Fastnet Yacht Surveys, Toronto, Ontario

FASTNET YACHT SURVEYS LIMITED
Peter H. McGuire SAMSŽ AMSŽ
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance Surveys
By Peter McGuire, SAMSŽ AMSŽ

Q: Why do I need an insurance survey?

A: It gives your insurance company an independent and professional opinion on the condition and safety of your boat as well as a current market valuation. An insurance survey is normally required once a boat reaches a certain age (usually 10 or 15 years).

Q: What sort of stuff are they interested in (aside from the value)?

A: Any hazard that could:

Burn the boat (fire).
Blow up the boat (explosion).
Sink the boat.
Cause injury to crew and / or third parties.

Q: What sort of problem could cause a fire?

DC electrical & wiring problems (the # 1 cause of boat fires).
AC electrical problems.
Unsafe or non compliant diesel or gasoline fuel systems.
Unsafe or non compliant cabin heater.
Unsafe or non compliant cooking appliances.

Q: What sort of problem could blow up the boat?

Faulty or non - compliant LPG or CNG system.
Faulty or non compliant gasoline fuel system.
Non - ignition protected electrical equipment in gas engine space.
Poorly designed or ineffective bilge blower system.

Q: What sort of problem could sink the boat?

Poorly maintained or non compliant thru hulls and valves.
Hoses and connections at thru hulls.
Stuffing box and rudder gland.
Defective or blocked cockpit scuppers.
Dock water system.
Exhaust system leaks.
Poorly routed bilge pump.
Malfunctioning water system (i.e. disconnected fill hose).
Lightning.

Q: What sort of problem could cause injury to the crew or 3rd parties?

Any of a) to c) above.
Inadequate or out of date safety gear and navigation equipment.
Unsound structure or rig.
CO poisoning (no CO monitoring or alarm).
Steering and other controls.
Inappropriate use.