DAMAGE SURVEY
A damage survey provides an independent, factual assessment of damage sustained by a vessel, its cargo, or its equipment following an incident, whether collision, grounding, fire, heavy weather, mechanical failure, or cargo damage in transit. Acting as an impartial marine investigator, the surveyor documents the nature, location, and extent of the damage, examines the surrounding evidence, and where the evidence allows, records a considered opinion as to its apparent cause. It supports underwriters, owners, P&I interests, cargo interests, and legal advisors wherever the cause and extent of a loss must be established on a sound, defensible basis.
- Nature, location & extent of damage documented in detail
- Apparent cause assessed from available evidence
- Findings recorded with photographic evidence for claim & recourse
OUR METHOD
Each survey follows a methodical investigation, separating fact from account to establish what happened and what it will take to put right.
Damage Identification & Extent
The damage is examined in detail, visible and, where accessible, concealed, documenting its location, nature, and penetration, from crushed or set-in plating and fractured structural members to thermal damage, deformation, or cargo deterioration. Careful measurement establishes the true extent, including damage that reaches beyond the immediately visible area, so nothing material is overlooked.
Cause Investigation & Peril Attribution
The surrounding evidence is examined to assess the apparent cause and to attribute the damage to a specific incident or peril. Collision, grounding, fire, heavy weather, or mechanical failure. Where a component or system has failed, the failure pattern is assessed to work towards a root cause, distinguishing accidental damage from wear, defect, or pre-existing condition. The distinction on which policy coverage often turns.
Cargo, Hull, Machinery & Equipment
The survey extends across every affected element. Cargo condition and the nature of its damage; hull, structure, and hatch covers; and machinery, cargo gear, and deck equipment. Assessed against its expected sound condition. Each finding is recorded factually, clearly separating what was directly observed and witnessed from what was reported by others.
Repair, Quantification & Reporting
Where instructed, the survey addresses the scope of repair necessary to restore the damaged item, and may attend during repairs to confirm work is carried out to an acceptable standard. All findings are consolidated into a clear, traceable report stating the extent, the apparent cause where determinable, and any limitation of the available evidence with any opinion clearly marked as preliminary where the cause cannot be conclusively established.
