MCA certification vs survey

[barrymac]

Hi All,

I'm considering a vessel which has been certified MCA Category 2 within the last 12 months. The vessel is currently lying in a Marina in Turkey.

I've seen and taken copies of the documentation.

The seller suggests that the survey involved in MCA certification which is a commercial certification that was undertaken for skippered chartering which is how the vessel was being used for the last couple of years should be enough that I wouldn't need to get my own survey done.

It seems like a fair enough point, but I'm wondering what people's opinions are here.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Pete7]

Two completely different documents, although both normally require a surveyor.

If the vessel is registered for Cat 2 (up to 60 miles from safe haven) that has value because things like life jackets, rafts, pumps, fire fighting equipment and a shed load of other stuff will have all been checked and assuming they are all still on board (do check) then it will have cost quite a bit. Download the MGN 280, print it off and go through it with a highlighter and then check the boat against the list that everything is still on board and hasn't been altered.

However, it is no guarantee of the condition today. How for example do you know the vessel wasn't run aground last month in charter and the keel has a big dent in it. The only way to be sure on a high value item is to have your own survey, were the surveyor is working for you protecting your interests.

I put a rib through Cat 4 and that cost the thick end of £2000 ten years ago, so MCA Cat 2 is a nice to have but it is not a survey for you. Do check with the registrar of the certifying body the details of the registration. A useful additional check for your own peace of mind.

Then get a survey if its a high value item.

Pete

[boatman61]

If its a timber Gulet I would definitely get her surveyed.. and fly in a timber boat specialist to do it.. don't go local.