transactions, and maintenance.

Condition Surveys
Insurance Surveys
Pre-Purchase Surveys
Marine Consultancy
Yacht Surveys
Damage Surveys
Hull Condition Survey
River/Sea Trials
Valuations
Oil Analysis
Passage Planning
Boat Handling Advice
Ultrasonic Steel Measurement
Aluminium Hull Ultrasonic Measurement
Gelcoat Blister / Osmosis / De-Lamination Assessment
Tonnage Measurement Certification
Galvanic Isolator Advice

Marine Survey Credentials

Our surveyors are trained through the Marine Survey Training Course, founded in 2006 by Paul Stevens, a leading authority in yacht and small craft surveying.

  • Initial distance learning followed by four weeks of hands-on practical training

  • Training on GRP, wood, and steel vessels, both leisure and commercial

  • Led by seasoned professionals Martin Evans and Aidan Tuckett, members of YDSA and RINA

  • Focused on defect identification, thorough condition surveys, and detailed report writing

  • Entry into the program requires prior marine industry experience and approval

BMSE Membership

We are proud members of British Marine Surveyors Europe (BMSE), a group committed to raising industry standards through collaboration and continued education.

BMSE Standards:

  • All members have passed the Practical Yacht & Small Craft Surveying Course

  • Ongoing access to a technical forum for surveyor collaboration

  • Requirement of Professional Indemnity Insurance

  • Regular discussions on new technology, methods, legislation, and vessel defects

Vessel Buying Checklist

Thinking of buying or selling a boat? Here's a quick guide to keep you informed.

Legal Protection

Your rights as a buyer or seller are protected under:
 

  • Consumer Rights Act 2015

  • Sale of Goods Act 1979

  • Misrepresentation Act 1967

  • Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982, and more
     

Refer to our Consumer Protection Guidance Note for detailed info.

Choosing the Right Boat

When buying a boat, consider:
 

  • Purpose (racing, offshore cruising, leisure)

  • Size and design (trailerable vs marina-kept)

  • New build vs used vessel

Parties Involved

Depending on the nature of the sale, the following may be involved:
 

  • Buyer and seller

  • Broker or agent

  • Surveyor or boatbuilder

  • Designer or manufacturer

Working with Brokers

  • Brokers represent the seller and usually charge them commission

  • VAT is not applied on private second-hand sales, but brokers may add VAT to their services

  • Buyers should be aware of disclosure obligations and potential recourse if information is withheld

BMSE Forum

As part of BMSE, we participate in a secure online forum where surveyors across the UK and Europe discuss:

Midlands Boat Surveys

Marine legislation updates

Surveying challenges and insights

Industry best practices

Peer-reviewed case discussions

Membership also includes affiliation with the International Institute of Marine Surveyors (IIMS).

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