Many regrets after buying a second-hand vessel come from things nobody spotted at the first viewing. This checklist covers the hull, engine room, equipment and documents in the order a professional Marine Surveyor would check them.
Before the visit
- Ask for the full technical specification, recent photographs and video of the engine room.
- Ask for the certificates the vessel holds (registration, Class Certificate, safety, radio, Load Line) and the expiry date of each.
- Ask for the report from the last dry docking and the history of major repairs.
- Check that the vessel has no Ship Mortgage, Ship Arrest or port debts.
Hull and structure
- Gauge the thickness of the hull plating, especially at the waterline and the bottom, and compare it with the original thickness on the drawings.
- Look for corrosion, dents and repair welds, and check the condition of the sacrificial anodes.
- Inspect the deck, cargo hatch covers, railings and the watertightness of doors and hatches.
- Examine the rudder, propeller, shaft and bearings, either in dry dock or during an Underwater Inspection by a diver.
Engine room
- Start the main engine from cold, and note any smoke, vibration or unusual noise.
- Check running hours, oil pressure, coolant temperature and leaks.
- Inspect the generators, fire and bilge pumps, and compressors.
- Find out whether spare parts for the engine model are available in Iran.
Equipment and safety
- Navigation and communications: radar, GPS, AIS, VHF/MF radio.
- Life-saving appliances: lifeboat, lifejackets, Life Raft, and their inspection dates.
- Specialist equipment: the winch and hook on a Tug, the ramp on a Landing Craft, the crane on a General Cargo vessel.
Sea Trial
A short Sea Trial shows you the vessel's speed, fuel consumption, manoeuvring and general behaviour, and it brings out a good share of hidden defects. Its cost is usually small next to the price of the vessel.
Who should carry out the inspection?
For larger vessels especially, appoint an independent Marine Surveyor or a Classification Society, and ask for a written report. The Shipo Market consultants can organise the inspection and help you interpret the findings when you negotiate the price. You may also want to read vessel safety and dry dock inspection. If you would like help with an inspection, contact Pooria Adli at Shipo Market.