Pre-Purchase can
be carried out (e.g. for owners, banks, etc for mortgage purposes; for underwriters
pre-entry surveys, etc.)
The vessel is to
be surveyed from an operator’s point of view. It is not enough for the vessel to be satisfactory from a class point of view. The
surveyor should also comment on all non-class items such as coatings, condition
of steel under coatings, accommodations and their condition and outfit,
standards, of maintenance, etc.
1. The Surveyor’s report should clearly describe items inspected as
being in “good”, “fair”, “poor” or “unsatisfactory” condition and, specifically
mention those in need of immediate attention/repair. The following
definitions are to be included in the formal report.
Good Unimpaired condition
without significant wear or deviation from original strength and operating
efficiency. No maintenance or repair required.
Fair Condition with wear
and tear and other deficiencies of minor nature not requiring correction or
repair.
Poor Condition
in which the adequacy of strength or operational efficiency is marginally below
acceptable limits or is in doubt. Remedial action is required.
Unsatisfactory Condition of undoubtedly inadequate strength or operational
efficiency. Immediate extensive repair or renewal required to reinstate
serviceability.
If any conditions are considered poor or unsatisfactory, our report
should be specific as to the reasons for same.
2. It is just as important to report upon items/areas not inspected as
upon those that are inspected.
Such as:
“Cargo hold (tank) Nº __________ was not available for internal
examination due to cargo in way (tank fully/partially loaded).”
Freshly coated areas may hide deficiencies and should be closely
examined and noted in the report as "freshly painted".
3. Every survey report should contain an appropriate preamble similar
to the following:
“It is to be clearly understood that the conditions and/or states of
items reported upon herein below are strictly the opinions of the undersigned
and that those opinions fairly reflect the findings made during the course of
this survey. All statements of condition are made in comparison with new
condition.”
4. The Survey report should have an appropriate summary and conclusion
similar to the following:
“Based on findings of limited physical inspection, without exposing
areas normally concealed, testing or opening out the machinery, gauging the
structure, or testing for tightness, it is the opinion of the undersigned that
subject vessel was generally in (good, fair, poor, or unsatisfactory) condition
on (insert day/month/year), subject
to exceptions which may be set forth herein above.”
5. If a Pre-Purchase Condition Survey is being carried out (vessel is
not ABS Classed), it is important to note that the memorandum of agreement of
the ship sale will specify that the prospective purchaser must make his
declaration of intention within a certain time frame (such as 48 or 72 hours)
after completion of survey inspection. Therefore, immediately after completion
of the survey a short preliminary report (hand written if necessary) must be
faxed to the client informing them of significant conditions found (good and
bad) and that our formal survey report will be air expressed ASAP (normally
this should be within three (3) days).
6.
It is also most important that a representative set of
photographs suitably labeled, be taken which will give a general overall impression
of the vessels condition, plus any damage or unsatisfactory areas.
7.
In order for our services to be of any value to our client,
our information must be forwarded as soon as possible to our client as
instructed. It is an aid in their decision on making process, and places them
in a competitive position. The importance of this promptness to our clients is stressed
as a reminder to avoid complacency and to maintain our competitive position in
meeting the requirements of our clients.
8.
In conclusion, we would add the following instructions to
Surveyors, the intent of which should be clearly understood before writing up
the report;
a) Condition Surveys
must contain statements of fact as to the actual condition of the vessel. No
unsubstantiated opinions and no recommendations as to method of repair are to
be included in the report.
b) There must be no
comments which are vague or ambiguous.
c) All statement
contained in the survey report can be supported and defended in a court of law.
