How to Avoid Common Findings

Avoiding Common Findings in a Marine Survey

A marine survey is a snapshot of the vessel's condition and value on the inspection day. The key to a good survey is to be prepared and take steps to avoid common findings.

Safety Equipment:

Fire extinguishers: Have the correct amount for your vessel size in good condition, in date, and charged. Click for specific details.
Sound Making Device: Should be operational.
CO Devices: Should be operational and in date.
Smoke detectors: Should be operational and in date.
Flares must be in date and onboard.
Adequate life jackets should be in acceptable condition and accessible.
The Inland Waterway Manual is present for all boats that require it.

Electrical:

Batteries should be in a box or have a drip tray and be adequately secured.
Positive terminals should be covered.
GCFI (ground circuit fault interrupters) should be installed where needed and operational.

Other:

Check your packing glands for leaks.
Check the condition of your hoses for cracks, and fuel hoses should be in date.
Check that your bilge pump and automatic switches are operational.
Check that all seacocks are operational.
Check that all nav lights are operational.
Placards required by federal law are properly displayed.
A high-water bilge alarm is highly recommended.