IIMS is often asked by members how much depth and detail they should give when preparing their reports and what should have been inspected and reported on. Remember, you will have carried out a forensic inspection when surveying the vessel, so it is important that your final written report accurately and factually reflects what you have seen. And always write your report in the past tense.


So, here is a helpful guide for yacht and small craft surveyors with some suggested useful phrases to include in your reports.


Tips and advice on what a yacht and small craft marine surveyor should inspect and how to comment in the report


Interior trim:


Head and side linings - state if they were clean, or not. How well secured were they? Give details and describe any damage you found.


Furnishings:


Curtains, carpets and upholstery can be expensive items for a vessel owner, especially to replace. Were they clean and in good order? If so, say so. If not then mention any marks, damage and especially water damage you found.


Water leaks:


Check windows, portholes, escape hatches, sky lights with diligence. Did you see any evidence of new leaks or any long-standing ones, or both?


Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms. Were they operative?


60 | ISSUE 106 | DEC 2023 | THE REPORT Timber furniture:


Comment how well secured it was (or not) and mention any marks, damage, or visible water stains.


Doors and cupboards: Were the catches, latches and hinges operative? Did the securing locks work or not? Report accordingly.


Fire extinguishers:


What make and size were they? Were they fully pressurized? What was the service date – were they in or out of service date?


Lights: Were they all working or not? If any were inoperative, report and indicate which ones.


Galley


What equipment was fitted - give the maker’s names or brand names - cooker, refrigerator, microwave - and so on. Have they been switch tested and were they operative or not? If they were not tested, state why not.


Gas pipes:


What condition were the pipes in? Were the pipes loose, or were they well secured? Were the shut off valves free and operative? Report accordingly.


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