Pre-Purchase Survey to Evaluate the Condition of the Cruise Vessels

Pre-purchase survey is a thorough inspection of the structural and watertight integrity of the vessel, installation of the system, inspection of the operating condition as well as performance. After the survey is conducted, a comprehensive report is prepared with comprises a list of equipments, specifications, loopholes and recommendations. Market values and replacement and then assigned to the vessel.

Three phases of the survey:

Phase 1: Sounding and Testing

Every area of the underwater body, coaches, decks, roofs and sideshells are examined by sounding and testing with the help of a moisture meter to find out the structural integrity of the ship. The rudder, keel, propulsion components and hull penetrations are evaluated. Electrical machineries and electronic gadgets are tested. However, verification and testing of some components like stuffing boxes, sea valves, and steering systems can be performed while the vessel is operating or functioning in the water.

Phase 2: Verification of sea valves and auxiliary systems

The propulsion machinery is operated only when the ship is in still position and all the tanks are filled. The reliability of hull penetrations and sea valves can also be verified. Some auxiliary systems can also run, but only to a limited level.

The importance of inspection of vessel’s class records is equally important. The purpose of this ship classification is to inspect the structural integrity and strength of essential components present in the ship like hull; steering system; auxiliary system; power generators, etc. in order to maintain crucial services on board. A ship designed and constructed following the Rules of a Society may apply for a certificate of classification. After thorough inspection, the certificate is issued. When the buyer is evaluating the condition of the ship; it is essential to check the class records and certificate.

Phase 3: Sea trials

On request of the buyer, sea trials can be arranged by the owner or the authorized agent of the owner. All components and systems can be verified under actual sea conditions. Some of the activities include approximately 1 hour of normal cruising engine revolutions, instrumentation of the engines and control checks; steering system test; engine exhaust system reliability assessment; demonstration of sanitation system, electrical system, portable water system, gallery equipment, etc.

It is important to check the actual speed of the vessel and bunker’s consumption figures to determine operational cost of the vessel and operational efficiency. The average speed of the vessel is represented in knots and the distance in nautical miles between two harbours divided by the number of hours taken to travel that distance. A typical example of ship speed classes are:

• 20 to 25 knots; 37.0 to 46.3 Kilometres per hour - Normal

• 18 to 20 knots; 33.3 to 37.0 Kilometres per hour - Slow steaming

• 15 to 18 knots; 27.8 to 33.3 Kilometres per hour - Extra slow steaming

• 12 to 15 knots; 22.2 to 27.8 Kilometres per hour - Minimal cost

The consumption of bunker for each category of vessels and vessel size has been stipulated based on world fleet statistics and ship data mentioned in ship register books. The bunker consumption is converted to emission of SO₂ and NO_X to find out the exhaust gas emission, according to the latest established factors for emission. For each type of general cargo, dry bulk, liquid bulk, etc. transported between coastal regions, the consumed bunker is calculated in accordance to the volume carried, distance of the voyage and type as well as size of the vessel to be employed for relevant trade.

The inspection is essential to determine the fair market value of the cruise vessels and is utilised for a range of purposes like litigation, collateral, estate assessment and more. The prime focus should be on the condition and value of the structure of the vessel and its accessories as well as equipments.