Marine Surveyor
Independent Marine Surveyor — UK, Mediterranean & Worldwide
SVG Marine is an independent marine surveying practice. We carry out condition, pre-purchase, insurance, damage and compliance surveys on yachts, motor cruisers and small commercial craft — for private buyers, owners, insurers, brokers and operators.
What a marine surveyor does
A marine surveyor is an independent technical professional who inspects a vessel and reports on its condition, value and compliance. The role exists so that buyers, owners, insurers and regulators have an objective record of a boat's state — written by someone with no commercial interest in the sale, the yard or the repair work.
A typical marine survey covers the hull and structure (above and below the waterline), the deck and superstructure, rig and rigging on sailing yachts, machinery and propulsion, electrical and plumbing systems, fuel and gas installations, navigation and safety equipment, tenders and ancillary gear. Findings are prioritised in a detailed written report with photographs, a clear statement of condition and — where relevant — an indication of likely remedial cost in broad terms.
SVG Marine has surveyed more than 200 vessels from 30 to 240ft, across the UK, Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Every report is written for the client commissioning it — never for the broker, builder or yard.
Marine surveys we carry out
Six core marine survey services
Pre-Purchase Survey
Independent inspection of hull, structure, machinery, rig and equipment before you buy — with a prioritised, defect-by-defect written report.
Pre-Purchase Survey detailsInsurance & Valuation Survey
Condition, safety and market-valuation report formatted to the standards UK and European marine underwriters require to bind or renew cover.
Insurance & Valuation Survey detailsDamage & Condition Survey
Independent assessment for owners, insurers and loss adjusters — cause, extent, recommended remedial work and indicative cost in broad terms.
Damage & Condition Survey detailsMCA Coding Examination
Small commercial vessel coding examination, structural and equipment compliance review and Certifying Authority documentation handled in-house.
MCA Coding Examination detailsTonnage Measurement
MCA-authorised gross and net tonnage measurement for UK Part 1 registration, change of flag and commercial operation.
Tonnage Measurement detailsNew-Build Owner's Surveyor
Independent build monitoring, stage inspections, factory acceptance and pre-delivery inspections at European shipyards.
New-Build Owner's Surveyor detailsWhy use an independent marine surveyor
Marine surveys are only useful if the surveyor has no financial interest in the outcome. SVG Marine takes no commission, no broker referral, no yard relationship and no builder retainer — the only party paying us is the client whose name is on the report.
- Full Member of the International Institute of Marine Surveying (MIIMS)
- MCA Certifying Authority Examiner — coding handled in-house
- MCA-authorised tonnage measurer
- RYA Yachtmaster Examiner
- Certificate in Naval Architecture
- 15+ years and 200+ vessels surveyed (30–240ft)
- 50,000+ offshore miles informing every recommendation
- Detailed written quotation back within 24 hours
Where we work
SVG Marine attends vessels across the UK and travels regularly to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe for pre-purchase, insurance, damage and new-build inspections.
United Kingdom
Southampton, the Solent, the South Coast, South Wales, Bristol Channel
Mediterranean
Greece, Italy, France, Spain, Croatia, Palma de Mallorca
Northern Europe
Netherlands, Germany, Poland
From the field
A cross-section of recent inspections — main engines and generators, hull and running gear, electrical distribution and finished topsides. Every survey is photographed throughout and the images form part of the written report.
Frequently asked questions
What does a marine surveyor do?
A marine surveyor carries out an independent inspection of a vessel's hull, structure, machinery, systems and equipment. The survey produces a detailed written report used for purchase decisions, marine insurance, valuation, damage assessment or regulatory compliance such as MCA coding and tonnage registration.
How much does a marine survey cost?
Marine survey fees depend on various things — the vessel's length, type and complexity, her location, the scope of the survey required and any travel or access arrangements needed. Each job is quoted individually and a detailed written quotation is returned within 24 hours of enquiry.
How long does a marine survey take?
On-site time is typically one full day for yachts up to around 50ft and two days for larger vessels. Superyachts, new-build inspections and multi-day MCA coding examinations take longer. The written report normally follows within five to seven working days.
What is the difference between a marine surveyor and a yacht surveyor?
The terms are largely interchangeable in everyday use. 'Marine surveyor' is the broader professional title covering yachts, small commercial craft, workboats and ships; 'yacht surveyor' usually refers to a marine surveyor whose practice is focused on leisure and small commercial yachts. SVG Marine works as both.
Are you an accredited marine surveyor?
Yes. SVG Marine is a full Member of the International Institute of Marine Surveying (MIIMS), an MCA Certifying Authority Examiner for small commercial vessel coding, an MCA-authorised tonnage measurer, an RYA Yachtmaster Examiner and holds a Certificate in Naval Architecture.
Need an independent marine surveyor?
Detailed written quotation within 24 hours · UK, Mediterranean and worldwide coverage
