A marine survey is a systematic inspection of a boat or yacht to determine if the vessel conforms to the Federal Requirements as published by the US Coast Guard and also conforms to the standards published by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC). In addition the inspection looks for safety issues, determines the vessels condition and estimates the fair market value.

There are several types of inspection: pre purchase, insurance, appraisal and damage inspection. In general terms damage inspection is the least thorough in the sense that the damage inspection is focused on the results of an event causing damage. At the upper end of the scale, a pre purchase survey is a detailed investigation of the entire vessel.

How to prepare for a survey:
Present a clean and organized vessel to allow the surveyor access to the vessels systems and equipment. Have the proper ships papers and equipment ready for inspection. Pre arrange with the marina to haul the boat. Have the owner or a captain available for the sea trial. Surveyors do not prepare vessels for inspection. Surveyors may request removal of panels and equipment for access, qualified personnel should be available as designated by the person ordering the survey.

Pre-inspection checklist:
Type of survey: Pre–purchase_____ Insurance_____ Appraisal____ Damage_____
Permission from owner___ Yard notified___ Hauling arranged___ DC power available ___
AC power available ___ Electronics installed ___ Engines ready ___ Water system ready ___ Water on board ___ Toilets ready ___ Bilges clean/dry __ Covers removed ___ Lockers clear of gear ___ Safety systems operable ___ Life jackets and throwables on board ___ Fire extinguishers on board ___, Anchor and rode ___ Compass ___ Sound devices ___ Visual distress signals ___ Bilge pumps operating ___ Navigation lights operational ____