Marine Surveys & Advisory
Before you buy a ship, take one on charter or settle a claim, you need an independent view of its condition. A marine survey gives you that: the surveyor attends on board, inspects hull, machinery, equipment and documentation, and records the findings with photographs and measurements. We agree the purpose of the survey with you at the outset, so the report answers the question your decision depends on.
What we handle
- Pre-purchase and condition surveys
- On-hire / off-hire surveys: condition and bunkers on board at delivery and redelivery
- Casualty surveys and accident investigation: nature, cause and extent
- Hull & machinery (H&M) damage surveys for underwriters
- P&I entry and condition surveys
- Draft and deadweight surveys to establish cargo quantity
- Bunker quantity surveys and sampling
- Cargo inspections, pre-loading surveys and tally
- Yacht condition and valuation surveys
- Technical advice on class and flag matters
How it works
Request
You send the ship's name, IMO number, port, date and the purpose of the survey. A clear purpose sets the scope of the inspection.
Planning and quote
We select a surveyor suited to the survey type and port, and confirm scope and fee in writing. Once you approve, we coordinate attendance with the port and the ship's agent.
Attendance on board
The surveyor carries out the inspection, checks the ship's documents and records photographs and measurements.
Early notice
If a finding could change your decision, we tell you before the full report is issued.
Report
Findings, photographs, measurements and, where relevant, recommendations are delivered in a photographed survey report.
Documents required
- Ship particulars and IMO number
- Current class and statutory certificates
- Class status report
- For a purchase: the MoA or draft sale terms
- For on/off-hire: the relevant charter party clauses
- For bunker surveys: the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN)
- For casualty or damage surveys: incident report and log book entries
Why Liva Marine
250+ ships since 2014
Since 2014, our Istanbul-based team has worked on more than 250 ships for over 50 clients.
Survey, flag and class under one roof
When a survey finding leads to a flag or class matter, the same team carries it forward: we handle registration under eight flags and act as exclusive agent for Phoenix Register of Shipping (PHRS).
Findings backed by evidence
Each finding in the report is supported by photographs, measurements or documents, so you can rely on it in discussions with sellers, charterers or underwriters.
Frequently asked questions
What is a marine survey?
A marine survey is an inspection of a ship, yacht or cargo by an impartial surveyor for a specific purpose, such as a purchase, a charter delivery, an insurance claim or a cargo quantity dispute. The outcome is a report that documents the findings with photographs and measurements.
What does a pre-purchase ship survey cover?
A pre-purchase survey looks at the hull, engine room, deck equipment, safety equipment and the ship's documentation, including class records and certificate validity. The scope is agreed in advance according to ship type and the buyer's priorities.
Why carry out on-hire and off-hire surveys?
An on-hire survey records the ship's condition and bunkers on board at delivery; an off-hire survey does the same at redelivery. Comparing the two documents any damage or fuel difference arising during the charter, which helps owners and charterers settle accounts without dispute.
Does the ship have to be in port for a survey?
Most surveys take place in port or at anchorage. Some inspections, such as in-water surveys, need additional planning. Sharing the ship's position and schedule with your request makes planning easier.
What is included in the survey report?
The report sets out the purpose and scope of the survey, describes the findings and includes photographs and measurements, with recommendations where relevant. It is written to support the decision or claim the survey was commissioned for.
How is the survey fee determined?
The fee depends on the survey type, ship size, port and the time the inspection takes. Once we have your request, we confirm scope and fee in writing.
Write to us
Send us the ship's name, IMO number, port, date and the purpose of the survey, and we will come back with scope and a quote.
- Phone
- +90 216 451 39 39
- info@livamarine.com