A ‘First Impression’ report provides an opinion on the general condition of all visible and significant aspects of the vessel as presented for examination.
Machinery, masts, spars, rig and sails, ancillary equipment, gas, electrical, electronic, pumping and plumbing equipment, sewage treatment plant, refrigeration equipment, air conditioning, navigation aids, other sundry services and tankage are inspected only for visual appearance without dismantling or specific test. Where a mast is stepped only those parts of the mast and rig up to head height are inspected.
Hull condition is not assessed other than by visual appearance and no coatings are removed. Where hulls have heavy layers of paint or epoxy finishes the condition of the substrate cannot be even estimated unless sample areas have already been scraped clean. The report does not provide an opinion on the condition of areas not presented visible, for example behind ceilings, linings, fixed floors and panels, tanks, machinery etc.
No liability whatsoever is accepted for any injury, death or damages arising from those parts of the vessel to which access could not be gained at the time of examination and on the strength of which I am unable to comment.
The engine and generator are inspected visually only. No dismantling of the engine or associated equipment is carried out and therefore no detailed comment can be made. Such detail would require a complete strip down and mechanical survey.
Electrical, plumbing, heating and other services are inspected visually only. Electrical wiring is inspected visually only.
Bottled gas installations are inspected visually only. All such systems should be subject to regular inspection and testing by a ‘Corgi Marine’ certificated engineer as part of a normal preventive maintenance routine.
Tanks are inspected visually, but not internally, and are not pressure tested. Windows, hatches and external doors are not tested for watertightness. Hull fastenings and skin fittings are not withdrawn for inspection.
Estimates of value cannot be provided on such a basic visual examination. (It should be remembered that the advertised price is often significantly higher than that at which it is, eventually, sold!)
Particulars such as registration numbers, tonnage, year of build and so on, are normally stated as advised by the broker/owner or as exhibited aboard the vessel. They are not verified or guaranteed.
A ‘First Impression’ report is no more than a brief examination and intended only as a ‘time & money saver’, providing the client with only basic information that may encourage him/her to take the time to make a personal visit, perhaps leading to a full survey, or look elsewhere without wasting further time or money.
It is NOT a condition survey, carries no guarantee, and no liability whatsoever is implied or accepted.
