What a Marine Surveyor Needs to Know About Surveying Large Yachts

This handy guide aims to be practical, helping the reader to prepare, conduct, and document surveys efficiently while ensuring the safety of people and assets. Although this guide recommends best practices and inspection methods throughout, it should not be considered definitive. Methodology may vary depending on the surveyor’s experience, the vessel type, client requirements, classification society rules, and flag-state regulations. Each surveyor must apply their own professional judgment and competence to adapt procedures appropriately.

Large yacht surveys follow the same procedures and require the same logical approach as small craft surveys; however, there are key differences – primarily in vessel size, the extent of main and ancillary machinery, the extensive regulatory compliance, and certification that large yachts require.

Whilst a large yacht is undoubtedly a luxury asset – often worth millions of euros and equipped with cutting-edge technology, entertainment systems, and leisure amenities – the surveyor’s primary responsibility remains unchanged. Is the vessel seaworthy and fit for purpose?

Author Capt Phil Duffy is an expert in the field of surveying large yachts and has surveyed these types of vessels for many years. As such, he is well placed to have written this informative handy guide.