Survey / Vessel Preparation

1. Schedule haulout/splash for the date of the survey. The costs associated are typically the responsibility of the purchaser. Depending on the time of year, haul out can be completed over the yard’s lunch hour.
2. Vessel should have AC (shore) and DC (battery) power available at the time of the inspection
3. All items/belongings not conveyed with the sale of the vessel should be removed prior to the inspection.
4. The fresh water tank should be filled prior to the survey.
5. The vessel should not be washed the day of the survey as wet decks can prevent accurate moisture readings.
6. The vessels engines and/or generator should not be “warmed up” prior to the survey
7. Confirm and/or inform all involved parties of the schedule.
8. Lazarettes and/or storage lockers that are loosely filled with equipment should be emptied, surveyor will not empty full storage areas.
9. Areas that house critical and/or important systems should be readily available for access
10. Commissioning of certain systems such as air conditioners, ice makers, fresh water systems, engines and/or generators is the responsibility of the current vessel owner and/or broker.
11. If a Trial Run is conducted, coordinate who will be captaining the vessel (typically broker, owner or hired captain).
12. If a Trial Run is conducted, it is the vessel’s owner or brokers responsibility to ensure the vessel is adequately fueled.
13. All of the vessel’s safety equipment should be centrally located for the inspection.
14. All of the vessel’s paperwork should be on board and readily available i.e. Certificate of Documentation, Registration, etc.
15. Large furniture and carpeting should be removed or positioned as to not block access to installed systems.
16. All bedding should be removed from berths. Bedding installed on berths will not be “re-made.”
17. Marine Survey and Professional Liability 

Vessel owners acknowledge that marine surveying, vessel inspections, consulting, vessel management, delivery, and captain-for-hire services involve professional judgment and evaluation of vessels at a specific point in time. Any survey, inspection, or consultation provided by Four A Marine represents an opinion based on the visible and reasonably accessible condition of the vessel at the time of service. The Company does not guarantee the future condition, performance, seaworthiness, or reliability of any vessel inspected or evaluated.

Mechanical Systems and Engine Inspection Limitation

Unless expressly agreed to in writing, marine surveys and vessel inspections conducted by the Company do not include internal mechanical evaluation of engines, generators, transmissions, propulsion systems, or other machinery. Observations related to propulsion or mechanical equipment are limited to externally visible components and basic operational observations at the time of inspection, if accessible. Clients are advised to obtain a separate inspection by a qualified marine mechanic or engine specialist. The Company assumes no responsibility or liability for internal mechanical defects, latent defects, or future mechanical failures that are not readily observable during a standard visual survey.

Latent Defects and Hidden Condition Limitation

Marine surveys and vessel inspections conducted by the Company are based on visual observation of accessible areas at the time of inspection. The Company does not uncover or test for latent defects, hidden damage, structural weaknesses, water intrusion, wiring or plumbing concealed behind panels, or materials not reasonably observable. The Company assumes no responsibility or liability for defects, damage, or failures that are hidden, inaccessible, or not readily observable. Clients are advised to obtain additional specialized inspections, testing, or surveys as needed.

To the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, the liability of the Company for any claim arising from marine surveys, inspections, consulting, vessel management, delivery services, or captain-for-hire services shall be limited to the total fees paid to the Company for the specific service giving rise to the claim, unless otherwise required by law.