Yacht Surveys

Yacht Surveys

Yacht Surveys are independent professional inspections carried out to assess the condition, value, compliance, and technical integrity of yachts and recreational vessels.
At VALENCIA Marine Services, we provide comprehensive yacht surveying services for owners, buyers, sellers, insurers, brokers, and financial institutions across Spain, the Mediterranean, and Europe.

All surveys are conducted by independent, qualified marine surveyors, naval architects, and marine engineers, ensuring objective reporting, technical accuracy, and full compliance with international marine standards and best practices.

What Is a Yacht Survey?

A yacht survey is a detailed technical inspection of a vessel to evaluate its structural condition, machinery, onboard systems, safety equipment, and overall seaworthiness.

Yacht surveys are commonly required for:

• Yacht purchase and sale transactions

• Insurance underwriting and renewals

• Yacht valuation and asset management

• Damage assessment and casualty investigations

• Refit planning and technical supervision

A professional yacht survey helps reduce financial risk, identify deficiencies, and protect the vessel’s long-term value.

Types of Yacht Surveys & Inspections We Provide

VALENCIA Marine Services offers a full range of specialized yacht surveys, tailored to different operational, commercial, and legal requirements:

Pre-Purchase

A comprehensive inspection carried out before buying a yacht, assessing hull structure, machinery condition, onboard systems, safety equipment, and maintenance standards.

Condition & Valuation

Independent yacht condition & valuation surveys prepared for insurance, financing, tax, or legal purposes, reflecting current market conditions.

Damage & Casualty Survey

Independent inspections following groundings, collisions, fire, flooding, machinery failures, or accidents, including cause analysis and repair scope definition.

Registration Compliance

Sea-Trials

Rigging

Registry compliance surveys are official technical inspections carried out on behalf of maritime administrations to verify that a yacht complies with Flag State requirements, statutory regulations, and applicable international maritime conventions.

Sea trials are controlled operational tests carried out to evaluate a vessel’s performance, maneuverability, propulsion systems, and onboard equipment under real operating conditions.

A rigging survey is a specialized inspection carried out to assess the condition, integrity, and safety of a vessel’s standing and running rigging, including masts, spars, stays, shrouds, terminals, and associated fittings.

Moisture

Ultrasonic

Galvanic Corrosion

A moisture survey is a specialized inspection used to detect excess moisture within hulls, decks, and structural components, helping identify early signs of water ingress, laminate degradation, or osmosis.

Ultrasonic thickness measurements are non-destructive tests used to accurately assess material thickness and corrosion loss in hulls, tanks, and structural components, supporting condition surveys, damage assessments, and regulatory compliance

A galvanic corrosion inspection is a specialized assessment used to identify electrochemical corrosion between dissimilar metals, evaluate bonding systems, anodes, underwater fittings, and electrical continuity, and prevent structural and equipment damage.

Frequently asked questions

What Does a Yacht Survey Include?

Depending on the survey type, inspections may include:

• Hull, deck, and superstructure condition

• Structural components and construction materials

• Propulsion, steering, and drivetrain systems

• Main engines, generators, and auxiliary machinery

• Electrical, electronic, and navigation systems

• Safety equipment and lifesaving appliances

• Watertight integrity and general seaworthiness

• Overall workmanship and maintenance standards

All findings are documented in a clear, structured, and independent yacht survey report. Each report is officially registered with the Official College of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers of Spain, granting it formal professional status, coverage under professional civil liability insurance, and full legal standing.
Intellectual property rights protect the content, methodology, and documentation of the survey report and remain the exclusive property of VALENCIA Marine Services.

Who Requests a Yacht Survey?

Yacht surveys by VALENCIA Marine Services are commonly requested by:

• Yacht buyers and sellers

• Yacht owners and managers

• Yacht brokers and dealers

• Insurance companies and underwriters

• Banks and financial institutions

• Legal advisors and courts

Which Reports & Deliverables are Included?

Each yacht survey includes:

• A detailed written technical report

• Photographic documentation of findings

• Defect classification and risk assessment

• Professional observations and recommendations

• Independent technical conclusions

Reports are prepared in clear technical English or Spanish, suitable for commercial, insurance, and legal use.

Which Areas Are Covered?

VALENCIA Marine Services provides yacht surveying services throughout:

• Spain

• Mediterranean ports

• Europe

• Worldwide (remote yacht surveys, case-dependent)

Why Choose VALENCIA Marine Services?

• Independent yacht surveyors, naval architects, and marine engineers

• Extensive experience with sailing and motor yachts

• Professional reports accepted by insurers and brokers

• On-site and remote yacht survey capabilities

• International coverage with local expertise

How much does a yacht survey cost?

Survey costs depend on yacht size, type, location, and inspection scope. A fixed quotation is provided before the survey.

Is a yacht survey mandatory?

While not always legally mandatory, yacht surveys are strongly recommended for pre-purchase, insurance, and valuation purposes.

Do you work with yacht brokers and insurers?

Yes. We regularly work with brokers, insurers, and financial institutions while maintaining full independence.