Marine Surveys

Having a marine surveyor inspect or survey a vessel is vital to a purchase, or for insurance.  Portrush Holdings is a surveyor recognised by Maritime New Zealand and international maritime associations, with decades of experience in the Pacific. We provide:

Pre-Purchase Surveys

Insurance Surveys

MOSS Surveys:

  • NZM SOP (Safe Operational Plan) Surveys
  • NZM MTOP (Marine Transport Operator Plan)
  • MNZ MTOC (Marine Transport Operator Certificates)
  • MNZ COS (Maritime New Zealand Certificate of Survey)
  • Maritime New Zealand Survey Plans


Services include ultrasonic thickness testing and moisture testing. After surveying the vessels overseas we can also provide delivery to New Zealand or to the new country where the vessels are going.

Crewing & Delivery:

  • Certified Masters and Engineers
  • International Deliveries
  • Domestic Deliveries

47 years of experience

Maritime New Zealand Recognised Surveyor
Maritime New Zealand Authorised Person
Internationally Recognised Surveyor
International Institute of Marine Surveyor

Knowing your type of vessel

The four main types of vessel are Steel, Aluminum, Glass and Timber. All have different methods of construction and all have differences in failure. It is vitally important to ensure that the surveyor understands each type of construction and potential pit-falls. The minimal cost of hiring the expertise of a skilled marine surveyor is often negated due to isolating and defining inherent issues with the vessel.

We have a wealth of experience in repairing, refitting, building and driving all different types of craft. It is this experience and knowledge which we use to define deficiencies and guide the client to the best repair method. We use modern equipment to test for moisture as well as an ultrasonic tapping method which assists in defining rot or delamination.

How a survey is conducted

Here is the example of a pre-purchase survey by Portrush Holdings: the insurance and safety inspection of a Nordhavn 55 yacht carried out in March 2020, in Auckland.

METHOD OF INSPECTION

First the vessel will be visually inspected, over the area to be checked in detail, then will be inspected by audio-acoustic tapping technique. The audio taps will be between 100 and 150mm spacings at maximum. 

Top decks, freeboard will be checked by moisture meter at random points, focusing on skin fittings.

yacht inspection in Auckland

Here is the example of a pre-purchase survey by Portrush Holdings: the insurance and safety inspection of a Nordhavn 55 yacht carried out in March 2020, in Auckland.

METHOD OF INSPECTION

First the vessel will be visually inspected, over the area to be checked in detail, then will be inspected by audio-acoustic tapping technique. The audio taps will be between 100 and 150mm spacings at maximum. 

Top decks, freeboard will be checked by moisture meter at random points, focusing on skin fittings.

yacht inspection in Auckland

Direction will take from the stern port, quarterdeck, sides and bow area, lockers, cowls and associated structure. Then the flybridge, down, using the same anti-clockwise rotation.

Inner areas will be worked from the transom, tiller flat area, forward to the bow.

Out of water will again start from the port transom across under from waterline/boot topping down to the keelson in strip tapping.

Engineering items such as thrusters, blades, whiplash and jointing of stabilizer fins, intakes, transducers, shaft, bearings, blades, rudder and pintal/shoe if is fitted. Anodes, or cathodic reaction will also be observed.

Any blisters found will be checked, emptied and the ph value established.

Some areas of the vessel may not be able to be inspected owing to Health and Safety concerns, such as freeboard outer areas or topside cowls and flybridge top.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
OF THIS INSURANCE & SAFETY PRE-PURCHASE SURVEY

1. This type of survey is a general visual structural & safety inspection of the vessel and it’s fitted equipment and systems and no representation is made as to how long any equipment will continue to function. Because the inspection method is non invasive and non destructive and includes only reasonably accessible areas, latent or concealed defects (if any) are not included in this inspection.

2. The survey will not involve removing or moving objects, furniture, equipment, stored goods or coverings of any type. Hatches and ports are not water tested for leaks and therefore are excluded from the inspection

3. This is not a structural or mechanical engineering analysis and although a superficial inspection of machinery is included, referral to specialist should be undertaken or may be referred. Wood decay and hull blistering is often more extensive than a limited non-destructive inspection indicates. When wood/Glass/Aluminium/Steel or hull defects are identified in a report the client is advised to seek independent technical advice which may involve destructive analysis, and obtain repair estimates prior to purchasing the vessel.

4. Only licensed persons are authorized to inspect LPG or 240v/110v electrical installations and equipment. Such areas are not included in this inspection. General observations may be included.

5. A chemical analysis of any reinforced plastic laminate to determine its composition or integrity is not included in this inspection.

6. Portrush Holdings Ltd will observe the owner or his representative demonstrating, machinery, safety gear and ancillary equipment including radios, navigation instruments, electrical and electronic equipment, and a limited inspection of sails (where fitted) only during the course of a Sea Trial.

We are affiliated to

IIMS_logo
The Royal Institution of Naval Architects