Trusted Marine Surveying Services in South Florida

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Marine Survey Services

At TB Marine Services, we help clients get a clear, accurate picture of a vessel’s condition before making important decisions.

Led by Captain Tim Brown, our surveys are backed by hands-on marine experience, technical training, and professional credentials. We work with buyers, current boat owners, and clients who need surveys for insurance or valuation purposes. Each inspection covers the vessel’s structure, systems, and safety, followed by a detailed report with clear recommendations.

Successful Surveys

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Pre-Purchase Survey

The purchase survey is the most extensive of all inspections. It includes a comprehensive examination of the entire vessel and all of her mechanical and electrical systems. Hauling out is required in order to perform a detailed wet surface inspection where the underwater gear and hull integrity are checked. A sea trial is also required to determine the performance, handling, seakeeping and reliability of the vessel. The vessel will be put through a systematic set of trials in which careful observation of the machinery and systems will be performed in order to provide you with a professional opinion of the vessel in action.
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Insurance Survey

In most cases, before insurance can be secured for your new vessel, the insurance provider will require proof of an insurance survey. This verifies for the insurance provider that the safety mechanisms and critical operational features of the vessel are up to standards and determines the overall seaworthiness of the vessel. These include a check of the hull, safety systems, and background check of the vessel to determined if prior damages has been incurred. This survey is sometimes referred to a “condition and value” survey. Based on the assessed condition of the vessel this survey may include recommendations on the insurability of the vessel.
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Valuation Survey

In terms of marine surveying, the appraisal surveys is used for financing, estate and divorce settlement, and donation of vessels to charities. Professional marine servers are recognized by the IRS, courts, banks and insurance companies as boat and yacht appraisers within their area of expertise. The focus too this survey is to determine fair market value based on the vessels systems and overall condition.
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Objectives of Conducting a Marine Survey on a Vessel

A marine survey on a vessel aims to ensure safety, compliance, and operational integrity. 
The primary goal or our inspections is to identify any potential issues that could compromise the vessel’s safety, performance, or compliance with legal standards.

Details of inspections

Methods and Tools: The surveyor employs appropriate techniques and tools tailored to the hull type to assess structural integrity.

Focus areas: 

  • Visual inspections for cracks, delamination, or other signs of damage.
  • Non-destructive testing methods, if necessary, to evaluate hidden defects.
Components Inspected:
  • Props: Checking for wear, damage, and proper alignment.
  • Shafts: Inspecting for bends, corrosion, and secure fittings.
  • Rudders: Ensuring functionality and examining for any signs of wear.

Through-Hulls and Seacocks:

  • Inspecting for leaks, corrosion, and operational integrity.

Exposed Metals:

  • Assessing for abnormal corrosion and ensuring proper anti-fouling measures.

Protection of Underwater Metals:

  • Ensuring that exposed metals are protected with adequate sacrificial anodes.
Overall Bonding System:
  • Verifying that the bonding system is intact and functioning, which is critical for corrosion mitigation and electrical safety.
Fuel Tank Grounding:
  • Inspecting grounding systems to prevent static discharge.
Fuel Hoses:
  • Ensuring compliance with USCG standards for fuel hoses to prevent leaks and ensure safety.

Fuel Tank Mounts:

  • Checking that fuel tanks are securely mounted and free from movement or corrosion.
Load Capacitance Testing:
  • Utilizing a load capacitance tester to determine the remaining potential of the vessel’s batteries, ensuring they are capable of holding a charge and performing under load.
USCG Regulations and ABYC Standards:
  • Inspections are conducted in accordance with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) regulations and the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards.
Electrical Systems:
  • Both AC and DC systems are scrutinized for compliance with safety standards, including wiring, circuit breakers, and grounding.

Fuel Tank Mounts:

  • Checking that fuel tanks are securely mounted and free from movement or corrosion.
Propulsion Engines and Auxiliary Generators:
  • Evaluating performance, operational safety, and maintenance records.
Steering and Hydraulic Systems:
  • Inspecting for responsiveness, leaks, and overall functionality.
Plumbing and Water Systems:
  • Ensuring proper operation of fresh water and waste systems, including holding tanks.
Navigation Systems:
  • Ensuring compliance with USCG minimum requirements, including navigation lights, horn, and helm visibility.
Safety Gear:  
  • Inspecting personal flotation devices, life rafts, EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons), and flares for current compliance.

Why Choose Us For Marine Surveying

Expertise Across Major Waterways

Decades of hands-on sea experience across the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Panama Canal.

Accredited & Certified

Certifications that demonstrate our commitment to upholding marine industry standards, including SAMS.

A Proven Leader

Operated and owned by a U.S. Navy Veteran with decades of leadership in commercial marine operations.

Integrity and Reliability

Clear communication, ethical practices, and professional judgment built over a lifetime in the marine industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why not hire the cheapest marine surveyor?

Often, a surveyor charging less than his competitors is most likely inexperienced or not fully vested in the profession. Of course, anyone can print a business card and build a website saying they are a surveyor. On the contrary, career surveyors are very qualified, members of SAMS (Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors) and/or NAMS (National Association of Marine Surveyors) and are current with these organizations’ stringent educational and ethical requirements. As a result, an experienced surveyor will charge a fair price and provide a full survey of the vessel’s condition. Additionally, you are provided valuable feedback on repair options and resources.

To sum up, we can answer that by telling you the advantages that a survey provides:

  • Firstly, a list of safety hazards that may endanger you and/or your family.
  • Secondly, a detailed list of deficiencies that can effect the price of the vessel and/or help in your negotiating a purchase price.
  • Thirdly, an insurance record of the condition of the vessel at the time of survey, which is invaluable in the case of a collision/allision, sinking or fire.
  • Lastly, our marine surveys come with a formal record of condition for a future buyer.

First, we inspect every accessible area of the vessel from bow to stern. We will inspect the hull and deck structure, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems. However, we do not engage in destructive testing. Therefore, we do not disassemble systems or compartments to gain access to every part of the vessel. Actually, compartments, joinery, or fixed parts are not considered “accessible” within the normal scope of an inspection. That being said, if circumstances arise in which some disassembly is required to determine the condition of a particular system, the surveyor may recommend, as part of the report, further inspection by a qualified marine technician.

Also, the report includes the surveyor’s opinion of the vessel’s fair market value, which will help you set a sale price or negotiate a purchase price.

Yes. The condition findings in a survey directly influence how an insurer assesses risk. A thorough, accredited survey that documents the vessel’s structural integrity and safety systems can support more favorable insurance terms. Conversely, an incomplete or non-accredited report may be rejected outright by underwriters.

Scheduling is straightforward. Contact our office with vessel details about your vessel and our team will provide a comprehensive plan, timeline, and cost estimate to ensure a seamless experience. You can also receive a free quote from us by filling out our marine survey quote form.

Why clients trust us with their vessels

Trusted across South Florida, Caribbean & Central America

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