Guidelines for Condition Survey

Condition surveys

At RaetsMarine, we never refuse to cover a vessel simply because of its type or its age. Instead, we prefer to make our decisions based on our own knowledge and expertise. For this reason, we ask all shipowners to allow us to conduct a condition survey of their vessel before the terms and conditions of insurance cover are arranged. This benefits us, as we can be sure that the vessels we cover will not run into difficulties through lack of maintenance. And it benefits you, as it keeps your insurance costs low, as well as enabling you to identify areas of your vessel that require attention.

Why does RaetsMarine ask for a condition survey?

At RaetsMarine, we believe that conducting a condition survey of every vessel that we cover has a number of benefits:

• We provide individual insurance cover that is tailor-made for you and your vessel. The survey is an important tool in helping us to establish the overall condition of your vessel so that we can provide you with the best possible cover.

• The condition survey allows us to open our insurance to all shipowners, regardless of the age or type of their vessel.

• The survey enables you to ensure that your vessel is safe and effective, highlighting any areas of your vessel that require work so that you can fix them before problems progress too far.

• By encouraging the ongoing good maintenance of our clients’ vessels, we see fewer incidents, accidents and cases of damage – which in turn means we are able to offer lower premiums.

How often will my vessel need a condition survey?

Condition surveys are required in the following situations:

• Vessels under 10 years old: Before you take out initial cover with RaetsMarine

• Vessels 10-20 years old: Once every 2-3 years (depending on the condition and use of the vessel, client’s performance, etc.)

• Vessels over 20 years old: Annually

• Vessels requiring risk assessment: Determined on a case-by-case basis.

Does RaetsMarine follow specific guidelines?

To maintain standards, all condition surveys must be conducted by approved surveyors in accordance with RaetsMarine’s own guidelines. These are available on request from our Rotterdam office or can be downloaded here. In particular, our surveys focus closely on those areas of the vessel that are known to be contributory factors to major claims. These include:

• Seaworthiness

• Cargo worthiness (with a hose test or ultrasonic test performed on hatches)

• Pollution prevention

• Procedures followed (e.g., ISM).

What does the survey procedure involve?

The survey procedure is usually as follows:

• RaetsMarine submits a request for the survey to the shipowner or brokers involved and provides survey instructions to the surveyors.

• Surveyors and owners agree on the fee in advance.

• The survey takes place.

• The surveyor informs the shipowner and RaetsMarine about the survey findings.

• RaetsMarine provides the shipowner with a Risk Assessment form and describes what actions need to be taken before cover can be arranged.

• Rectification takes place and evidence is submitted in the form of a completed Risk Assessment form, photographic evidence, copies of documents and records, and written confirmation from the shipowner or master.

The exchange of information is a particularly important part of the survey process. Clear descriptions and photographs enable us to clearly identify defects and subsequently assess evidence that problems have been rectified.