Damage & Casualty · Antigua · Nov–Dec 2026
Damage Survey Antigua
Independent damage and casualty surveys for owners, insurers and underwriters in Antigua across November and December 2026 — collision, grounding, storm and rig damage handled directly by an MIIMS surveyor.
What this service involves
November and December in Antigua see a heavy concentration of damage and casualty work: late-season storm and squall damage to rigs, sails and biminis; grounding and reef-strike incidents as crews unfamiliar with Caribbean cruising grounds make landfall; anchoring collisions in crowded English Harbour and Falmouth; and the occasional lightning strike taking out an entire electronics fit.
SVG Marine attends incidents directly, on owner or insurer instruction, with reports that follow IIMS guidelines and are accepted by UK, EU and US marine insurers and Lloyd's underwriters. The role is the same on every casualty: assess what is damaged, identify cause where it can be determined, scope the repair, indicate cost, and — where the numbers warrant it — address constructive total loss head-on.
Repair scopes are written to be actionable. Yard selection, contractor capability and parts availability in Antigua are factored in; the indicative cost band is what an underwriter needs to set a sensible reserve, not a procurement quote. Final quotes come from the appointed yard once the scope is agreed.
Where a casualty crosses disciplines — rig plus electrical, or structural plus machinery — specialist input is brought in. Single surveyor coordination keeps the report consistent and the instructing party with a single point of contact.
Where we work
English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour for in-berth assessments, Jolly Harbour Boatyard for major hull and structural work, Catamaran Marina for multihull haul-out. Onward attendance for casualties in St Martin, BVI and Grenada can be arranged during the same window.
- English Harbour
- Falmouth Harbour Marina
- Nelson's Dockyard
- Antigua Yacht Club Marina
- Jolly Harbour Boatyard
- Catamaran Marina
- North Sound Marine
- St Martin
- BVI (Tortola)
Frequently asked questions
When is SVG Marine available for damage surveys in Antigua?
Across November and December 2026, with priority slots reserved for post-arrival incidents on ARC and ARC+ fleets and for storm-season aftermath claims. Urgent attendance can usually be arranged within 48 hours during that window.
Who instructs damage surveys — the owner or the insurer?
Either. SVG Marine accepts instructions from owners, insurers, brokers, P&I clubs, loss adjusters and lawyers. The report is independent regardless of who instructs, and the methodology and conclusions do not change with the instructing party.
What's typical for late-season Caribbean damage?
Storm and squall damage to rigs, sails, biminis and solar arrays; grounding and reef-strike damage on keels, rudders and saildrives; collision damage from anchoring incidents in crowded harbours; and electrical damage from lightning strikes are the recurring patterns through November and December.
Can you scope repair work and cost it?
Yes. The report includes a recommended scope of repair, identification of suitable Antigua-based yards and contractors, and an indicative repair cost band suitable for an insurer's reserve. Final repair quotes come from the appointed yard.
Which yards do you work with in Antigua?
Jolly Harbour Boatyard for travel-lift and major hull and structural repair, Catamaran Marina for multihull haul-out, North Sound Marine for engineering and Nelson's Dockyard area contractors for rigging, sails and electronics.
Will the report be acceptable to my insurer?
Yes. Reports follow IIMS guidelines and are accepted by UK, EU and US marine insurers and by Lloyd's underwriters. Format includes incident summary, damage assessment with photographs, recommended scope of repair, cause where determinable, and indicative repair cost.
Can you also handle the constructive total loss decision?
Yes. Where the indicated repair cost approaches the insured value, the report explicitly addresses constructive total loss and provides the underwriter with the analysis needed to make a settle-or-repair decision.
How quickly can a report be issued?
First-attendance preliminary findings within 48 hours of the inspection. Full written report typically within seven working days; complex casualties involving multiple disciplines may take longer if specialist input is required.
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