Insights · Marine surveys

Pre-Purchase Ship Inspection: 10 Things Buyers Should Check

Ahmet Baha Baktır · Marine Surveyor, former ship's captain · 12 November 2026

A second-hand ship can look well kept from the quay and still hide a dry-dock bill that changes the deal. A pre-purchase inspection is the buyer's chance to see the vessel as she really is before the money moves. These are the ten areas we look at first.

1. Class status and survey records

Start with paper. Check the class status, outstanding conditions of class, memoranda and the dates of the next special and intermediate surveys. A vessel close to her special survey will soon need a dry-docking, steel renewals and possibly major machinery overhauls. That cost belongs in the price.

2. Hull and structural condition

Look for wastage, pitting, buckling and cracks in cargo holds, frames, brackets, hopper tanks and around hatch corners. Coating condition in ballast tanks is one of the best indicators of how the ship has been maintained. Where access allows, ballast tanks deserve a close look rather than a glance through the manhole.

3. Hatch covers and weathertightness

Damaged rubber seals, worn compression bars, missing or seized cleats and corroded coamings lead directly to wet cargo claims. Ask when the last hose or ultrasonic test was carried out and check the result.

4. Main engine

Review running hours since the last overhauls of main components, scavenge space inspection records, cylinder liner wear and lube oil analysis results. If possible, see the engine running and check for abnormal smoke, vibration or leaks.

5. Auxiliary machinery and generators

Generators, boilers, purifiers, compressors and pumps are often where a tired ship shows her age first. Check the planned maintenance system against what you see on the engine room floor.

6. Steering gear and propulsion

Test the steering gear, check for leaks and abnormal noise, and review the last stern tube and propeller inspection records.

7. Deck machinery and cargo gear

Cranes, winches, windlass and mooring equipment should be seen working. Check wire condition, brake tests and certificates for lifting appliances.

8. Safety equipment (LSA and FFA)

Lifeboats, release gear, liferafts, fixed fire-fighting systems and fire detection all have service intervals and certificates. Expired servicing is a quick indicator of how the vessel has been run.

9. Port State Control history

Recent PSC deficiencies and detentions show which problems inspectors have already found. Repeated deficiencies in the same area usually point to a deeper issue.

10. Logbooks and crew

Engine and deck logbooks, oil record books and maintenance records tell you how the ship has been operated. Speaking with the chief engineer and master often reveals what the paperwork does not.

Why use an independent surveyor

A broker's description and a seller's photos are not a condition report. An independent surveyor who reports only to the buyer gives you graded findings with photographs and a clear view of what needs money soon. That is what you negotiate with.

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