There are a few things to think about before deciding on and arranging for a marine survey. Whilst it is possible to do part of the survey with the boat in the water this is not normally recommended and, if possible, the vessel should be lifted with the surveyor present and then allowed to dry out properly. 

It is important, in order to complete a thorough survey, that the surveyor can see a yacht "in the slings" and that if it has an external keel this can be inspected hanging so that movement can be detected, there is also merit in seeing the vessel "sit down" if it is designed to sit on it's keel, this is often a good indication on the condition of the hull/keel joint.

Once the vessel is out of the water we recommend that the vessel is allowed to dry for at least 12 hours, that way there is a lower change of spurious moisture readings from any coating or residual moisture.

If the survey is pre purchase then the owner must be made aware that any external hull fittings may be cleaned back to bare metal to establish corrosion and that if the boat is GRP/Composite then it may be necessary to "scrape" back areas of the hull to the bare gel. The surveyor must be made aware if the vessel has been given any epoxy treatments or primers as this may be damaged if not known about.

Most surveyors will not normally dismantle any parts of the vessel with tools, so please ensure that floorboards are released and lockers can be opened. I will endeavour to access as much of the vessel internally as possible but will note on the report any areas not accessible.

Safety equipment should be present, although no guarantee will be given as to the working state of any lifesaving appliances and advice will be given inline with current MCA guidance or regulations.

In a standard survey the mast and rigging will be inspected to eye height (I am particularly tall) A full visual rig inspection can be completed but this will involve extra "volunteers" or paid members of my team and two halyards must be judged safe to use.

In order for the survey to be completed safely and accurately it is important that I am left to look at the boat undisturbed, If possible please provide contact details for both the owner and purchaser so that any issues can be sorted swiftly.

It is also important to say that should a major defect that affects the structural integrity or safety is found during the survey I will attempt to contact the purchaser to ask whether they would like me to continue and also the owner will be informed to ensure safety of the vessel and any future user.

Defects found will usually be graded and a timescale will be given for repair, this does not mean that there is any warranty on the vessel for that time period, it is used to give a severity of defect.

The simple advice is to talk through the survey with the surveyor and ask any questions, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A STUPID QUESTION.