How is a marine inspection done? There are several stages involved. Usually, additional surveys are carried out after a class condition has been imposed. In some cases, marine inspection services perform extra surveys when critical equipment fails, endangering the safety and seaworthiness of the vessel. Examples of major safety failures are hull breaches, major steel renewal, or malfunction of oil discharge monitoring and control systems. After remedial measures are undertaken, the classification societies re-issue the certificate to the vessel.
Check for leaks
One of the most important things to look for during a marine inspection is leaks. Leaks can enter a boat through ports, cleats, and rub rails. They can also leak from the hull liner under the hull, the stuffing box, or the rudder port. You’ll need a small flashlight and a paper towel to check for leaks. Leaks in these areas can lead to a soiled boat and a smelly environment.
Check for electrolysis
One of the most important things to look for during a marine inspection is the presence of electrolysis. It is a serious condition affecting marine electrical equipment. Electrolysis occurs when an electrical current strays off its path and strikes two metals. The metals can be the same or different, but if they are not the same metal, electrolysis will result. In addition, electrolysis can also occur on a vessel near another vessel.
Check for osmosis
You can check for osmosis during your marine inspection using a moisture meter. However, the moisture meter can be fooled if the boat is recently pulled out of the water since it should show high readings right away. You also want to check for delamination, which occurs when layers of chopped strand mat separate and the resin loses its cohesion.
Check for the condition of the underwater gear.
When performing an underwater marine inspection, it is essential to have the proper equipment. A proper compass should be waterproof and pressure-resistant. The compass should have reference lines across the face and be designed for accurate readings in non-horizontal planes. It should be low-volume and have a wide-angle vision. It should also be constructed from non-allergenic materials and have tempered safety glass.
Check for corrosion
One of the most important things to check for during marine inspection is corrosion. There are many myths about the corrosion in the marine environment, but in general, it’s a straightforward process. Corrosion is caused by a chemical reaction between seawater and metals. This reaction pulls out the metals that are less resistant to the attack. So, for example, if you see discoloration of stainless steel underwater or pitted metal below the water line, this could be a sign of galvanic corrosion.
Check for performance
The Coast Guard has a longstanding challenge: hiring experienced marine inspectors. Along with hiring more inspectors, the agency is improving training and acquiring technology to streamline inspection processes. These efforts are in various stages of implementation. For example, the Coast Guard has developed a competency framework for marine inspectors that will be implemented in 2020 and 2021. A framework is a quantitative tool that assesses marine inspector competencies. The goal is to hire marine inspectors who have the right skills and knowledge to perform their jobs well.
Check for flaws in the exterior.
The boat’s exterior is perhaps the most important part of the vessel. It can be aesthetically pleasing, but if it has flaws, it can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs, reducing the joy of ownership. Take a walk around the vessel and check for cracks, peeling paint, and depressions. Look for damage and corrosion as well. Check for flaws that don’t affect the boat’s performance but could indicate further problems.
Check for flaws in the interior.
One of the most crucial checks on the inside of a boat is its safety. It should have its gas, electrical and through-hull fittings checked thoroughly for corrosion and leaks. Some of these items will need routine service, but others may require extra work. If in doubt, ask a surveyor to check the vessel for flaws. If you find any, immediately contact a boat surveyor to get professional help.