Insurance companies, as part of their risk assessment process, require a comprehensive survey to be conducted on a vessel before it is chartered. This survey, which assesses the vessel’s condition, seaworthiness, and compliance with safety standards, is crucial in helping the insurance company evaluate the risks associated with insuring the vessel for the contracted workscope. Determining the appropriate coverage and premiums aids in preventing insurance claims arising from pre-existing damage or unseaworthy conditions, thereby providing a sense of reassurance.
But many ask, “Is that not what the numerous other surveys, CMIDs, etc. do? Surely, the suitability of the vessel would be decided long before the contracts were even signed. Survey after survey after survey showing the same things doesn’t make sense to most.
In response to this regular question, You are right; the vessel’s “Suitability” for the work scope is determined in the vessel evaluation list for the pending work scope. The term “Suitability Survey” is not the most fitting description of the purpose of the survey; better terminology would be “Assurance Survey,” which may be more appropriate in the Marine warranty Industry.
The survey of the vessel and equipment (trenchers, ROV’s etc) is part of the assurance package Marine Warranty provides to the Insurance company on behalf of the client for the specific project. The survey is usually completed close to the charter/ project start date, seeking to provide assurance that the vessel and all the project-related equipment are capable of safe operation (this is where the Suitability terminology confusion arises as the charter has already been agreed upon).
At this stage, all the indirect and direct inherent risks identified in the proposed work scope requiring action, if completed, should have been rectified and implemented. This ensures that the risks are as low as reasonably practicable for the duration of the operation. The attending surveyor plays a crucial role in this, ideally identifying outstanding project-specific items that need to be closed out before a Certificate of Approval can be issued prior to commencing operations. This meticulous process instils confidence in the clients about the thoroughness of the survey.
At Kraken Offshore, like yourself, we have been on the receiving end of many surveys, and we do understand the frustration of repeated questions. We also agree the survey should utilise more information provided on the last individual Flag/Class/OVID/eCMID/eMISW/FMEA/PSC surveys to confirm observations and recommendations have been acted upon and avoid duplication in the survey. This would allow more time to inspect the material aspects of the vessel and project-related equipment instead of certification. I agree that when you hire a car, you don’t conduct an MOT inspection; you accept the accredited agency vehicular inspection certificate, but you would be alarmed by what a survey can find.
Kraken Offshore 