Surveyors

[GeoffS]

Does anybody know if there is an organisation that you can report issues about a surveyor to? I have found several things that have cost many hundred pounds to put right that were not identified on the survey I had and I get no response when I try to make contact and discuss.

[Liam]

Sorry to hear about the problems you have been having.

 

You could try the IIMS (International Institute of Marine Surveyors) as a first point of contact.

 

Their website address is http://www.iims.org.uk/

[alan_fincher]

Are you confident that all the items that have cost you money should have been within the scope of the survey you agreed to have carried out,

 

Few surveys cover complete testing of the boat, it's mechanicals & structure and all equipment aboard.

 

Surveyors are pretty good at wording in to their report all the exclusions, (which can be a hell of a lot!...)

 

So if he/she says something was fully tested, and in good order, but you can prove it was not, you might have a good case.

 

But if, (for example) the fresh water pump packed up, and you didn't actually ask for it to be checked out, then they couldn't be liable for that.

 

We had one or two things wrongly reported, (e.g. that all batterys were good, when in fact the starter was totally shot), but I would have needed a lot more, before I would have considered it worth going after the surveyor.

 

I imagine thatt would be a hard fight in most cases, particularly if you need an expert witness, (enter his mate, another surveyor!).

 

Alan

[Gary Peacock]

The problem is defining what exactly is a surveyor?

 

If they are accredited to some professional body than that is your first port of call, if not you may have some claim against them for any instance of negligence and maybe the surveyor will have insurance in place for just such an event.

 

People have the same problem with duff boats the first suggestion that always comes up is to speak to the British Marine Federation but more often than not they are not members or have cancelled their membership.

 

Your local trading standards could be worth a visit but you will need to have all paperwork and contracts to hand.

[BlueStringPudding]

Are you confident that all the items that have cost you money should have been within the scope of the survey you agreed to have carried out,

 

Few surveys cover complete testing of the boat, it's mechanicals & structure and all equipment aboard.

 

Surveyors are pretty good at wording in to their report all the exclusions, (which can be a hell of a lot!...)

 

So if he/she says something was fully tested, and in good order, but you can prove it was not, you might have a good case.

 

But if, (for example) the fresh water pump packed up, and you didn't actually ask for it to be checked out, then they couldn't be liable for that.

 

We had one or two things wrongly reported, (e.g. that all batterys were good, when in fact the starter was totally shot), but I would have needed a lot more, before I would have considered it worth going after the surveyor.

 

I imagine thatt would be a hard fight in most cases, particularly if you need an expert witness, (enter his mate, another surveyor!).

 

Alan

 

Our surveyor identified the gas lockers as being at the stern on either side. There are no lockers at the stern at all. We have one gas locker in the bow. Not sure he surveyed the right boat...

[alan_fincher]

Our surveyor identified the gas lockers as being at the stern on either side. There are no lockers at the stern at all. We have one gas locker in the bow. Not sure he surveyed the right boat...

Isn't there some law in science that the more accurately you observe something, the less certain you can be of it's position.

 

He obviously observed very thoroughly, so it wasn't where he thought it was.

[LEO]

Hi,

 

Sorry to hear of your problems.

 

The first thing to do is to carefully read your 'Rules of Engagement' - basically a contract between you and the Surveyor as to what he will and will not examine. It may well be that problems have occurred in an area he specifically excluded - say the gearbox for instance.

 

He may have not been able to examine an area as it may have been obscured by a large volume of stored goods, An area could have been locked and access denied, this should situation should be notified to you in any report.

 

He may have pointed out problems he had with acess during the inspection - ie - bilges covered denying access.

 

It may not have been possible to test the engine - raw water cooled and the boat on a slipway.

 

One assumes he/she is a qualified Surveyor with a current paid up sub to a suitable professional body and an enforceable paid up indemnity policy (did you see these or get confirmation) - if so, as suggested contact that body and outline your problems.

 

Try a letter to the surveyor stating that unless he contacts you to discuss the probelm with 7 days you will take action as outlined above and if necessary contact a solicitor ( care here as they can be expensive).

 

Keep a copy of all documents and do nothing to rectify problems.

 

Take good quailty pictures of all the problems.

 

I am a Chartered Surveyor (retired) myself and spent ages trying to sort out problems between Chartered Surveyors and customers on an equitable basis.

 

You will note the use of the word 'Chartered' - sounds ponderous but all too often the surveyor was not suitably qualified and had no indemnity insurance or was a 'friend of a friend', or God forbid was commenting on areas outside his area of expertise (electrical installations for example).

 

This situation may not be so prevalent in the smaller circle of marine surveyors, but the overall, 'modus operadi' should be the same.

 

Also bear in mind surveyors are only human and can make mistakes and normally with negotiation these problems can be overcome.

 

I shall be interested to hear how you get on.

 

ALBI

[GeoffS]

The main issues I have had are:

 

1 There was a statement that there were no obvious leaks from the Water

Pump. Within 2 weeks of having the boat the pump was leaking badly and I had to replace it as well the laminate floor it damaged. I pumped several bowls of water out the cabin bilge.

 

2 Fumes from the Eberspacher diesel boiler can be seen quite clearly leaking from the exhaust pipe within the engine room. I was issued with a BSC at the same time as the survey.

 

3 The alternators were stated to have been checked and found to be charging at a satisfactory rate and the drive belt tension was correct. I am presently having to have a new alternator, new wiring, new controller and new mounting bracket (at a cost that I dread to think about) because:

 

a. The mounting bracket is loose which prevents proper belt tightening as well as putting undue pressure on the alternator.

 

b. The alternator bearing is worn and one of the wires is broken from inside the unit.

 

c. The controller is not wired properly and is not working at all thus, in the words of the engineer, the batteries are gassing and being fried.

 

In addition there were some other factual errors in describing the equipment with the wrong name, describing that radiators were supplied from a boiler when they are clearly electric, none of which has caused any expense but if are incorrect is concerning about the rest of the content.

 

These issues have come up over time and I put the pump down to oversight and replaced it myself. Then I noticed the fumes and I decided to write to the surveyor which, as I expected, I did not even get an acknowledgement to. Now the more severe issues have come up about the electrics I decided to try to do something.

 

Im not sure I will get anywhere but it annoys me when I pay for a professional service that I do not receive it.

[bottle]

I am playing devils advocate here and am not defending the surveyor one iota.

 

The main issues I have had are:

 

1 There was a statement that there were no obvious leaks from the Water

Pump. Within 2 weeks of having the boat the pump was leaking badly and I had to replace it as well the laminate floor it damaged. I pumped several bowls of water out the cabin bilge. It is possible that when he looked at it there were no obvious leaks. Does not mean it cannot fail in the two weeks that you have owned it.

 

2 Fumes from the Eberspacher diesel boiler can be seen quite clearly leaking from the exhaust pipe within the engine room. I was issued with a BSC at the same time as the survey.again on inspection the exhaust looked in good condition, did he run the Erbaspacher?

 

3 The alternators were stated to have been checked and found to be charging at a satisfactory rate and the drive belt tension was correct. I am presently having to have a new alternator, new wiring, new controller and new mounting bracket (at a cost that I dread to think about) because:

 

a. The mounting bracket is loose which prevents proper belt tightening as well as putting undue pressure on the alternator.Should be checked at least once a week, twice in the two weeks that you have owned it.

 

b. The alternator bearing is worn and one of the wires is broken from inside the unit. The bearing may well worn but that would not stop the alternator charging, broken wire inside the unit is this visible without taking the unit apart.

 

c. The controller is not wired properly and is not working at all thus, in the words of the engineer, the batteries are gassing and being fried. May well have point here

 

In addition there were some other factual errors in describing the equipment with the wrong name, describing that radiators were supplied from a boiler when they are clearly electric, none of which has caused any expense but if are incorrect is concerning about the rest of the content. Yes a mistake that should not have been made.

 

These issues have come up over time and I put the pump down to oversight and replaced it myself. Then I noticed the fumes and I decided to write to the surveyor which, as I expected, I did not even get an acknowledgement to. Now the more severe issues have come up about the electrics I decided to try to do something. The not replying to your correspondence is not good customer care but he may be in hospital.

 

Im not sure I will get anywhere but it annoys me when I pay for a professional service that I do not receive it.

 

I agree to not get professional service from professionals is very galling.

 

Good luck.

[tomsk]

Hi,

 

Sorry to hear of your problems.

 

The first thing to do is to carefully read your 'Rules of Engagement' - basically a contract between you and the Surveyor as to what he will and will not examine. It may well be that problems have occurred in an area he specifically excluded - say the gearbox for instance.

 

He may have not been able to examine an area as it may have been obscured by a large volume of stored goods, An area could have been locked and access denied, this should situation should be notified to you in any report.

 

He may have pointed out problems he had with acess during the inspection - ie - bilges covered denying access.

 

It may not have been possible to test the engine - raw water cooled and the boat on a slipway.

 

One assumes he/she is a qualified Surveyor with a current paid up sub to a suitable professional body and an enforceable paid up indemnity policy (did you see these or get confirmation) - if so, as suggested contact that body and outline your problems.

 

Try a letter to the surveyor stating that unless he contacts you to discuss the probelm with 7 days you will take action as outlined above and if necessary contact a solicitor ( care here as they can be expensive).

 

Keep a copy of all documents and do nothing to rectify problems.

 

Take good quailty pictures of all the problems.

 

I am a Chartered Surveyor (retired) myself and spent ages trying to sort out problems between Chartered Surveyors and customers on an equitable basis.

 

You will note the use of the word 'Chartered' - sounds ponderous but all too often the surveyor was not suitably qualified and had no indemnity insurance or was a 'friend of a friend', or God forbid was commenting on areas outside his area of expertise (electrical installations for example).

 

This situation may not be so prevalent in the smaller circle of marine surveyors, but the overall, 'modus operadi' should be the same.

 

Also bear in mind surveyors are only human and can make mistakes and normally with negotiation these problems can be overcome.

 

I shall be interested to hear how you get on.

 

ALBI

 

Agree with the above, It sounds like you may have fallen victim to the notorious 'Drive-By' survey

[GeoffS]

I am playing devils advocate here and am not defending the surveyor one iota.

 

 

 

I agree to not get professional service from professionals is very galling.

 

Good luck.

 

Hello Bottle

 

Thanks for your comments. I realise I am probably unlikely to get any recompense from the surveyor and I was a bit green and am learning very quickly!

 

1 The surveyor pointed out the water in the cabin bilge but suggested it could be from a disused and replaced shower pump. In light of finding the water I would expect the main pump to have at least been thoroughly checked.

 

2 The Eberspacher was run and commented on thus: "This was fired up and the system working satisfactorily"

 

3a I have been checking regularly which is what made me realise that there was a problem as I could not get it tight enough ever. The bracket is moveable by hand.

 

3b No I agree probably not visible

 

3c Good

 

In terms of customer care the surveyor may well be in hospital but equally could be avioding contact so as not to incriminate themselves. I forgot to mention that the report was to be E Mailed to me as well as posted. The E Mail was sent to a totally different customer that I had to contact to pass it on to me. Good Customer Service! The surveyor is a member of the IIMS who I have now contacted.

 

Cheers

 

Geoff

[bottle]

Hi Geoff

 

Sorry to say you are probably right, in the fact that you will not get recompense, but at least by reporting him to his organisation you may well save some other boater having the same problems.

 

Again I wish you good luck and a happy outcome.

[LEO]

Hi,

 

Have noted all the foregoing with interest, a couple of points :-

 

 

Drive By Surveys - no such animal. Drive By valuations - yes - but the Surveyor/Valuer can only do what his clients ask him to do, and many Surveyors (if they are good) work in small areas, which they should know well and so should be able to give a useful satistical figure under these circumstances.

 

Geoff has not mentioned the timescale over which these problems came to light (other than that with the water pump). I think he is entitled to further input from the Surveyor if the boat is a recent purchase.

 

It sounds as if the Surveyor did not 'follow the trail' sufficiently concerning the water in the bilge. It is an established fact that Surveyors must 'follow the trial' to find the course of the problem - speculation is not a good thing.

 

Did he comment on the state of the charging circuit - if he did he was a fool as often these are so complicated that they need testing by a specialist electrician.

 

The exhaust leak from the heater should have been picked up by the Surveyor and the BSS inspector (presume these are the same) - assuming no modifications have been carried out since the date of purchase survey.

 

The surveyor will be reluctant to comment further without involving his insurers and a claim for damages will have to be instigated, (a bit like admitting liability following a Road Traffic accident).

 

A recent case I heard off involved a surveyor who missed an area which needed overplating - as soon as he learned of this problem he offered to refund his full fee (for reasons we can all speculate on!) - good customer relations? - in the event the customer was pleased with all the other work the Surveyor had done and infact paid the fee in full.

 

Family members/ Friends often ask me for informal advice on housing defects (and I am sure that Marine Surveyors are asked for the same informal opinions) and seem hurt that I suggest they pay a fee or go elsewhere - the road to hell is paved with surveyors who have given informal advice and had the situation rebound on them.

 

On the whole I think that Geoff has been let down in this instance, he may have found it better to meet the Surveyor on site and run through these problems during the Survey and would then have built up a better understanding with the Surveyor.

 

Me - I have bought 2 boats and never bothered with a survey, as it has been pointed out to me often over the last 40 years 'Surveyors! you lot know b****r all' so why bother to employ them.

 

Get an ultra sonic test on the hull, and use the fee to pay for repairs as and when.

 

I shall be interested to hear the comments of the Professional body, which the Surveyor says he is a member of.

 

Really, one man should not be commenting on all the components of a boat (or house for that matter) Surveyor should test the hull and obtain reports from other suitably qualified professional to test the electrics plumbing and gas installations (Surveyors are not 'Corgi' trained). With a boat powered by a vintage engine an inspection by an engineer who rebuilds that type of engine is needed - unless you have very deep pockets.

 

The surveyor should then interpret all the reports and report back to you. (this was the tried and tested method I was taught 40 years ago, expensive but perfect and everone was usually happy).

 

The days of the 'Jack of all trade' surveyors is hopfully passing, but sadly the speed at which customers needs advice will continue to keep it alive.

 

Remember in the buyers market prevailing take time, get the best advice for the job you want undertaking.

 

How much was the surveyors fee (ex VAT) relative to purchase price?.

 

Please don't think I'm indicating I have been perfect, I have my fair share of howlers over the years, but ignoring the complaint or problem will not make it go away.

 

Albi.

[GeoffS]

Hello Albi

 

Thank you for your comments.

 

The Surveyor was from a list of surveyors local to me. It was termed a full pre purchase survey. The boat was bought in March 2008

 

The timescales are:

 

Water Pump - within 2 weeks

Eberspacher - within 3/4 weeks

Alternator - first realisation within 3/4 weeks with full extent this week when being able to afford to get an engineer to investigate fully

 

Comments on Charging circuit were:

 

"The engine alternator was checked with a hand held

ammeter and was found to be charging at a satisfactory

rate" (Note the use of the singular when there are actually 2 alternators, but there were quite a few grammatical mistakes elsewhere too, or only one was tested...)

 

"All batteries were tested with a battery analyser

and found to be in good condition"

 

BSS was done at the same time as the survey and no modifications have been made at all to the boiler. I was on site for most of the survey but really I had no way to ascertain these particular problems at the time and it was what I thought I was paying the surveyor for

 

Thanks again

 

Geoff

[tomsk]

Hi,

 

Have noted all the foregoing with interest, a couple of points :-

 

 

Drive By Surveys - no such animal. Drive By valuations - yes - but the Surveyor/Valuer can only do what his clients ask him to do, and many Surveyors (if they are good) work in small areas, which they should know well and so should be able to give a useful satistical figure under these circumstances.

 

Geoff has not mentioned the timescale over which these problems came to light (other than that with the water pump). I think he is entitled to further input from the Surveyor if the boat is a recent purchase.

 

It sounds as if the Surveyor did not 'follow the trail' sufficiently concerning the water in the bilge. It is an established fact that Surveyors must 'follow the trial' to find the course of the problem - speculation is not a good thing.

 

Did he comment on the state of the charging circuit - if he did he was a fool as often these are so complicated that they need testing by a specialist electrician.

 

The exhaust leak from the heater should have been picked up by the Surveyor and the BSS inspector (presume these are the same) - assuming no modifications have been carried out since the date of purchase survey.

 

The surveyor will be reluctant to comment further without involving his insurers and a claim for damages will have to be instigated, (a bit like admitting liability following a Road Traffic accident).

 

A recent case I heard off involved a surveyor who missed an area which needed overplating - as soon as he learned of this problem he offered to refund his full fee (for reasons we can all speculate on!) - good customer relations? - in the event the customer was pleased with all the other work the Surveyor had done and infact paid the fee in full.

 

Family members/ Friends often ask me for informal advice on housing defects (and I am sure that Marine Surveyors are asked for the same informal opinions) and seem hurt that I suggest they pay a fee or go elsewhere - the road to hell is paved with surveyors who have given informal advice and had the situation rebound on them.

 

On the whole I think that Geoff has been let down in this instance, he may have found it better to meet the Surveyor on site and run through these problems during the Survey and would then have built up a better understanding with the Surveyor.

 

Me - I have bought 2 boats and never bothered with a survey, as it has been pointed out to me often over the last 40 years 'Surveyors! you lot know b****r all' so why bother to employ them.

 

Get an ultra sonic test on the hull, and use the fee to pay for repairs as and when.

 

I shall be interested to hear the comments of the Professional body, which the Surveyor says he is a member of.

 

Really, one man should not be commenting on all the components of a boat (or house for that matter) Surveyor should test the hull and obtain reports from other suitably qualified professional to test the electrics plumbing and gas installations (Surveyors are not 'Corgi' trained). With a boat powered by a vintage engine an inspection by an engineer who rebuilds that type of engine is needed - unless you have very deep pockets.

 

The surveyor should then interpret all the reports and report back to you. (this was the tried and tested method I was taught 40 years ago, expensive but perfect and everone was usually happy).

 

The days of the 'Jack of all trade' surveyors is hopfully passing, but sadly the speed at which customers needs advice will continue to keep it alive.

 

Remember in the buyers market prevailing take time, get the best advice for the job you want undertaking.

 

How much was the surveyors fee (ex VAT) relative to purchase price?.

 

Please don't think I'm indicating I have been perfect, I have my fair share of howlers over the years, but ignoring the complaint or problem will not make it go away.

 

Albi.

 

 

I take objection to your assertion that there are no such things as 'Drive By' surveys, as a retired Chartered Surveyor you must have come up against such things. I spend a good proportion of my professional life sorting out the mess that results from such lazy and wildly inaccurate surveys compiled from little other than age and a rough stab at condition.

 

You do make some good points later in your post

Edited July 16, 2008 by tomsk

[carlt]

I take objection to your assertion that there are no such things as 'Drive By' surveys, as a retired Chartered Surveyor you must have come up against such things. I spend a good proportion of my professional life sorting out the mess that results from such lazy and wildly inaccurate surveys compiled from little other than age and a rough stab at condition.

 

You do make some good points later in your post

When I'd completely rebuilt the rotten window frames, had a needless damp proof course done and rewired a cottage, in order to get the mortgage retention back, I was a bit upset when the surveyor came round, inspected the cup I'd filled with tea, complimented me on the fireplace and passed the house.

 

If I'd known it was going to be a "drive-by survey", I'd have spent the money on a new roof, which actually needed doing, but was passed, in the first survey.

[LEO]

Tomsk

 

You are correct about the problems that the mis-understanding that 'Drive-bys' (as they are invariably known) creates.

 

There is no such animal - people create such a monster by mis-interpretation and a lack of understanding and a failure to read the caveats.

 

Really I have used and done them to indicate that the property exists, may be occupied and from the front appears to be presentable. This information is given on the basis agreed between the Surveyor and Client.

 

They are a dreadful way of working.

 

Geoff

 

-Really the surveyor reported badly - for example presumably testing the charge rate with a voltmeter rather than testing each cell with a hydrometer. Comments on batteries are foolish -you might just as well say there are 'x'number of batteries of unknown age and maintenance - allow for replacement.

 

Given the delicacy of alternators, I for one would not go fiddling about with them. It is difficult to prove that the bracket was/was not broken at the time of inspection.

 

The exhaust leak was not acceptable, but should Surveyors be commenting on gas installations? The answer is clearly 'NO'. They were unhappy about unscrewing plugs to test the system at one stage, why not get a suitably qualified person in to test the whole installation.

 

Really I think you had a very unhappy experience, I shall be pleased to learn of the outcome, but boating really does require a considerable degree of practical experience and the learning curve is a steep one.

(My Visa Statements with entries to UBC confirm this!!).

 

Also, bear in mind that commenting on the work of another is always difficult (batteries frying for example) and an adverse comment is easy to make - that sharp intake of breath through pursed lips is a sure way of ensuring someone's attention.

 

Hope all this helps. I look forward to hearing from you - now about the fee? - remember you get what you pay for.

 

Albi

[Rob@BSSOffice]

BSS was done at the same time as the survey and no modifications have been made at all to the boiler. I was on site for most of the survey but really I had no way to ascertain these particular problems at the time and it was what I thought I was paying the surveyor for

 

Thanks again

 

Geoff

 

If there are any problems with the issue of the BSS Certificate and the checks related to the BSS Examination only, please contact me or my colleagues, preferably the BSS Manager, Graham Watts and in writing by email or letter. We will deal with any complaint in confidence.

 

In regards to the eber exhaust, although your surveyor ran the heater, the BSS examination requires the examiner to inspect the exhaust and look for signs such as sooting indicating leaks or damage.

 

It will be worth looking at the IIMS website to check what is covered in its code of conduct.

 

HTH

Rob@BSS Office

[GeoffS]

Albi

I agree it is a steep learning curve with big Visa bills. I spent what I thought was a lot of time reading and researching but it obviously needed more!

As far as the fee and surveyor goes, I paid £530 plus the fee for taking out of the water. The fee seemed in line with other surveyors. As I said it was listed on the IIMS site, was from a list of recommended local surveyors and I also saw it on other sites such as Canal Junction and Waterscape.

 

Rob

I will read the IIMS Code of Conduct later before deciding what to do. You said 'signs such as sooting indicating leaks or damage'. I would have thought that seeing smoke clearly leaking in the engine room was a good enough sign. I saw it very clearly myself once I realised there was the smell of fumes when I tried to start it up and I looked to to see where it was coming from. Needless to say I havent used it since.

 

Geoff

[LEO]

Geoff,

 

Thanks for the info, that's a lot of 'boodle' for the advice given by the sound of it - although it may have included a fee for the BSc (including all the expensive paperwork this involves).

 

So which way forward? follow it up with reports to the Surveyor's governing body and the BSS, who may/should take action or put it down to experience or take further legal action.

 

The choice is yours and depends how deep your pockets are.

 

What has been the cost of correcting all the faults?.

 

I still think the best way is to get a Hull survey and to get a mechanic to report on the engine and running gear and if necessary get a report on the electrical and gas installations from a specialist.

 

It may work out cheaper - why pay a surveyor to say how many rads there are? I recall when I worked people often judged the quality of Surveyors report by how many pages it ran to - Wow! and that was pre-word processor days.

 

Let us know how you get on, as I said it's a steep learning curve, but it does have satisfying results.

 

Boats and running gear have got so complicated over the years, which is why so much specialist advice is needed and unless the Surveyor attends courses to keep up to date (continuing professional development courses) the information he gives will be out of date.

 

Unless the Surveyor lives on a boat can they give the necessary advice? - as most problems arise as one actually uses the fittings and equipment.

 

Hope all this helps and that you eventually get to having some good boating.

 

Albi.

[GeoffS]

Hello Albi

 

The fee was actually £480 for the survey and £50 for the BSS plus £170 for removing the boat.

 

So far I have spent around £200 plus my own hours replacing the pump, flooring and drying the bilge. I doubt that I will have much change out of £600-£700 for the work this week on the electrics. Had I known about this I could have used it in the price negotiation of course.

 

I agree about separate hull and equipment surveys but it doesnt seem to be the norm at the moment.

 

The IIMI state:

 

"Pre-purchase Condition Survey

 

This is by far the most common survey and will in most cases, be the most detailed and in depth survey where the Client, frequently, is a first time buyer with little or no previous knowledge in this field and has total reliance on the Surveyor's expertise"

 

I will follow this up with a report to the IIMI and the BSS as you say and see what happens.

 

Thanks for everyones suggestions and help.

 

Geoff

[LEO]

Geoff,

 

Thanks, if I were adjudicating on this case, I would say that the water pump and alternator bracket may be down to possible wear and tear but the exhaust leak and wiring problems are not.

 

Water pumps are prone to failure at odd times (the boat I purchased a few years ago had a doubtful water pump which the owner said was Ok, he sent me a cheque for £100 a few days after the purchase was completed for a new pump - honesty prevails).

 

The bracket holding the alternator could have fractured at any time.

 

But the exhaust is probably a long term defect which should have been discovered.

 

Similarly if you make a statement about the electrics being Ok and they are not ---- a liablity exists.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Albi

[GeoffS]

Thanks. I guess once this thread is finished it could be moved or have a copy in 'New to Boating'!

Edited July 17, 2008 by GeoffS

[Chris Pink]

Boats and running gear have got so complicated over the years, which is why so much specialist advice is needed and unless the Surveyor attends courses to keep up to date (continuing professional development courses) the information he gives will be out of date.

 

One would hope that £530 includes an amount for professional development.

[LEO]

Chris

 

One hopes so, but it depends on how the surveyors body 'polices' the requirement for CPD or indeed whether there is commitment to attend courses.

 

With regard to the body of which I am a member one's attendance at courses is carefully checked and learning has to be on a structured basis. Failure to keep up to date and keep records has serious implications (no excuses no exclusions).

 

I would hope that other professions are the same.

 

As Geoff suggests it would be helpful if details of this unfortunate incident is readily available to others.

 

Where abouts on the system are you Geoff?.

 

Albi