Refit & Shipyard Works
Independent yacht refit inspections and owner’s representation
Independent oversight for owners arranging a refit or shipyard works — inspection at agreed stages, written progress reports and defect lists, so you know what has been done and to what standard.
A refit is often managed at a distance, with the owner relying on the yard's own updates. An independent surveyor attending on your behalf gives you a second, impartial view of progress and workmanship before work is closed in, painted over or signed off.
Work typically starts with a review of the agreed scope and specification, so the inspections are measured against what you have contracted for. Attendance is then made at agreed stages to inspect accessible structure, workmanship, installed systems and finish. After each visit you receive a written progress report with photographs and a defect list. Where agreed, follow-up visits reinspect rectified items, and attendance at completion and sea trials can be included.
The role is inspection and owner representation. SVG Marine does not carry out yard repairs, act as the shipyard or contractor, or guarantee the yard's work. Scope, visit frequency and locations are agreed individually for each project. Attendance is available across the UK and Europe, and elsewhere by arrangement.
SVG Marine is led by John Sharratt, MIIMS and MCA Certifying Authority Examiner, with experience across sailing yachts, motor yachts and catamarans.
What to send when you enquire
- Vessel — make, model, length and year
- Yard and location
- Outline scope of works, or the yard's specification if available
- Programme — start date, key stages and planned completion
Building rather than refitting? See new-build inspection and owner's representation. For defects in paintwork specifically, see the paint survey.
Frequently asked questions
Do you attend the whole refit or only agreed stages?
Attendance is agreed at the start. Typical stages are haul-out and opening-up, before areas are closed in or faired, before painting, at systems commissioning, and at completion. Some owners want a single pre-handover inspection; others want regular visits throughout. The scope and visit frequency are set out in the quotation.
I can't be at the yard. How do you keep me informed?
Many clients are remote owners. After each visit you receive a written report with photographs covering progress, observations and items requiring attention, so you can make decisions and discuss them with the yard without being on site.
Can you check that remedial work has been done properly?
Yes. Defects and outstanding items are recorded in a defect list. Where agreed, a follow-up visit is made to reinspect the items the yard reports as rectified, and the list is updated so you have a clear record of what has been closed out and what remains open.
Do you carry out the repairs or manage the yard?
No. SVG Marine inspects and reports on your behalf. We do not carry out repair work, act as the shipyard or contractor, or guarantee the yard's workmanship. Responsibility for the works remains with the yard under your contract with them.
How is a refit inspection priced?
By agreed written quotation, based on the vessel, the scope of works, the number of visits, the yard location and any travel. Send the vessel details, yard, outline scope and programme and a quotation will follow.
Where can you attend?
Yards across the UK and Europe, with other locations by arrangement.
Planning a refit?
Response within 24 hours · UK, Europe and worldwide coverage · Detailed written quotation
