What is a P&I Survey?

A P&I Survey is an independent technical inspection carried out on behalf of a Protection and Indemnity Club or its members. P&I surveys cover a wide range of scenarios including pre-entry condition assessments, collision and casualty investigations, pollution incidents, salvage operations, and damage to third-party infrastructure.

What is a pre-entry condition survey?

A pre-entry condition survey is conducted when a vessel applies to join a P&I Club. It provides the Club with an independent assessment of the vessel's condition at the time of entry, establishing a baseline that protects both the Club and the shipowner in the event of a future claim.

Do you conduct surveys for collision and FFO incidents?

Yes. We provide expert on-site assistance for collision cases, Fixed and Floating Object (FFO) incidents, groundings, and similar casualties. West Marine Survey attends promptly to assess damage, document findings, and provide the technical evidence needed to support liability investigations and claim resolution.

What is ultrasonic hatch cover tightness testing?

Hatch cover tightness testing using the Sherlog ultrasonic device is a non-invasive method of checking whether hatch covers provide a weathertight seal. This test is particularly relevant for bulk carriers and general cargo vessels where water ingress through defective hatch covers is a common cause of cargo damage claims.

Can you assist with pollution incidents and wreck removal?

Yes. We provide technical assistance and on-site support for pollution incidents — including oil spills and chemical releases — as well as salvage operations and wreck removal. West Marine Survey works alongside the relevant authorities, salvors, and legal teams to document the incident and support the P&I Club's response.

Do you survey port infrastructure and terminal damage?

Yes. We assess damage to port infrastructure, quays, fenders, terminals, and associated equipment resulting from vessel contact or operational incidents. Our reports provide the independent technical evidence needed to determine liability and support third-party claims.

Are your P&I surveys conducted in accordance with IG standards?

Yes. Our pre-entry condition surveys and P&I survey work is conducted in accordance with the standards set by the International Group (IG) of P&I Clubs, ensuring that our reports meet the requirements of the major Clubs and their correspondents worldwide.

Our Services

P&I Surveys

Independent survey and technical assistance for P&I Clubs and their members — from pre-entry assessments to casualty response, worldwide.

Request a Survey

P&I surveys cover some of the most complex and time-sensitive situations in maritime claims — from collisions and groundings to pollution incidents and pre-entry assessments. West Marine Survey provides rapid, independent technical expertise to P&I Clubs, their correspondents, and shipowners across all these scenarios. West Marine Survey is available worldwide 24/7, bringing the on-site presence and impartial analysis that P&I claims demand.

Our P&I Survey Services

Pre-Entry Condition Surveys

Conducted in accordance with International Group (IG) P&I Club standards, pre-entry surveys provide an independent assessment of a vessel's condition at the time it joins a Club. Our report establishes a clear baseline record of the vessel's structural and mechanical state, protecting the Club and the shipowner from unsubstantiated future claims and ensuring full transparency at the point of entry.

Pre-Purchase & Pre-Loading Surveys

Pre-purchase surveys provide an independent technical assessment of a vessel's condition before acquisition, giving buyers and their insurers confidence in the vessel's seaworthiness and value. Pre-loading surveys assess the readiness of a vessel to receive its intended cargo — checking holds, hatch covers, bilges, and securing equipment — reducing the risk of cargo damage claims before the voyage begins.

Collision, FFO & Casualty Response

When a casualty occurs — whether a collision, contact with a Fixed or Floating Object (FFO), grounding, or salvage situation — prompt, expert attendance is critical. West Marine Survey mobilises 24/7 to assess damage, secure evidence, document findings, and provide the technical analysis needed to support liability investigations and the P&I Club's claim response. We also assist with wreck removal cases and provide ongoing technical support throughout the resolution process.

Pollution Incidents & Environmental Damage

Pollution incidents — including oil spills, chemical releases, and ballast water discharge — require immediate technical response and careful documentation. We provide on-site assistance to assess the extent of pollution, liaise with authorities and salvors, and produce the technical reports required by the P&I Club and relevant regulatory bodies. West Marine Survey is experienced in working alongside legal teams and Flag State authorities throughout the incident response.

Hatch Cover Tightness Testing

Using the Sherlog ultrasonic device, we conduct non-invasive hatch cover tightness tests to verify the weathertight integrity of cargo hold covers. This test is particularly relevant where cargo damage claims involve suspected water ingress, providing objective technical evidence of hatch cover condition before and after a voyage.

Port Infrastructure & Terminal Damage

Damage to quays, fenders, dolphins, gangways, terminals, and associated port infrastructure caused by vessel contact requires independent assessment to establish liability and quantify the claim. We survey the damage, assess the cause, and provide the technical reports needed to support third-party claims involving port authorities and terminal operators.

How We Work

01
Immediate Response
We are available 24/7 for casualty and incident response — typically on-site within 24 to 48 hours, anywhere in the world.
02
On-Site Assessment
Our surveyor attends the vessel, port or incident location to conduct a thorough technical inspection and secure all relevant evidence.
03
Liaison & Coordination
We work alongside the P&I Club, correspondents, lawyers, authorities and other parties — providing the technical expertise needed at every stage of the claim.
04
Independent Report
A detailed written report with technical findings, photographic evidence, and clear conclusions — produced to the standard required by P&I Clubs and legal proceedings.

Who We Work With

Our P&I survey services are commissioned directly by P&I Clubs and their correspondents, who rely on us for independent technical expertise across the full range of Club-covered incidents. Shipowners and operators engage us for pre-entry and pre-purchase surveys, as well as casualty support to protect their interests. Maritime lawyers call on West Marine Survey for technical opinions and expert witness support in liability disputes. Brokers and charterers request pre-loading surveys to verify vessel readiness before cargo operations. In every case, our independence and impartiality are paramount.

We conduct P&I surveys across all vessel types: tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, RoRo vessels, offshore units, general cargo vessels, passenger ships, and port infrastructure.

Recent Assignments

Nautical investigation — incidental oil spillage

Condition survey — water ballast tank inspection

Damage to bulk cargo — stevedore incident

Petrol cargo pollution at time of loading

Shifting of wind turbine components — improper lashing

Shifting of cargo and subsequent vessel damage

Damage to shore crane by collision — FFO — damage to shore crane by collision

Damage to terminal by collision — FFO — damage to terminal by collision

Damage to chemical and oil terminal — FFO — damage to chemical and oil terminal

Damage to bridge — FFO — damage to bridge

Repair of fuel oil loading arm after collision — FFO — repair of fuel oil loading arm after collision

Renewal of damaged dolphin — FFO — renewal of damaged dolphin

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a P&I Survey?: A P&I Survey is an independent technical inspection carried out on behalf of a Protection and Indemnity Club or its members. P&I surveys cover a wide range of scenarios including pre-entry condition assessments, collision and casualty investigations, pollution incidents, salvage operations, and damage to third-party infrastructure.
What is a pre-entry condition survey?: A pre-entry condition survey is conducted when a vessel applies to join a P&I Club. It provides the Club with an independent assessment of the vessel's condition at the time of entry, establishing a baseline that protects both the Club and the shipowner in the event of a future claim.
Do you conduct surveys for collision and FFO incidents?: Yes. We provide expert on-site assistance for collision cases, Fixed and Floating Object (FFO) incidents, groundings, and similar casualties. West Marine Survey attends promptly to assess damage, document findings, and provide the technical evidence needed to support liability investigations and claim resolution.
What is ultrasonic hatch cover tightness testing?: Hatch cover tightness testing using the Sherlog ultrasonic device is a non-invasive method of checking whether hatch covers provide a weathertight seal. This test is particularly relevant for bulk carriers and general cargo vessels where water ingress through defective hatch covers is a common cause of cargo damage claims.
Can you assist with pollution incidents and wreck removal?: Yes. We provide technical assistance and on-site support for pollution incidents — including oil spills and chemical releases — as well as salvage operations and wreck removal. West Marine Survey works alongside the relevant authorities, salvors, and legal teams to document the incident and support the P&I Club's response.
Do you survey port infrastructure and terminal damage?: Yes. We assess damage to port infrastructure, quays, fenders, terminals, and associated equipment resulting from vessel contact or operational incidents. Our reports provide the independent technical evidence needed to determine liability and support third-party claims.
Are your surveys conducted in accordance with IG P&I Club standards?: Yes. Our pre-entry condition surveys and P&I survey work is conducted in accordance with the standards set by the International Group (IG) of P&I Clubs, ensuring that our reports meet the requirements of the major Clubs and their correspondents worldwide.

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.