For information on the range of marine services DeltaQuest can provide, please view our Marine Services page, or Contact Us.

Top tips on boating safety

Navigating your yacht, whether it is a short distance from one dock to another, or across international waters, has many risks. Without following the required safety measures and taking extra precautions, you could find yourself in difficulty on the water. Not only are you exposing yourself and your passengers on-board to the perils at sea, but without acting in a safe and prudent manner, you are risking damage to your valuable boat.

Here are some quick boating safety tips to follow…

1)      Always wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD), otherwise known as a life jacket. This is one of the most important safe measures that boat owners should follow. It should also be noted that children are legally required to wear a coast guard approved PFD.

2)      Before taking your boat out, check the weather forecast for the areas and routes you intend to go.

3)      Avoid alcohol. At any time in your journey the weather can change and disaster can strike, so it is vital that you are coherent at all times.

4)      Do not speed. Avoid operating your boat at high speeds; in the instance that you hit a wave or lose control of the vessel, you could injure yourself or passengers on-board.

5)      Do not overload your boat with excess weight; this can refer to having unnecessary equipment onboard, or having too many passengers at one time.

6)      Enroll in boat safety classes. One of the best ways to stay informed and keep up to date with new safety measures that boat owners are required to follow, is to enroll in safety classes.

7)      Check the condition of your boat before journeys. You vessel should adhere to all safety standards in place, and a certificate should be obtained to prove the boat’s seaworthiness. As an added measure, you can check your fuel tank, gas and oil levels, and ventilation over the engine.

8)      Always carry a fire extinguisher on-board your boat. Fire at sea is extremely dangerous so it is paramount that you have the equipment on-board to handle a fire.

9)      Carry distress flares and have a fully functioning radio on your boat in cases of emergency.

10)   Ensure you have lights on your boat – especially when navigating your vessel during poor light, bad weather or during the night.

For information on the range of marine services DeltaQuest offers, please view our Marine Services page, or Contact Us.

Yacht and sailing terms

Below are some of the most commonly used yachting terms that every boat owner and sailing enthusiast should be aware of (this list is not exhaustive)…

ABOARD – on the boat

ABOVE DECK – on the deck of the vessel

AGROUND – touching the bottom of the water (touching the floor)

AIDS TO NAVIGATION – artificial objects used to supplement natural landmarks to convey both safe and unsafe areas of water

BOW – the front or forward section of the boat

BUOY – a bright colored float used for marking a position or hazard on the water, or for mooring.

CAST OFF – to let go of something

COURSE – refers to the direction a boat is steered

EBB – a receding current

GALLEY – this is the kitchen area of a boat

HULL – is the main body of a vessel

KNOT – this usually refers to the measurement of speed equal to one nautical mile (6076 feet) per hour. However, it can also refer to the method of attaching a rope or line.

LOG – is a record of courses or operation

MOORING – the securing of a boat to a mooring buoy or a pier

PORT – left side of a boat looking forward

STARBOARD – right side of a boat when looking forward

SKIPPER – is the captain of a ship

For more information on how DeltaQuest can assist you with your yacht purchasing needs, please Contact Us.

What to consider when buying a yacht

Buying a yacht is a huge financial commitment, and so it is vital that you consider all the below mentioned points, and follow our buying tips to ensure your yacht purchase is a successful one.

1. Ensure it is the right decision to make! – go boating with family, friends or by yourself, to ensure that the activity really suits your personal interests and needs before committing financially to purchasing one.
2. Research the financial and time commitments that will be required as a boat owner – it is important to realize that owning a boat requires a lot of time and commitment in terms of managing and maintaining the vessel.
3. Attend boat shows- this is a great way to familiarize yourself with the type of vessels that may suit your needs and the market valuations of these vessels. You can also pick up brochures and talk to yacht brokers about your specifications.
4. Evaluate what you want your new boat to be used for – the intended use of a vessel will ultimately determine the type and cost of vessel you will purchase.
5. Use a professional! – as a boat buyer, it is prudent to use a professional consultancy firm to act as an introducer between you and reputable yacht brokers prior to entering into any form of sale of contract.
6. Assess your financial boundaries – you must acknowledge that buying a boat is not a one off payment; you also have to consider the ongoing registration and other fees applicable, maintenance fees, insurance, and finance policies (should you require marine finance).
7. Consider buying a boat as a partnership – it may be more sensible to buy a yacht as a partnership with another person or group of people. Not only will this ease the financial burden but it will also ensure that maintenance and other responsibilities are shared.
8. Get a survey! – one of the most important things to do before buying a vessel is to contact a marine surveyor and have a full check carried out on the vessel. It is vital that you are aware of the exact condition of the vessel prior to purchasing it.
9. Assess the boat’s history – find out if the vessel has a full maintenance log listing services, oil changes, repairs, dates, costs etc.
10. Evaluate the asking price vs. market price – upon completion of a marine survey, you can assess whether the asking price is fair in comparison to the boat’s true valuation. Most vessels tend to be sold for less than the advertised price, thus it is important to give an ‘offer’ below the rate of the asking price and negotiate on a fair deal.

For more information on the marine services DeltaQuest offers, or to find out how we can assist with your yacht and ship needs, please Contact Us.

Receiver of wreck explained

The receiver of wreck effectively ‘administers law’ with respect to wreck and salvage in jurisdictions that have British administrative heritage, such as the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Ireland and Canada.

Legislation

The main definition and responsibilities of the receiver of wreck can be found in the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.

Under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, a boat wreck is categorized into 4 different areas, namely;

• Lagan: goods cast overboard from a ship which are perished beyond salvage
• Derelict: goods which have been abandoned  at sea
• Jetsam: goods cast overboard in a bid to save the vessel by lightening it
• Flotsam: goods that are lost from a sunken vessel, these goods will typically be recoverable as they have floated

Responsibilities of the Receiver of Wreck

The receiver of wreck is tasked with the responsibility of processing incoming reports of boat wrecks with a view to giving the owner of the wreckage the opportunity to recover their possessions. The receiver of wreck also ensures the salvors of the wreckage are awarded appropriately with a ‘salvage award’. This award will vary depending on the wreckage, the risk of salvaging the boat and the value of its contents, but essentially the award is usually in line with the value of the salvage.

The receiver of wreck must also prepare an annual report which details all the finds and statistics for that year.

Once a boat wreck has been reported, the receiver of wreck must:

• Research the ownership of a boat wreck
• Consult with the salvor of the wreck and the official owner
• Work in conjunction with local HM coastguards and maritime agencies
• Investigate any report of offences regarding treatment of the wreck

With regards to unclaimed boat wrecks, the receiver of wreck must be satisfied that any claims made to the wreck are legitimate and the person making the claim can prove they are entitled to the property.

For more information on IACS, please click on the following link to view our Classification Societies page, or Contact Us.

Scope of IACS

There are 50 classification society organizations located internationally that provide the technical standards for the design, structure and construction of vessels. Only 10 of these 50 classification societies make up the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).

The ten aforementioned classification societies together with one additional classification society make up the IACS as follows:

ABS – American Bureau of Shipping

BV – Bureau Veritas

CCS – China Classification Society

DNV – Det Norske Veritas

GL – Germanischer Lloyd

KR – Korean Register of Shipping

LR – Lloyds Register

NK – Nippon Kaiji Kyokai

RINA – Registro Italiano Navale

RS – Russian maritime Register

IRS – Indian Register of Shipping

Depending on the location of your vessel and where you intend to register it, the design, construction, and structural standards that must be met will vary. Essentially, the relevant standards are set by classification society in your country of domicile. When a vessel has been constructed and designed in strict compliance with the standards set by the relevant classification society, a certificate is sent to the vessel owner to show proof of standards being met.

For more information on our range of marine services, please view our Marine Services section, or Contact Us to find out how we can help you meet your exact yacht requirements.

The importance of a boat survey explained

A boat survey is essentially an evaluation of a particular vessel’s condition. An accredited marine surveyor should perform the survey prior to the yacht buyer signing a sale of contract. Boat surveys are commonly performed while the boat is in and out of the water in order to get a comprehensive review of the vessels structure.

Although a boat survey can be expensive, it is highly advisable to enlist a marine surveyor’s services following reasons:

• Most marine insurance companies will require a boat survey is conducted on a vessel before it can be insured
• A professional survey will provide the buyer with a detailed overview of any existing or potential problems the vessel may have and the amount it would cost to repair any damage
• Many marine finance companies will request the report from a boat survey before agreeing to any form of finance with a yacht buyer
• Even if you are aware that there is damage on the vessel, it is important to gain the professional opinion of  a marine surveyor to establish the extent of the damage
• A boat survey will help yacht buyers to ascertain the true value of the vessel
• Vessels must meet strict marine standards and criteria in order to be registered and insured – a boat survey will assess if the vessel meets such standards
• A marine surveyor is usually required in the event that an yacht insurance claim is made
• Boat surveyors can also provide certification and licenses where the vessel passes all necessary checks and standards

Locating a reputable marine surveyor to perform the boat survey is vital to the overall credibility of the survey results. It is therefore prudent to acquire the services of a professional consultancy firm to act as an introducer between yourself and a credible marine surveyor.

For more information on how to acquire maritime finance please view our Marine Finance services page.

Obtaining Maritime Finance

Obtaining marine finance is a necessary and advantageous acquisition when purchasing a yacht or ship or when refurbishing a vessel. Some of the many advantages include:

Economic and financial flexibility:

By obtaining maritime finance you have the freedom to use your savings or business assets for other investments. Rather than liquidating your assets or paying a vast sum of money upfront for the purchase of your vessel, you can obtain a bespoke maritime finance plan, thus giving you increased financial freedom.

Tax advantages:

In some flat states, the purchase of your vessel through maritime finance may enable the vessel to qualify for certain IRS tax advantages similar to that of home deductible mortgage interest.

Business expansion:

Maritime finance sought by yacht brokers will help them to expand their business operations and enable them to purchase new vessels and offer part exchanges.

Sensible business approach:

Obtaining maritime finance is an affordable and thus, sensible business approach to purchasing your desired vessel. Your maritime finance plan will also offer you realistic down payments with long financing terms.

Professional consultancies can provide you with the relevant advice and guidance when deciding on your maritime finance options. Most professional consultancies specializing in maritime finance consultancy can help you find the most appropriate maritime finance lender and maritime finance plan to meet your needs.

For more information on the marine services DeltaQuest offers, please click on the following link to view our Marine Services page, or Contact Us.

Ship breaking explained

Essentially, ship breaking is the structured disposal of a ship, yacht or any other vessel for recycling purposes and is performed by professionals, usually in a ship yard. The most common form of ship breaking is “green ship recycling” in approved facilities for the task of ship disposal.

Oftentimes, ship breaking is required due to the fact that a vessel has naturally come to the end of its life span (usually four decades depending on the ship’s activity).

Vessels can undergo regular repair, maintenance and surveys to ensure they are seaworthy and certifiable for navigating international waters, however, where it becomes more costly for the ship owner to keep repairing the ship, they may simply enlist ship breaking services.

Ship breaking can help owners save money on repairing a vessel that is essentially ‘beyond repair’, and will also enable them to recycle parts of the ship for alternative use. The most popular material that is commonly reused from a ship after ship breaking occurs is steel. Equipment built into a ship that is still in working order can also be recycled for future use.

Although ship breaking is considered a necessary duty for the disposal of ships once the vessels life time comes to an end, the actual act of ship breaking poses numerous environmental and health and safety concerns for both the surrounding environment and the workers.

To find out how we can assist you with your yacht requirements, Contact Us. Alternatively, you can view our Marine Services section to learn about the range of services we can provide.

Boat survey explained

Locate a credible marine surveyor

The most important stage in getting a boat survey for your vessel is to locate a reputable and experienced marine surveyor to carry out the inspection and write the survey report. You can ascertain the credibility of a surveyor by checking that they are accredited with the appropriate marine authorities including the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) and the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS).

Who requires a boat survey?

-          Maine insurance companies

-          Marine finance providers

-          Yacht buyers

-          Vessel owners

-          Commercial shipping companies

-          Recreational boaters

Types of surveys

The type of boat survey you choose to have done is completely depending on the your reasoning behind needing a survey. For example, if you are about to sell your vessel, or you are interested in buying a new boat, then it is prudent that have a thorough and comprehensive marine survey carried out. However, if you need to assess specific aspects of your yacht, then you can request to have a tailored boat survey to target the exact areas you are interested in.

Another reason to have a boat survey performed is by request of a marine insurance company. Usually, when an insurance claim is made on a boat, either by the owner of the vessel or by a third party which has suffered damages,  a marine survey will be carried out to assess the particular area of the vessel that has been damaged.

Performing boat surveys

Typically, boat surveys are performed in two stages.

Stage 1:  This is an ‘out of water’ inspection, which involves moving the vessel to a ship yard so that the surveyor can conduct an evaluation of the boat’s external and underneath structures in a safe environment. The surveyor will usually inspect the bottom surfaces, propeller, shaft, rudder, hull and deck.

Stage 2: This stage is the ‘in water’ inspection, which is where the surveyor tests the vessel’s engine and performs a thorough sea trial.

Depending on the purpose of the boat survey, the surveyor may conduct a standard report, or may provide a detailed forensic analysis of the vessel. Boat surveys are of significant importance as they help to determine whether the vessel meets the necessary criteria and safety standards to operate in a safe and legal manner.

For more information on marine insurance, please click on the following link to view our Marine Insurance page, or Contact Us.

Hull and Machinery Insurance explained

Hull and machinery insurance is one of the most widely required forms of marine insurance for all operational vessels. This is primarily due to the fact that is a vessels hull or onboard machinery and equipment are damaged, the vessel cannot operate and generate any form of income.

By obtaining the applicable hull and machinery insurance, the level of risk-associated damage to the vessel is significantly lowered as repair, maintenance and compensation is covered by the insurance policy.

The main risks covered under hull and machinery insurance includes, but is not limited to;

• Total loss in terms of actual or constructive loss of the vessel
• Damages to hull, machinery and equipment onboard the vessel
• Salvage and applicable charges
• Legal costs and labor costs
• Costs for collision defense and attacks
• Dry docking expenses
• Costs for marine surveys to assess damage of potential damage

Essentially, all physical damage to a vessel can be covered by hull and machinery insurance, which extends to recoveries and losses at sea. Vessel owners have the choice to employ a certain level of hull insurance, whether it is to cover all risks, limited conditions only, or total loss at sea, giving them complete control over their liability and financial commitment to their yacht.

Vessel owners must acknowledge that there is are many dangers and risks involved when operating within the marine industry, and as such it is imperative to seek the necessary hull and machinery insurance to ensure the vessel is protected and operational at all times. The marine insurance market is a particularly competitive one, and so it is advisable to enlist the assistance of a consultancy firm to act as an introducer between you and a reputable marine insurance broker.