PRE-PURCHASE SURVEY
FUEL & OIL ANALYSIS
INSURANCE SURVEY
STRUCTURAL SURVEY
DAMAGE SURVEY
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
TONNAGE
CODE OF PRACTICE
SURVEYING EQUIPTMENT
ARRANGING THE SURVEY
HOW YOU CAN HELP
GLOSSARY
BOATS SURVEYED
CASE STUDIES

SURVEYING EQUIPTMENT

THERMAL IMAGING CAMERA

An infra red camera is used as a matter of course during most surveys.
The infra red camera will detect temperature differentials, and also measure the temperature of specific targets.

During the electrical installation inspection, equipment and connections will be scanned by the camera for hot spots such as poor electrical connections that could cause an interruption of supply to installed equipment, or even present a fire hazard.

During sea trials, engine installations are scanned for hot spots that could represent a malfunction or fire hazard. With twin installations, the camera will provide comparative temperature measurements for the engines, which may provide a useful indication of a developing problem.

During the structural survey of the hull, if there is a rapidly changing ambient temperature, then the infra red camera can aid the identification of structural defects such as delamination, and also of poorly made hull repairs.

MOISTURE METER

The moisture meter is used as an aid to establish the condition of the hull in relation to osmosis, but the information it provides should be interpreted with care. For example a dry hull may have osmosis if it has been ashore for a long period of time, while a wet hull may not necessarily have osmosis.

The moisture meter is also used to identify water and moisture in a structural core material. In particular, water in a balsa core in a hull laminate will most probably lead to a requirement for comparatively very expensive repairs.

During the survey of a timber hull and particularly the superstructure, the moisture meter can often indicate the location of rot, or an area of saturation that will soon lead to rot.

ULTRA SOUND

An ultra sound metal thickness meter may be used during the survey of a steel or aluminium hull, and is used to measure the thickness of the metal plate. The survey may include measurements on a grid basis, but more significantly is used on target areas where significant corrosion has been found during the visual inspection.

In association with Pierrepont Analysis, specialist ultra sound equipment may be used to establish the condition of laminates. In particular, this equipment is used in high performance composites to identify areas of delamination.

MULTIMETER

A simple electrical multimeter is used during surveys to check continuity and resistance in the vessel’s anode protection system. In particular this will establish whether there is adequate protection to the stern gear against galvanic corrosion.

The multimeter is also used to test voltages, as well as to trace faults that may be encountered in an electrical installation.