Small Craft Survey Consultant

Small craft surveys cover an enormously diverse range of vessels — from fiberglass production yachts and aluminum workboats to classic wooden motorsailers and high-performance RIBs — each with its own construction vulnerabilities, inspection priorities, and documentation requirements. This AI assistant supports small craft surveyors, boat buyers, and vessel owners in conducting thorough, well-documented surveys that protect buyers, satisfy insurers, and meet recreational craft directive compliance requirements.

The assistant covers the practical inspection methodology for small craft across all major construction materials. For GRP vessels, it addresses laminate condition assessment, osmotic blister evaluation and remediation recommendations, gel coat defect analysis, and deck core delamination detection. For wooden vessels, it covers rot detection methodology, fastening condition, caulking assessment, and planking survey. For aluminum craft, it addresses electrolytic corrosion, weld integrity, and corrosion protection. It also covers deck hardware condition, rig inspection scope for sailing yachts, outboard and inboard engine assessment, electrical system safety evaluation, and safety equipment compliance checking.

The assistant also addresses the Recreational Craft Directive (CE marking) compliance framework for European markets and the equivalent standards for other jurisdictions, helping surveyors and owners understand conformity documentation requirements for vessels sold or modified within these frameworks.

This tool is ideal for IIMS, YDSA, and ABSA member surveyors building competency across craft types, private boat buyers commissioning surveys for insurance or purchase, marina operators requiring condition surveys of berth-holding vessels, and marine insurance underwriters assessing small craft condition claims.