Craft
Our new construction surveys provide independent oversight throughout the vessel build process, ensuring quality, compliance, and adherence to approved plans and specifications. We work closely with builders, designers, and owners to monitor each stage of construction, including:
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Hull fabrication and structural integrity
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System installations and integration
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Overall workmanship and adherence to specifications
Regular inspections are carried out to verify that materials, processes, and installations meet the required standards and align with relevant guidelines, including those set by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
From initial keel laying through to final fit-out and commissioning, we provide detailed reporting at key milestones, identifying:
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Any defects or deviations from approved plans
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Areas requiring rectification or attention
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Compliance with regulatory and project requirements
Our involvement helps minimise risk, prevent costly rework, and ensures the vessel is delivered to the expected standard. Upon completion, we provide a comprehensive report confirming the vessel’s condition and compliance, giving owners confidence that their new build meets both regulatory requirements and project expectations.
Our insurance surveys provide a thorough, independent assessment of a vessel’s condition and overall risk profile to support insurance applications, renewals, and ongoing compliance. We carry out detailed inspections of the hull, structure, propulsion systems, electrical installations, and onboard services, with a strong focus on identifying defects, deterioration, and potential hazards that may impact insurability. All safety equipment is assessed for condition and compliance with applicable standards, including those set by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
Each survey is tailored to meet insurer expectations, delivering clear reporting, risk-based recommendations, and a defensible opinion of value to support underwriting decisions.
Our insurance surveys typically include:
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Vessel particulars and identification
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Scope of survey and inspection limitations
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Overall condition assessment and risk summary
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Hull, deck, and structural inspection
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Machinery and propulsion systems
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Electrical systems and onboard installations
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Safety equipment compliance review
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Out-of-water inspection (where required)
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Identification of defects and prioritised recommendations
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Market valuation and basis of assessment
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Supporting photographic documentation
Our AMSA periodic surveys provide independent verification that your vessel continues to meet Australian safety, operational, and regulatory standards. These surveys are required under Australian Maritime Safety Authority regulations to maintain registration and ensure seaworthiness.
We conduct thorough inspections of:
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Hull, deck, and structural components
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Propulsion and mechanical systems
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Electrical installations and navigational equipment
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Safety equipment and compliance with AMSA standards
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Bilge, fuel, and other operational systems
During a periodic survey, we review and document findings using the relevant AMSA forms, which may include:
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Form 139 — Load line survey report (vessels with load line)
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Form 538 — Houseboat practical stability worksheet (houseboats)
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Form 554 — Survey of vessels fitted with low-density flotation material (vessels with flotation material)
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Form 555 — Load line conditions of assignment report (vessels with load line)
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Form 586 — Survey activity report and temporary operations
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Form 592 — Sea trial document
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Form 638 — Shaft survey report (shaft-driven vessels)
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Form 639 — Fuel tank inspection report
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Form 652 — Inclining experiment report (vessels requiring stability verification)
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Form 653 — Vessel lightship report (vessels requiring weight documentation)
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Form 752 — Vessel lightship declaration (vessels requiring weight declaration)
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Form 901 — Surveyor recommendation for a non-construction or alteration survey
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Form 1783 — Accommodation, arrangement, and personal safety (crew/passenger vessels)
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Form 1854 — Application for an alternate survey process (if applicable)
Following the survey, we provide a detailed report highlighting your vessel’s overall condition, any defects or non-compliances, and recommendations to maintain safety and compliance. Our surveys ensure owners can operate their vessels with confidence while meeting all AMSA regulatory obligations.
AMSA renewal surveys ensure your vessel continues to meet Australian safety and regulatory standards before registration renewal. Unlike periodic surveys, which monitor ongoing compliance, renewal surveys focus on verifying that your vessel meets all requirements for continued operation and legal registration.
We conduct a detailed inspection of:
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Vessel documentation and registration particulars
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Hull, deck, and structural condition, including any modifications
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Propulsion, mechanical, and steering systems
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Electrical installations, navigational, and communication equipment
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Safety equipment and compliance with AMSA safety regulations
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Operational systems such as bilge, fuel, and onboard services
During a renewal survey, we may complete and review specific AMSA forms tailored to your vessel type, including:
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Form 139 — Load line survey report (vessels with load line)
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Form 538 — Houseboat practical stability worksheet (houseboats)
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Form 554 — Survey of vessels fitted with low-density flotation material (vessels with flotation material)
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Form 555 — Load line conditions of assignment report (vessels with load line)
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Form 586 — Survey activity report and temporary operations
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Form 592 — Sea trial document
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Form 638 — Shaft survey report (shaft-driven vessels)
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Form 639 — Fuel tank inspection report
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Form 652 — Inclining experiment report (vessels requiring stability verification)
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Form 653 — Vessel lightship report (vessels requiring weight documentation)
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Form 752 — Vessel lightship declaration (vessels requiring weight declaration)
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Form 901 — Surveyor recommendation for a non-construction or alteration survey
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Form 1783 — Accommodation, arrangement, and personal safety (crew/passenger vessels)
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Form 1854 — Application for an alternate survey process (if applicable)
Following the renewal survey, we provide a comprehensive report confirming your vessel’s compliance and highlighting any areas that require attention before registration renewal. This process ensures your vessel is legally registered, safe, and fully compliant with AMSA regulations, allowing owners to operate with confidence.
AMSA initial surveys verify that a vessel meets all regulatory requirements before registration and first operation. These surveys provide independent confirmation that your vessel is seaworthy, safe, and compliant with Australian Maritime Safety Authority standards.
A key outcome of an initial survey is the issuance of the Certificate of Survey (COS), formally certifying that the vessel meets AMSA safety and operational standards. During the survey, any applicable Exemption 40 and Exemption 02 provisions are reviewed, which allow certain vessels to operate under modified requirements while maintaining overall safety.
Our initial surveys cover:
Hull, deck, and structural integrity
Propulsion and mechanical systems
Electrical installations and navigational equipment
Safety equipment and emergency systems
Operational systems including bilge, fuel, and onboard services
Compliance is documented using the relevant AMSA forms, which may include:
Form 139 — Load line survey report (vessels with load line)
Form 538 — Houseboat practical stability worksheet (houseboats)
Form 554 — Survey of vessels fitted with low-density flotation material (vessels with flotation material)
Form 555 — Load line conditions of assignment report (vessels with load line)
Form 586 — Survey activity report and temporary operations
Form 592 — Sea trial document
Form 638 — Shaft survey report (shaft-driven vessels)
Form 639 — Fuel tank inspection report
Form 652 — Inclining experiment report (vessels requiring stability verification)
Form 653 — Vessel lightship report (vessels requiring weight documentation)
Form 752 — Vessel lightship declaration (vessels requiring weight declaration)
Form 901 — Surveyor recommendation for a non-construction or alteration survey
Form 1783 — Accommodation, arrangement, and personal safety (crew/passenger vessels)
Form 1854 — Application for an alternate survey process (if applicable)
Upon completion, the vessel is either certified as compliant or provided with recommendations to achieve compliance. Initial surveys ensure owners can legally register their vessel, operate safely, and understand the scope of any AMSA exemptions granted.
