Executive Risk Summary
A concise overview of the most important technical and operational risks.
Before acquisition
Pre-Purchase
Vessel Inspection
Before you buy the vessel, know what you are actually buying.
Request Pre-Purchase AttendanceUnderstand the Exposure
Before Delivery
Independent onboard assessment brings visible condition, operational observations and available records into one acquisition risk picture.
A pre-purchase ship survey should help the buyer understand immediate repair requirements, deferred maintenance and issues that may affect delivery conditions.
- Physical condition and accessible areas
- Selected operational tests by agreement
- Defect identification and maintenance backlog
- Class / statutory observations and document review
- Photo-supported findings and acquisition risk summary
- Issues relevant to seller clarification and negotiations
Scope and access are agreed before attendance. Specialist examination may be recommended where the vessel or findings require it.
What we assess
What We Look For
A scope-led review of condition, operational readiness and the evidence behind the vessel's maintenance history.
01Hull & Deck
- Visible structural condition
- Corrosion and coating breakdown
- Deck machinery and hatch covers
- Mooring equipment and cargo-related systems
- Access arrangements and visible temporary repairs
02Machinery & Technical Condition
- Observable machinery condition
- Operational defects reported by ship staff
- Maintenance backlog, leakage and housekeeping
- Alarm and defect records
- Evidence of overdue maintenance
- Available machinery documentation
For machinery-intensive acquisitions, attendance can be coordinated together with a qualified Chief Engineer / marine engineer.
03Navigation & Bridge
- ECDIS, radar and GMDSS
- Navigation equipment and known defects
- Bridge procedures and publications
- Passage planning standards
- Alarms and operational readiness
04Safety & Statutory Readiness
- Lifesaving appliances
- Firefighting equipment and emergency systems
- Certificates and statutory records
- Drills and readiness
- Visible compliance concerns
05Documentation & Maintenance
- PMS records and defect lists
- Overdue maintenance
- Class recommendations and statutory survey status
- Dry-docking history and repair records
- Selected equipment service history
Inspection scope, access and any selected operational tests are agreed for each assignment. Machinery observations do not constitute a specialist engineering survey.
Evidence you can use
What You Receive
View the sample reportCritical Findings
Items requiring immediate attention or further investigation.
Photo-Supported Findings
Clear photographic evidence wherever practical, referenced to individual findings.
Maintenance Exposure
Visible maintenance backlog and potential near-term repair requirements.
Class & Statutory Observations
Relevant documentation, survey and compliance concerns identified during the review.
Commercially Relevant Findings
Items relevant to price discussions, seller rectification, delivery conditions, repair budgeting and takeover planning.
Priority Classification
Critical
Potential safety, operational, statutory or major financial consequence.
High
Requires early correction or further investigation.
Medium
Maintenance or operational issue requiring planned action.
Observation
Item for monitoring or future maintenance.
A defect discovered before acquisition is information.
The same defect discovered after delivery becomes the owner's problem.
From finding to negotiation
From Technical Finding
to Commercial Decision
Identify
Physical defect, documentation issue or maintenance concern.
Verify
Review records, maintenance history and available evidence.
Assess
Determine operational, statutory and financial relevance.
Report
Present the issue clearly with photographs and supporting information.
Commercial Discussion
Consider seller rectification, purchase-price discussion, delivery conditions, repair budget or further specialist inspection.
Findings inform the client's commercial judgement. Final valuation and contractual decisions remain with the client and their advisers.
Your next decision
Considering a Vessel Acquisition?
Send the vessel IMO number, location and expected inspection window.