Currently HURRICANE PASS MARINE SERVICES INC. offers the following services.  If you require a service that is not listed or have other questions, please CONTACT US and we will do all we can to accommodate you or refer you to another professional that can.

MARINE SURVEYING

CONSULTING AND ENGINEERING

Anyone can title him or herself as a Marine Surveyor and start a business. Certain marine surveyors are permitted to use a designation denoting membership in accrediting organizations that require members to meet strict professional, technical and ethical standards.

A competent Marine Surveyor will inspect all of the vessel's systems for compliance with Federal Regulations and Industry Standards, including the hull's structural integrity, the fuel system, the exhaust system, the electrical system, the domestic water system, the sanitary system, the thru hull fittings, the propulsion system, anchoring system, navigation equipment, etc.  The vessel will  be examined using non-destructive or non-obtrusive methods.  After the vessel examination, the Marine Surveyor will prepare a written and pictorial report that documents any findings and deficiencies.  The report will address each item by the applicable USCG regulation CFR33 & CFR46, the NFPA, or ABYC standards and recommended practices. The survey will also list all safety equipment and extra equipment that would affect the value, or the safe operation of the vessel.  Well conducted surveys can provide good information on the vessel's condition, but they are not guarantees.  The surveyor reports the condition in accessible areas only as it exists at the time of the inspection.

The engine of a vessel is a very important component.  During the survey we will check the basic external condition of the engine as it applies to the applicable regulations and recommended standards. 

We are not qualified to determine the interior condition of the engine.  It is recommended that a qualified Marine Engine Surveyor inspect the engine(s), gears, pumps, heat exchangers etc.  

If needed, Hurricane Pass Marine Service Inc. can recommend a Qualified Marine Engine Surveyor.  Engine oil samples can also be taken by the Surveyor, however the sample will be sent to a lab and again a Qualified Marine Engine Surveyor is recommended to report on the analysis.  Compression checks may also be availible.  Contact us for further details.

It is highly recommended that a sea trial be performed before buying a vessel.  Usually the sea trial occurs after the initial inspection.  The sea trial can help to determine problems that go unnoticed during the static inspection.  Often the initial inspection will give clues on what to look for during the sea trial.  If the vessel is to be taken on a sea trial, arrangements should be made to secure a Captain to operate the vessel and usually the owner or broker will be on board as well.  During the sea trial the Marine Surveyor is there to supervise and report on the basic operation of the vessel ONLY and is not expected to operate equipment or handle dock lines.  It is recommended that if a Marine Engine Surveyor is hired that they attend the sea trial as well.

A proper Marine Survey should take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours of physical inspection depending on the size of the vessel and the quantity and complexity of on board systems.  Larger and more complicated vessels may even take a few days.  It usually takes about 2-3 days to prepare the report after the inspection.  A 2 or 3 page "Fill in the Blanks" report is not a proper Marine Survey and will not give you the quality information that you are paying for.

Most insurance companies and financial institutions require a survey on older vessels.  They need to know the condition and fair market value in order to finance and/or underwrite the vessel.  It is also important to know the condition and fair market value before you purchase the vessel, just as is done before buying a house often the sale will be contingent of the survey.  Hidden problems can end up costing thousands more than the cost of a thorough survey.   The most important reason for a survey is for the safety of the passengers and crew.

Any size vessel would benefit from a Marine Survey, however most vessels that are required to have a Marine Survey are 25 feet and larger.  As far as how old, any boat that has been commissioned and put into service is likely to have had equipment added, or repairs and modifications made that could affect the safety of the vessel.  No boat is too old or new, large or small, for a Marine Survey.

If a Survey is not performed by a Certified, or Accredited  Independent Marine Surveyor, it may be incomplete or subject to a conflict of interests.  The Broker or Dealer may not want to point out problems with the vessel or may be unaware that the problem exists.  If the Survey is more than one year old, some insurance companies may not accept it.  You should hire the Surveyor, and that person should be looking out for your interests and reporting only to you!

Normally the person wishing to borrow money, or purchase insurance covering the boat will be responsible for paying the survey fee.

The vessel should be prepared so that it is clean and shipshape.  All papers/documentation and miscellaneous gear should be accessible and ready.  Lockers and cabin areas should be cleared of miscellaneous gear.  The surveyor should never be asked to prepare the vessel for inspection.  The surveyor may request minor dismantling or removal of ceilings, headliners, flooring etc in order to gain access to the suspected areas.  Any dismantling and re-installation of parts should be performed by qualified personnel and is the responsibility of the person ordering the survey.  The surveyor can not be expected to report on the condition of equipment if it is inaccessible.  If the vessel is to be hauled out, arrangements should be made with a marina or yard prior to the survey.  If the vessel is to be taken on a sea trial, arrangements should be made for a captain to operate the vessel.  The sea trial should be performed after the on-board inspection if possible.  Remember that before anything is done to the vessel, the owner's permission and sometimes presence may be required.

The rates vary depending on the type of survey ordered and the size of the vessel.  Refer to the PRICING section for more details.

Hurricane Pass Marine Service Inc.  offers Marine Consulting and Engineering Services as well.  It is important to determine your needs so that you get the most out of the consulting sessions.  The consulting packages will be developed to meet your individual needs.  It is best to contact us and we can determine the best approach to handle your needs.  If we can't handle your requirements we will be honest with you and try our best to help you find another professional for you.