Sea Captain Marine Surveyor Inc. provides marine surveys according to the following terms and conditions. You (the client) and Sea Captain Marine Surveyor Inc. agree as follows:
1. Engagement of Services
The Client is requesting the attending surveyor from Sea Captain Marine Surveyor Inc. to undertake the marine survey or appraisal of the vessel designated on the attached invoice/quote. The survey will be conducted in accordance with the terms and conditions outlined in this agreement, and the Client acknowledges that they have read and agreed to these terms before proceeding with the service. The Client acknowledges that the survey is a visual, non-invasive inspection and does not involve destructive testing or dismantling of any components. The Client warrants that all information provided regarding the vessel is accurate, complete, and truthful to the best of their knowledge.
2. Pre-purchase Surveys
A pre-purchase survey is strongly recommended when purchasing a vessel. This comprehensive inspection evaluates the vessel’s condition “as is, where is” at the time of survey, based solely on observable and accessible areas at the time of inspection, and is commonly accepted by insurers and financial institutions.
Out-of-Water Inspection: Includes, but is not limited to, the hull bottom, keel, rudder, underwater gear, propeller, anodes, and general condition of the hull structure.
In-Water Inspection: Includes, but is not limited to, hull piping and tankage, safety equipment, rigging and spars (from readily accessible locations), decks and superstructure, interior spaces, structural components visible from accessible areas, cockpits, helms, navigation equipment, galley and head systems, and visual inspection of electrical and propulsion systems.
Short Operational Trial Run: Where arranged and conditions permit, the survey may include a limited operational trial conducted on the water to observe the general performance of propulsion, steering, and onboard systems under operating conditions, as further described in Section 7 of these Terms and Conditions.
The survey includes an opinion of the vessel’s fair market value and replacement value, based on observed condition at the time of inspection and comparative market information derived from available listings, historical sales data, and industry sources where available. Such valuation is provided for reference purposes only and may not reflect specific transactional conditions or market fluctuations.
3. Insurance Surveys
An insurance survey is a basic inspection designed to assess the vessel's overall condition, the soundness of onboard systems and equipment, and its suitability for the intended use. The purpose of this survey is to provide insurers with information to evaluate the risk of issuing an insurance policy. However, an insurance survey does not guarantee insurability, as the final decision rests solely with the underwriter.
4. Rig & Sails Surveys
A Rig & Sails survey is a specialized inspection service and is not included as part of a standard pre-purchase, insurance, or condition and valuation survey. This service must be specifically requested and booked separately by the Client. Unless a Rig & Sails survey has been expressly booked, any photographs of mast and rigging components provided during a standard survey will be taken only from readily accessible locations at or below the boom gooseneck level. Climbing, strapping, or lifting to access elevated areas will not be performed, and the surveyor will not climb the mast, step onto the boom, or use electronic devices such as drones to capture images.
4.1 For a Rig & Sails survey, the surveyor will climb to the top of the mast to inspect and document all rigging components. Photographs will be taken to support the survey findings. The surveyor’s role is strictly limited to inspection and reporting; no repairs, adjustments, or maintenance work on the mast or rigging components will be performed under any circumstances.
5. Appraisal Surveys
An Appraisal survey is a basic inspection conducted to determine the vessel's fair market and replacement value. This type of survey may be required for various purposes, including securing a loan, estate settlement, tax documentation for vessel donation, or other legal and financial matters.
6. Pre/Post-Charter Condition Surveys
A Pre/Post-Charter Condition survey is conducted in two stages:
Pre-Charter Survey: Before the vessel is chartered, a detailed inspection is performed, and its condition is documented.
Post-Charter Survey: Upon the vessel’s return to the owner, a follow-up inspection is conducted. Any damages found, if applicable, are documented, and a valuation of the damages is provided.
7. Short Operational Test Run (Limited Trial Run)
A short operational test run is an essential service where the surveyor attends the vessel during a limited test run in open water, away from the dock. The surveyor does not captain or operate the vessel but remains onboard to inspect structures, machinery, and onboard systems while the vessel is underway. Short operational test run provides valuable insights into a vessel’s performance in a dynamic state, allowing for the identification of deficiencies that may not be apparent during an out-of-water inspection or while moored. Additionally, this process offers an opportunity for the seller or broker to provide the buyer with an orientation to the vessel. A short operational test run may take up to one (1) hour to complete. Additional fees may apply if unforeseen circumstances extend the duration beyond the standard timeframe. Delays may result from, but are not limited to, adverse weather conditions, mechanical failures, allisions, collisions, or any other events beyond the surveyor’s control.
8. Oil Sampling and Analysis
Oil sampling is an optional service available for propulsion engines, gearboxes, and generators to assess the condition of the lubricant. Sea Captain Marine Surveyor Inc. collects the sample, but all laboratory analysis is performed by an independent third-party provider. The resulting lab report may identify contaminants such as fuel, coolant, or foreign debris and can offer insights into existing or developing mechanical issues that are not apparent through visual inspection alone. Oil analysis results do not constitute a comprehensive mechanical diagnosis; the Client should engage a certified marine mechanic for a complete evaluation of engine condition and performance.
9. Mechanical Systems Inspection Limitations
The Surveyor’s assessment of propulsion engines, gearboxes, generators, and associated machinery is strictly limited to an external, visual inspection. The Surveyor is not a professional marine mechanic and does not perform mechanical testing, disassembly, or diagnostics on any engine or mechanical component. Evaluation of internal condition, operational performance, or hidden defects lies beyond the scope of this survey. The Client acknowledges that a thorough mechanical assessment should be carried out by a certified marine mechanic, at the Client’s own expense, to determine the true condition and serviceability of the vessel’s mechanical systems. The Client acknowledges that a comprehensive mechanical inspection by a qualified marine mechanic is strongly recommended prior to purchase.
10. Electrical Systems Inspection Limitations
The Surveyor’s evaluation of electrical systems—including, but not limited to, DC and AC circuits, battery banks, chargers, alternators, solar arrays, inverters, and generators—is limited to a non-intrusive, visual inspection of readily accessible components. The Surveyor is not a certified marine electrician and does not perform load calculations, verify conductor gauge, assess battery bank sizing, or test the functionality or reliability of any electrical equipment. While general observations may be made regarding installation practices and visible compliance with accepted marine standards (e.g., ABYC), the Surveyor does not verify that wiring, fusing, breakers, or equipment sizing conform to manufacturer specifications or industry codes. The Client acknowledges that a detailed electrical inspection by a qualified marine electrician is recommended where system condition or compliance is of concern.
10.1 Any electrical component must be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable standards. The Client understands and agrees that a detailed electrical assessment— including verification of wire sizes, fuse ratings, system capacity, and the operational integrity of chargers, alternators, solar panels, or generators—should be performed by a certified marine electrician. The Surveyor assumes no responsibility for deficiencies related to electrical design, sizing, or installation beyond what is visually apparent at the time of inspection.
11. Haul-out and Vessel Preparation
Once a survey date is scheduled, it is the responsibility of the client, broker, or seller to arrange for the vessel's haul-out unless otherwise agreed upon. To ensure a thorough inspection, clients are encouraged to remove all personal belongings and non-fixed chattels from the vessel before the survey. This does not include necessary safety equipment. If any required safety equipment has been removed, the surveyor must be informed in advance, along with the reason for its removal.
12. Limited Access and Inspection Limitations
Deficiencies identified in the survey report are based on the Marine Surveyor’s knowledge, experience, and the accessibility of the vessel at the time of inspection. Sea Captain Marine Surveyor Inc. shall not be held liable for deficiencies that were not identified due to limited access, whether caused by the vessel’s design, modifications, or equipment installed after manufacture. The surveyor will not dismantle, remove, or alter any part of the vessel to gain access. Any inaccessible areas will be noted in the report.
13. Repair Priorities and Follow-Up Inspections
Pre-purchase surveys often identify necessary repairs, some of which may be costly. The survey report includes a grading system to prioritize deficiencies:
A – Immediate & Urgent: Repairs required for safety or seaworthiness.
B – To Be Done: Repairs recommended for proper vessel maintenance.
C – Advisable or None Warranted: Optional repairs or no immediate concerns.
13.1 Any repairs required to address deficiencies before launch are the sole responsibility of the vessel owner. The Surveyor’s role ends with identifying these deficiencies; the Surveyor does not guarantee or enforce completion of repairs, nor undertake to verify that the noted deficiencies have been corrected. If a follow-up inspection is needed to confirm that repairs have been completed, the cost of the re-inspection will be at the Client’s expense. The Client further acknowledges that the Surveyor is not liable for the quality or adequacy of any repair work carried out by the Owner or any third party.
14. Prior Repairs and Modifications
During the survey, the Surveyor may note evidence of previous repairs or modifications to the hull, structure, or systems; any comments are based solely on observable, external conditions at the time of inspection, and Sea Captain Marine Surveyor Inc. does not verify workmanship, materials, or adherence to professional standards, nor can the Surveyor assess hidden or internal aspects of those repairs or accept responsibility for their adequacy, structural integrity, or continued serviceability. The Client acknowledges that the Surveyor’s role is limited to identifying and describing visible repairs or alterations, does not warrant or guarantee their reliability, and accepts no liability for defects, failures, or consequences arising from past repairs or modifications. The Client is advised to seek further evaluation by a qualified marine repair facility or marine specialist where prior repairs are identified.
15. Use of Photos and Videos
The Client acknowledges that any photos and videos taken by the Surveyor during the marine survey are intended primarily for documenting the vessel's condition and supporting the assessment provided in the survey report. The Client agrees that the Surveyor may use these photos and videos for promotional and educational purposes, including but not limited to social media, the Surveyor's website, educational presentations, industry conferences, and marketing materials. The Surveyor may watermark or brand the media for attribution purposes. If the Client wishes to restrict the use of these materials for promotional purposes, they must provide written notice to the Surveyor prior to the completion of the survey.
16. Ownership, Use, and Confidentiality of Photos, Videos, and Information
The Surveyor retains full ownership and copyright of all photos and videos taken during the marine survey. Ownership of all photos and videos is retained by the Surveyor from the moment of capture. These materials are intended primarily for documenting the vessel’s condition and supporting the survey report. The Surveyor may use them for professional, promotional, or educational purposes but will do so in a manner that respects the Client’s privacy and confidentiality. No sensitive or proprietary information about the Client or vessel will be disclosed without the Client’s consent, except as required by law. While the Surveyor will make reasonable efforts to ensure anonymity, complete confidentiality cannot always be guaranteed if the vessel has unique or identifiable features. The Client may use the provided photos and videos for personal reference in connection with the vessel’s evaluation but may not reproduce, distribute, or use them for commercial purposes without the Surveyor’s explicit written consent. Additionally, the Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Surveyor from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from the unauthorized use or distribution of these materials.
17. Payment Terms
All survey fees should ideally be paid in full prior to the scheduled survey date. However, payment may also be made during or after the survey upon prior arrangement and approval by the Surveyor. Clients requesting alternate payment timing must confirm such arrangements in advance. Payment may be made via electronic transfer, credit card, or in person before or at the time of the survey (cash, certified cheque, cryptocurrencies, or other accepted payment methods). If paying in person, the full amount is due before the survey commences unless otherwise agreed with the Surveyor.
17.1 Credit Card Payments If paying by credit card, processing fees may apply. To pay by credit card, clients must use the secure payment link available on the company website. No credit card numbers will ever be accepted by phone, email, or SMS/Text. It is also possible to pay in person by credit card prior to the start of the survey. However, this must be arranged in advance so that the necessary payment hardware can be brought on site by the Surveyor.
17.2 Refund and Cancellation Policy A full refund will be granted if the Client cancels at least 48 hours before the scheduled survey. For cancellations within 48 hours of the scheduled survey, the following penalties apply:
24 to 48 hours before the survey – 25% of the survey fee is non-refundable.
Less than 24 hours before the survey – 50% of the survey fee is non-refundable.
Same-day cancellations or no-shows – No refund will be issued. Re-scheduling within 48 hours of the original survey date may be subject to an additional fee of $100. Any cancellation or rescheduling fees must be paid in full before booking a new survey date.
17.3 Additional Costs and Client Approval
In cases where additional costs arise due to extended travel time, vessel accessibility issues, wait times, oil sample analysis, or other unforeseen circumstances beyond the original estimate, these additional fees must be paid prior to the release of the final report. If such circumstances occur during the survey—such as extended delays for vessel access or haul-out or rescheduling due to unproductive time—the Surveyor will make every effort to inform the Client as soon as possible, ideally at the time the additional charges occur. Whenever practical, the Client will be given the opportunity to approve these additional charges before they are incurred. However, if the Client cannot be reached, acceptance of these Terms and Conditions constitutes prior approval for reasonable additional charges necessary to complete the survey.
18. Ownership of Report
The survey report, photographs, and all related work product remain the property of Sea Captain Marine Surveyor Inc. until payment is received in full. Upon full payment, the Client is granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the report solely for its intended purpose (such as pre-purchase decision, insurance underwriting, or financing). No third party may rely on the report without the prior written consent of Sea Captain Marine Surveyor Inc.; additional fees may apply for a reliance letter or re-addressing. Any reproduction, distribution, or alteration of the report is prohibited without written consent. If any payment is reversed or charged back, this license shall be deemed automatically revoked.
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