MARINE TECHNICAL SOLUTIONSMTS / WORLDWIDE MARINE TECHNICAL SERVICES
Pre-Purchase Survey
Understand the vessel’s visible structural condition before a purchase decision. We review accessible areas and available records, then document findings, defects and recommended follow-up within an agreed scope.
Request a pre-purchase surveyWorldwide attendance, arranged around the vessel’s port, safe access and schedule.
01 / DECISION SUPPORT
What should you know before purchase?
A pre-purchase survey considers the observable condition of agreed areas at the time of inspection, alongside available technical records. It helps identify visible defects, questions requiring clarification and matters that may need further investigation before a purchase decision.
Repair records alone may not explain the present condition. Equally, a site observation may need documentary context. MTS distinguishes physical observations from information in supplied records, helping you identify technical questions, maintenance or repair concerns and appropriate follow-up.
The scope reflects the vessel type, your priorities, available documents, access arrangements and schedule. The inspection provides technical information for your assessment; it is not a guarantee that every defect will be found or a market valuation of the vessel.
02 / INSPECTION SCOPE
On-site condition. Available records.
Our starting scope is a visual inspection of accessible hull and structural elements, together with a review of relevant records supplied. The areas to attend and documents to review are agreed beforehand.
Visual structural inspection
- Observable condition of plating, stiffeners and bulkheads in safely accessible spaces.
- Corrosion, deformation, coating damage and visible repairs in accessible tanks and other agreed areas.
- Locations of visible defects, access limitations and points requiring closer examination or a different inspection method.
Available document review
- Supplied survey reports and available survey status information relevant to the agreed assignment.
- Existing repair records and thickness measurement reports, considered alongside related on-site observations.
- Missing information, matters requiring clarification and recommendations for additional checks.
03 / DELIVERABLES
What do you receive?
Deliverables reflect the agreed assignment. Observations, documentary information and further inspection needs are distinguished, with uninspected areas identified.
Photographic inspection report
A record of inspected areas, observations and relevant photographs. It explains the context of findings, documentary limitations and access conditions encountered during attendance.
Defect list
Visible defects and matters requiring consideration, with location and condition information linked to photographs where appropriate. The list supports subsequent technical discussions.
Follow-up recommendations
Documentary questions, further inspections and findings requiring follow-up. Where repair or additional work may be needed, the report identifies the need for separate assessment.
04 / PLANNING YOUR SURVEY
Prepare a useful first enquiry.
Sharing the information below helps define a practical scope. Indicate anything not yet known; missing records and access arrangements can be clarified during planning.
Information to share
- Vessel name, type and IMO number, if known.
- Current port or shipyard and proposed inspection date.
- Your technical priorities and any known concerns.
- Available access, the vessel’s schedule and known restrictions.
- A list of available survey, repair and thickness measurement records.
For the first message, document names and availability are sufficient. Agree how to share any necessary sensitive vessel documents during the discussion, rather than putting them in the enquiry form.
Request a pre-purchase surveyFour steps to the report
Agree the scope
Define the vessel details, decision priorities, areas to inspect and deliverables.
Plan records and access
Review available documents, dates, the port or shipyard programme and safe access arrangements.
Attend on site
Complete the agreed visual inspection and record findings, photographs and access limitations.
Report and follow up
Present findings, the defect list and recommended next steps; address clarification and follow-up within scope.
05 / PRACTICAL QUESTIONS
Before the inspection.
Can an inspection be planned if some records are missing?
Identify available and missing documents at the outset. We discuss how gaps affect the assessment and clarify a suitable scope and additional information needed. Missing records are not assumed to have been reviewed.
What if a space or tank cannot be accessed?
Attendance is limited to safely accessible areas. Unavailable or insufficiently observable areas are identified in the report, not treated as inspected. Further access or examination needs are described where appropriate.
Does this replace class or statutory certification?
No. This service provides technical inspection and reporting support for a purchase assessment. Official class and statutory certification remain with the relevant authorised bodies. Reviewing an existing document does not constitute a new approval.
How are the fee and reporting schedule determined?
The vessel, scope, location, date, access and available records inform the working arrangements. The fee, attendance date and reporting schedule are confirmed against those details before the assignment begins.
06 / SURVEY ENQUIRY
Let’s discuss
your vessel.
Share the vessel name and type, IMO number if known, port, proposed date and technical priorities. Let’s define the inspection scope.
Pre-purchase survey enquiry
Enter the details to prepare a WhatsApp message draft.