SVG Marine
Independent yacht surveys, MCA coding and new-build oversight you can trust.
SVG Marine is an independent marine surveying practice serving yacht buyers, owners and commercial operators across the UK, South Wales, the Solent, the Mediterranean and wider Europe — pre-purchase surveys, insurance and valuation surveys, MCA coding examinations, tonnage measurement, new-build monitoring and owner's surveyor services.
- 200+ vessels surveyed
- 15+ years experience
- Yachts 30–240ft
- Full member of the International Institute of Marine Surveying (MIIMS)
Why SVG Marine
Independent advice, technically credible, written for the client — not the yard.
The reasons clients consistently return — and refer others — to SVG Marine.
Truly independent
No broker, yard, builder, finance or referral affiliation. We work only for the client commissioning the report.
MCA Certifying Authority Examiner
Coding examinations and certification paperwork handled in-house, through an MCA-approved Certifying Authority.
Certificate in Naval Architecture
Supporting qualification in yacht design and structural principles.
Extensive new-build experience
Owner's surveyor work at major European shipyards — UK, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, France and Turkey.
UK & European coverage
South Wales and the Bristol Channel, Southampton and the Solent, plus Mediterranean and Northern European hubs.
Clear written reporting
Detailed, prioritised reports in plain English — usable for negotiation, insurance, coding or build sign-off.
Transparent scope & quotation
Detailed written quotation back within 24 hours, with a clear scope, deliverables and timing agreed up front.
Offshore mileage behind every opinion
Recommendations informed by 50,000+ offshore miles, charter operation and Caribbean fleet management.
MCA Examiner
Certifying Authority
MIIMS Member
International Institute of Marine Surveying
Yachtmaster Examiner
RYA qualified
Naval Architecture
Certificate in Naval Architecture
The Practice
Practical technical advice for buyers, owners and operators.
SVG Marine combines marine surveying, MCA compliance, owner's representation and operational experience to provide practical technical advice for buyers, owners and operators.
The practice is led by founder John Sharratt, drawing on marine surveying, new-build monitoring, Caribbean fleet management and more than 50,000 offshore miles.
- MCA Certifying Authority Examiner
- Certificate in Naval Architecture
- RYA Yachtmaster Examiner
- New-build monitoring experience
- Caribbean fleet management
- 50,000+ offshore miles
What we do
Three areas of work
From a £200k second-hand cruiser to multi-million-pound new-build monitoring — clear scope, clear pricing, clear reporting.
New Build & Owner's Surveyor
Commercial & Compliance
Buying a new yacht?
Independent build monitoring and pre-delivery inspections for owners purchasing new vessels from European shipyards.
Most owners only see their new yacht when it's delivered. By then, mistakes are expensive. SVG Marine attends the shipyard at every key milestone, verifies quality and progress, and validates payment stages on your behalf.
Explore New-Build Services- Shipyard inspections
- Owner's surveyor
- Monthly progress reports
- Quality control
- Payment milestone verification
- Major shipyard experience
Who we work with
From first-time buyers to commercial operators.
From the field
Some of our recent Surveys
A selection of images from recent yacht surveys, new-build inspections, sea trials and MCA coding attendances across the UK and Mediterranean.
Social proof
Trusted by yacht buyers, owners and operators across the UK and Europe.
"Professionalism and pragmatism… a detailed survey that helped both buyer and seller reach an agreement."
— Verified client
Read more reviewsResponse within 24 hours
Detailed written quotation provided for every enquiry.
Areas covered
Southampton, Hamble, Portsmouth, Solent, Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Milford Haven, Mediterranean, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia and the Netherlands.
Independent & transparent
No yard, broker or builder affiliation. You're the only client.
Frequently asked questions
What is a pre-purchase yacht survey?
An independent inspection of a vessel's hull, structure, systems and equipment before you buy. You receive a detailed written report covering defects, valuation indicators and any safety or compliance issues — used for negotiation, insurance or to walk away.
Where does SVG Marine work as a yacht surveyor?
Across the UK as a yacht surveyor in Southampton, the Solent, the wider South Coast and South Wales — and throughout the Mediterranean and wider Europe, including Greece, Italy, France, Spain, Croatia and the Netherlands.
What is an MCA coding examination?
The UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency assessment required for yachts operating commercially — including charter, sail training and any paying activity. As an MCA Certifying Authority Examiner, SVG Marine carries out the coding examination, the structural and equipment compliance review and prepares the documentation for the Certifying Authority to issue the certificate.
Do you carry out new-build yacht inspections?
Yes — SVG Marine acts as independent owner's surveyor for new-build yacht inspections at European shipyards, covering build monitoring, stage inspections, factory acceptance, pre-delivery inspections and payment-milestone verification.
What is an insurance and valuation survey?
A condition and valuation report focused on safety, structural integrity and current market value of the yacht — formatted to meet the requirements of UK and European marine underwriters when binding or renewing cover.
Do you carry out tonnage measurement?
Yes. SVG Marine is an MCA-authorised tonnage measurer and provides gross and net tonnage measurement for UK Part 1 registration, change of flag and commercial operation, in line with the International Tonnage Convention 1969 or the simplified UK rules for smaller vessels.
Are you available as a yacht surveyor in Southampton and the Solent?
Yes. SVG Marine is based locally and routinely attends marinas across Southampton, the Solent, the wider South Coast and South Wales — typically within days rather than weeks.
How long does a survey take?
On-site time is typically one full day for yachts up to around 50ft and two days for larger vessels. Complex superyachts, new-build inspections and multi-day coding examinations take longer. The written report normally follows within five to seven working days.
Do I need a haul-out?
For a pre-purchase, insurance or condition survey the yacht should be lifted out so the underwater hull, keel, rudder, through-hulls, anodes and propulsion can be examined. Haul-out is normally arranged by the owner or broker; SVG Marine can advise on suitable yards.
Can you survey a yacht overseas?
Yes. SVG Marine regularly travels to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe — Greece, Italy, France, Spain, Croatia and the Netherlands — for pre-purchase, insurance, damage and new-build inspections. Travel and accommodation are quoted transparently and included in the written quotation.
Can you attend sea trials?
Yes. Sea trial attendance is included in most pre-purchase surveys where conditions allow, and is offered as part of new-build pre-delivery inspections. The trial is used to verify machinery, steering, electronics, sail handling and overall vessel behaviour under load.
How quickly can a survey be arranged?
Detailed written quotations are typically returned within 24 hours, and inspections in the UK can often be scheduled within days rather than weeks — particularly in the Solent, the South Coast and South Wales. Overseas attendances depend on travel logistics.
Can you inspect a yacht before I travel?
Yes. SVG Marine offers a pre-viewing assessment for buyers considering a long trip to view a boat — a focused inspection that confirms whether the vessel is broadly as described before significant time and travel cost is committed.
What happens if major defects are found?
Findings are prioritised in the written report with photographs and an indication of likely remedial cost in broad terms. You can use the report to renegotiate the price, require remedial work as a condition of sale, or withdraw — most contracts include a 'subject to survey' clause for exactly this purpose.
Do insurers accept your reports?
Yes. SVG Marine reports are accepted by UK and European marine underwriters for binding and renewing cover. Reports are written to the format and detail expected by insurers, including condition, structural integrity, safety equipment and current market valuation.
Do you survey catamarans?
Yes. SVG Marine surveys sail and power catamarans — production and semi-custom — including hull and bridge-deck structure, bulkhead bonding, rig and rigging, saildrives and onboard systems.
Do you survey steel yachts?
Yes. Steel yachts (and aluminium hulls) are surveyed including plate-thickness considerations, corrosion and anode performance, weld integrity and coatings. Ultrasonic thickness testing can be arranged where required.
Do you survey commercial vessels?
Yes. SVG Marine inspects small commercial vessels, charter yachts, workboats and sail-training vessels — including MCA coding examinations, tonnage measurement and condition surveys for commercial operators.
Let's discuss your vessel.
Send a brief description of your boat and intended survey — quotation back within 24 hours.
