Services

As a nominated surveyor for the YDSA we can undertake MCA coding for commercial vessels under 24m load line

Pre-purchase Survey

Specifically designed for anyone wishing to purchase a motorboat or sailing vessel. We will inspect the vessel to the highest degree of detail, taking it through 25 to 35 core non-destructive tests as listed below dependant upon the type of vessel. Click for more information on the survey's scope.

Insurance Survey

Insurance Companies require a Survey to put a vessel on risk and subsequently every five years if the vessel is over 20 years old. This survey will meet this purpose providing a condition report for the insurer that shows the overall safety and condition of the vessel.  There are 25 -35 core non-destructive tests, dependent upon the type of vessel and materials used in its construction. Click for more information.

Ultrasonic Survey

Surveys provide the owner and insurer of steel vessels with a gauge of the thickness of the plating on the vessel’s hull. A 250 - 350 point thickness measurement in different areas of the hull gives the plate thickness of the vessel indicating the structural integrity of a steel vessel. Measurements are taken using a Cygnus 2 (MkIII) instrument. Cygnus are a world leader in this type of instrument.

Tonnage Measurement

Used for registering a vessel with Lloyds UK, a tonnage measurement can only be authorised by a Governing Body. They give an accurate measurement of the vessel and are frequently required by finance companies if a vessel is subject to a marine mortgage.

RB Marine Surveys is certified to carry out Tonnage Measurement for the UK, Cayman Islands, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands through membership of the YDSA. Please call 07881 611157 to discuss your needs. 

Damage Reports 

Providing an accurate report of damage sustained by storms, boatyards, other vessels or personal accidents. RB Marine Surveys' damage reports can be authorised by the insurer or the owner and comprise a factual account of all damage sustained by the vessel, its integrity after an incident and what repairs are needed to restore it to prime condition. The scope will vary from minor injuries to the gelcoat through to complete write-off status.  If your vessel has suffered accidental or malicious damage, please call 07881 611157 to discuss your requirements or make an appointment via this site.

Repairs or Refit Consulting/Management

A service for owners (or insurers) seeking reassurance that authorised work is carried out to a satisfactory standard.  The remit of RB Marine Services can extend to full oversight of all works if a client is unable to make the time in a busy schedule of other commitments to oversee work directly.  We authorise no payment to be made until work has been fully completed and quality checked.

We have overseen repairs for insurance companies and owners all over Europe, ensuring work on the vessels was completed to a good standard.  Please call 07881 611157 to discuss the scope of any project and the level of involvement required.

Pre-Purchase Survey

Peace of mind

Every system on board the vessel will be tested from the integrity of the hull to checking the helm seat supports. Engines would need to be seen running by a Marine Engineer. The survey report is followed by a list of 'Essential' and 'Non-Essential' recommendations, my conclusions and a valuation.

In order to carry out a Pre-Purchase Survey, the vessel will need to be ashore or held in slings so that we can check the moisture content and the condition of the laminate on the hull. It must be noted that some systems on vessels cannot be checked whilst the vessel is on the hard.

Most Insurance Companies require this type of survey before they will take on risk any new instruction. Therefore, if you want peace of mind and like to know exactly what you are buying before you commit to purchase, this survey is ideal for you and can subsequently be presented to your Insurance Company, avoiding any delay in getting out onto the water!

Survey scope 

HULL, DECK & STRUCTURE
1.Details of vessel (Description, dimensions, registration etc.)
2.Keel
3.Hull below waterline
4.Topsides above waterline including rubbing strake
5.Deck moulding
6.Coach Roof
7.Cockpit
8.Hull/Deck Join
9.Bulkheads and Structural Stiffening including Internal Mouldings
STEERING, STERN GEAR & SKIN FITTINGS
10.Rudder and Steering
11.Stern Gear
12.Cathodic Protection
13.Skin Fittings and other through hull apertures
ON DECK
14.Main Companionway and other Access to Accommodation
15.Ports, Windows
16.Pulpit, Stanchions, Pushpit, Lifelines and Jackstays
17.Rigging Attachment Points
18.Ground Tackle and Mooring Arrangements
19.Other Deck Gear and Fittings
20.Davits and Boarding Ladders
RIGGING
21.Spars
22.Standing Rigging
23.Running Rigging
24.Sails and Covers Safety
25.Navigation Lights
26.Bilge Pumping Arrangements
27.Fire Fighting Equipment
28.Lifesaving and Emergency Equipment
ENGINE
29.Engine and Installation
30.Fuel System Accommodation and on board systems
31.Accommodation
GENERAL
32.Gas Installation
33.Fresh Water Tanks and Delivery
34.Heads
35.Electrical Installation
36.Electronic and Navigation Equipment

Insurance Survey

Risk assessment

Insurance Companies require just this sort of survey in order to initially put a vessel on risk and subsequently every five years if the vessel is over 20 years old. The survey validates the overall safety and condition of the vessel taking it through 25 -35 core non destructive tests, dependent upon the type of vessel and the materials used in its construction.  (See Survey Scope listing)

Every system on board the vessel will be tested from the integrity of the hull to checking the helm seat supports. Engines would need to be seen running by a Marine Engineer. The survey report is followed by a list of 'Essential' and 'Non-Essential' recommendations, my conclusions and a valuation.

The vessel needs to be either ashore on blocks or in slings so that the hull can be inspected. The systems on the vessel are checked for safety and working order and a full 15 to 20 page condition report is presented to you via email and a printed version is sent via first class post.

Although tailored to the demands of insurers the survey does provide the owner with a comprehensive review of the condition of their investment allowing them to prioritise 'non-essential' works or improvements to suit their budget or calendar.  

Survey scope 

HULL, DECK & STRUCTURE
1.Details of vessel (Description, dimensions, registration etc.)
2.Keel
3.Hull below waterline
4.Topsides above waterline including rubbing strake
5.Deck moulding
6.Coach Roof
7.Cockpit
8.Hull/Deck Join
9.Bulkheads and Structural Stiffening including Internal Mouldings
STEERING, STERN GEAR & SKIN FITTINGS
10.Rudder and Steering
11.Stern Gear
12.Cathodic Protection
13.Skin Fittings and other through hull apertures
ON DECK
14.Main Companionway and other Access to Accommodation
15.Ports, Windows
16.Pulpit, Stanchions, Pushpit, Lifelines and Jackstays
17.Rigging Attachment Points
18.Ground Tackle and Mooring Arrangements
19.Other Deck Gear and Fittings
20.Davits and Boarding Ladders
RIGGING
21.Spars
22.Standing Rigging
23.Running Rigging
24.Sails and Covers Safety
25.Navigation Lights
26.Bilge Pumping Arrangements
27.Fire Fighting Equipment
28.Lifesaving and Emergency Equipment
ENGINE
29.Engine and Installation
30.Fuel System Accommodation and on board systems
31.Accommodation
GENERAL
32.Gas Installation
33.Fresh Water Tanks and Delivery
34.Heads
35.Electrical Installation
36.Electronic and Navigation Equipment

Ultrasonic Survey

Taking soundings

Corrosion inevitably lessens the strength of all metal hulls, particularly steel.  By employing 250 - 350 point thickness measurements in different areas of the hull, an ultrasonic survey will give readings of the plate thickness of a steel (or aluminium) vessel making an estimate of the hull's structural integrity possible.

The vessel will need to be ashore or held in slings for the survey to be conducted effectively.  The advanced testing equipment used applies the triple echo method, comparing three echoes at each point improves the accuracy of the gauge since the the readings are cross-checked as they are taken, eliminating distortions from aberrant readings caused by surface corrosion, especially on the, often inaccessible, inner face. The readings are scrupulously interpreted, which may result in further detailed testing across multiple points in any area where the primary readings indicate concern.

As well as reporting the overall condition of the hull, the survey may recommend necessary areas for repair as well as measures to improve the condition of areas not yet in need of essential restoration as a precaution against future weakening.  

Equipment 

RB Marine Surveys use the latest non-destructive testing equipment, including; 

Sovereign moisture meters which are specifically designed for marine use and includes a self-calibration facility. Both near surface and in depth readings can be compared and the moisture content displayed as a numerical readout from 1 – 100, or as % H2O WME (Wood Moisture Equivalent). 

Cygnus ultrasonic thickness gauges manufactured in the UK by the world leading innovators in measurement technologies. Founded in 1983 and based in Dorchester, Cygnus pioneered the digital multiple echo technique that has long since become the marine industry's standard for accurate measurement of material thickness.

Cygnus have successfully developed multiple echo digital thickness gauges which measure metal thickness even through protective coatings in a reliable and repeatable way.  The complete range is engineered to withstand the harshest environments while delivering accurate readings that help determine the condition of the subject hull.  
www.cygnus-instruments.com

Flir thermal imaging cameras, form an image using infrared radiation, similar to a common camera that forms an image using visible light, these images allow us to create a visual representation of the integrity of various materials and spot any potential problems before they occur.

Tonnage measurement

Weighing the evidence

RB Marine Surveys provides surveys for tonnage and measurement, required for a Certificate of Tonnage and Measurement. This is one of the documents needed to register your vessel on Part 1 of the UK Ships Register.

Registration on Part 1 of the UK Ship Register entitles you to the following benefits:

• Evidence you own the boat

• Shows your boat’s nationality

• Use the boat as security for a marine mortgage

• Protection from the Royal Navy and the services of British Consuls

• Internationally accepted documentation to ease passage to foreign ports

• Can enhance the re-sale of your vessel

• Evidence of date of build for the EU Recreational Craft Directive

• Ensures that your boat’s name is unique on Part 1

Part 1 Registration requires renewal every 5 years but does not require a further survey unless there are changes to the vessel (i.e: change of engine).

To see more about Part 1 Registration and how to start your application with the UK Ship Register, see the government website.

Damage reports

A matter of perspective

Whether injury to a boat is sustained by virtue of bad weather, incidents with other vessels or an operating failure in a yard, a damage report typically includes the reported circumstances of the damage, statements from owners, operators and witnesses, identification and description of the vessel and its condition as well as the damage incurred.  Where appropriate, it will also include a damage appraisal, a review of estimates for reasonable repairs plus pre and post-loss valuations. 

If necessary, the survey will identify the need for and recommend third party specialists to evaluate the damage and help define suitable repairs in key areas. This outcome is more likely in the case of fire, complex mechanical failure, extensive damage to a hull or electrical/electronic systems.

As well as reporting the overall condition of the hull, the survey may recommend necessary areas for repair as well as measures to improve the condition of areas not yet in need of essential restoration as a precaution against future weakening. 

Commissioned by the insurer or owner the report focus on facts and an account of all damage sustained by the vessel.  It has integrity and authority based on its independent perspective, recommending the repairs needed to restore the vessel to prime condition.  

Repair and refit management

Taking the strain 

Repairs and restorations are time-consuming and cannot always be scheduled to coincide with the life demands of the otherwise busy owner.  RB Marine Surveys repair and refit management services can represent those without the time or ability to be more directly involved.  These individually tailored packages can range from full day-to-day, task-to-task management of a project to a consulting role, checking work completed has been satisfactorily completed and reviewing progress on outstanding tasks. 

The selection of materials and suppliers can form one part of either type of oversight role and help an owner reconcile their aims and objectives with a budget. ensuring that payments are made on satisfactory completion of agreed milestones.  

Each project management package will be unique, specific to the vessel, the scope of the project and the owner's requirements.  We are happy to discuss involvement on a partial or overall basis to help deliver the right outcome in the agreed timescale.

Case History 

1963 Improbable 24. Seven months of intensive work by several specialist suppliers and craftsmen, coordinated end-to-end by RB Marine Surveys, have saved Mythical from long term dereliction, neglected in a corner of the yard in a Wolverhampton boatyard after a former owner's enthusiasm waned.