What is included in a Hull & Machinery Survey?

A Hull & Machinery Survey covers the inspection of the vessel's structural condition, main and auxiliary engines, mechanical systems and critical onboard equipment. We conduct root cause analysis for any identified damage, draft repair specifications where required, and produce a detailed written report with technical findings, photographic evidence, and cost assessment.

How quickly can a surveyor be mobilised?

We are available worldwide 24/7. Based in Nantes, France — served by an international airport — we can typically be on-site within 24 to 48 hours of your initial contact, depending on the vessel's location.

Who can commission a Hull & Machinery Survey?

Surveys can be commissioned by H&M underwriters, shipowners, P&I Clubs, brokers, charterers or maritime lawyers. We work directly with all parties involved in the claim process and remain impartial throughout.

Can you supervise repairs in any shipyard worldwide?

Yes. We supervise repairs in shipyards globally. Our involvement includes shipyard selection, drafting of technical repair specifications, on-site attendance throughout the works, and verification of completion to the agreed standard.

How long does a Hull & Machinery Survey take?

A standard damage or condition survey typically takes one to two days depending on vessel size and scope. Drydock repair supervision may extend over several weeks for complex works.

Are your reports accepted by insurers, banks and courts?

Yes. Our reports are produced to the standard expected by H&M underwriters, P&I Clubs, financial institutions and legal proceedings. They include full technical findings, photographic evidence, root cause analysis and repair cost assessment.

Do you cover Loss of Hire in parallel with H&M surveys?

Yes. Loss of Hire surveys are often conducted alongside H&M assignments to provide accurate tracking of technical repair progress and associated time on hire.

Our Services

Hull & Machinery Surveys

Independent technical expertise to protect your vessel's value, support informed claim decisions, and ensure every repair meets the highest standards.

Request a Survey

Hull and Machinery surveys are at the core of what we do at West Marine Survey. Whether you are dealing with an unexpected machinery failure, supervising a drydock repair, or assessing damage following a casualty, West Marine Survey provides the independent technical oversight you need — from the first inspection through to the final claim review. Based in Nantes and available worldwide 24/7, we bring rigour, experience and impartiality to every assignment.

Our Hull & Machinery Survey Services

Damage Investigation & Root Cause Analysis

When a vessel sustains damage — whether to its hull structure, main engine, auxiliary machinery or critical systems — establishing the root cause is essential. West Marine Survey conducts detailed on-site inspections, analyses technical evidence, and produces clear, defensible findings. We cover engine component failures, structural damage, coating deterioration, and all forms of operational incidents, providing the independent assessment that underwriters and P&I Clubs can rely on.

Repair Cost Assessment & Specification

Accurate repair cost validation protects all parties in the claim process. We assess the scope of required works, source suitable shipyards, and draft detailed technical repair specifications to ensure works are carried out correctly and at a fair cost. Our reports provide the independent cost validation that H&M underwriters require before authorising repairs.

Drydock & Shipyard Repair Supervision

Being on-site throughout a repair is the only way to ensure the work is done right. West Marine Survey attends the shipyard to monitor progress, verify specification compliance, and flag any deviations before they become problems. We also assist with towage contract negotiation and coordinate between shipowners, yards, and insurers to keep repairs on schedule and within budget.

Repair Monitoring & Follow-up

Our involvement does not end at the initial survey. We monitor the repair process from start to finish — attending key milestones, reviewing workshop reports, and providing ongoing technical oversight until works are completed to the agreed standard. This continuity ensures consistent, expert coverage across the full lifecycle of the claim.

How We Work

01
Rapid Mobilisation
We assess your situation and deploy to the vessel — available worldwide, typically on-site within 24 to 48 hours from your call.
02
On-Site Technical Inspection
Our surveyor conducts a thorough examination of the vessel, machinery and extent of damage, gathering the technical evidence needed for a robust report.
03
Repair Oversight
We supervise repair works in drydock or at the shipyard, monitoring quality, specification compliance and schedule throughout the process.
04
Independent Written Report
A detailed, impartial report with findings, photographic evidence, root cause analysis, and repair cost assessment — produced to the standard required by underwriters, banks and legal proceedings.

Who We Work With

Our Hull & Machinery survey services are commissioned by the full range of parties involved in the maritime claim process. H&M underwriters rely on us for independent damage assessment and repair cost validation. Shipowners and operators engage us to protect their technical interests during repairs and ensure yards deliver on their commitments. Brokers and charterers request pre-purchase and condition surveys before acquisition or charter agreements. P&I Clubs call on our expertise for technical opinions in liability cases involving machinery failure or structural incidents. We work impartially across all these relationships — our only obligation is to the facts.

We survey all vessel types: oil and chemical tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, RoRo vessels, offshore units, general cargo vessels, and passenger ships.

Recent Assignments

Renewal of electric motor on 15 MW azipod

Renewal of NDE bearing — 15 MW azimuth thruster, LNG Arc 7

Fire on lithium batteries — propulsion pack

Main engine damage — conrod tie-bolt non-compliance

Damage to carbon fibre foil — CTV vessel

Shifting of cargo and subsequent vessel damage

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in a Hull & Machinery Survey?: A Hull & Machinery Survey covers the inspection of the vessel's structural condition, main and auxiliary engines, mechanical systems and critical onboard equipment. We conduct root cause analysis for any identified damage, draft repair specifications where required, and produce a detailed written report with technical findings, photographic evidence, and cost assessment.
How quickly can a surveyor be mobilised?: We are available worldwide 24/7. Based in Nantes, France — served by an international airport — we can typically be on-site within 24 to 48 hours of your initial contact, depending on the vessel's location.
Who can commission a Hull & Machinery Survey?: Surveys can be commissioned by H&M underwriters, shipowners, P&I Clubs, brokers, charterers or maritime lawyers. We work directly with all parties involved in the claim process and remain impartial throughout.
Can you supervise repairs in any shipyard worldwide?: Yes. We supervise repairs in shipyards globally. Our involvement includes shipyard selection, drafting of technical repair specifications, on-site attendance throughout the works, and verification of completion to the agreed standard. We also assist with towage contract negotiation where required.
How long does a Hull & Machinery Survey take?: A standard damage or condition survey typically takes one to two days depending on vessel size and scope. Drydock repair supervision may extend over several weeks for complex works. We remain available throughout the full duration of the claim.
Are your reports accepted by insurers, banks and courts?: Yes. Our reports are produced to the standard expected by H&M underwriters, P&I Clubs, financial institutions and legal proceedings. They include full technical findings, photographic evidence, root cause analysis and repair cost assessment, and are signed by a qualified independent marine surveyor.
Do you cover Loss of Hire in parallel with H&M surveys?: Yes. Loss of Hire surveys are often conducted alongside H&M assignments to provide accurate tracking of technical repair progress and associated time on hire. This parallel approach ensures consistent and coordinated reporting across both aspects of the claim.

Geographic Coverage

French Atlantic Coast.
Available Worldwide.

Based in Nantes and served by an international airport, our primary service area covers the French Atlantic seaboard from Brest to Bayonne. We deploy worldwide 24/7 upon request.