When we talk about different watercrafts, we mostly associate different watercrafts for recreational purposes ranging from fishing to wakeboarding. There are different watercrafts available in the world today; from small open boats to luxurious houseboats, watercrafts are being used today on a regular basis.
Due to its nature of use, watercraft inspection processes cover a lot of areas to ensure that each part of the boat, from surface to interior finishing is in top-notch condition. Here are some of the well-known watercraft inspection processes being done until today:
EXTERIOR INSPECTION
Hull Inspection – inspect each hull area of the watercraft being inspected for any signs of damage, cracks, leakages and other damaging factors to ensure that the hull is guaranteed to last with adherence to ISO 9001 for consumer standards.
Fiberglass Inspection – inspect the each fiberglass component of the watercraft being inspected for any cracks or blisters to ensure that the overall construction of the watercraft has passed the quality and safety guidelines set for the standard.
Propeller Shaft Inspection – inspect the condition of the propeller and as well as its shaft for any signs of wobble or rattle to ensure that there are no “Cutless bearing” happening during operation.
Navigation Tools Inspection – the purpose of this inspection is to verify that all the navigation tools on the deck is working accordingly to ensure safe and reliable use prior to distribution with strict adherence to ISO 9001.
DECK INSPECTION
Surface Inspection – inspect each surface area of the watercraft for any signs of cracks, wear and sponge-like formation to ensure that the deck itself is free from any issues before distribution.
Hatch Inspection – inspect each hatch of the watercraft being inspected for any signs of leaks, corrosion or deterioration to ensure that the hatch is safe and reliable for use prior to distribution.
Port Inspection – inspect each port of the watercraft being inspected for any signs of leaks, corrosion and/or deterioration to ensure that the port is free from any issues and defects prior to distribution.
Interior Inspection – inspect each lifeline stanchion, railing and bases within the deck of the watercraft being inspected for any signs of damage or misuse to ensure that each component is working as expected.
Anchor Inspection – the purpose of this inspection is to verify that the appropriate buoyancy is met for each watercraft being inspected to ensure reliable use when docked both at the port and on the sea.
Mechanism and Hardware Inspection – inspect and identify the condition of rode, roller, fittings, canvas, bimini (if applicable), dodger and hardware and verify its current status to ensure that each hardware and mechanism is working as expected and is free from any defects.
ENGINE INSPECTION
Bilge Inspection – inspect the lowest point of the watercraft to verify if the bilge is collecting enough water and that the bilge pump is moving the water collected out of the boat to maintain the right buoyancy of the boat and ensure that all the proper mechanisms are working as expected. It is also important that each mechanism is:
- thoroughly inspected and is free from any defects.
- Thoroughly inspect bilge for oil and excess water.
- Thoroughly inspect pumps when in operation.
Blower Inspection – inspect the blower of the engine if it is pumping enough fuel and air into the engine to ensure engine performance and reliability. It is also important to thoroughly inspect each mechanism of the blower to verify that is free from any damage or defects prior to distribution.
Engine Inspection – inspect both internal and external components of the engine and verify that each component is free from any damage or defects. It is also important to check the overall condition of the engine (especially for used watercrafts) to ensure that engines are free from corrosion and/or leaks.
- Thoroughly inspect engine seacock when in operation.
- Thoroughly inspect engine stuffing box for signs of leaks or damage.
- Thoroughly inspect other seacocks, emergency valves and plugs for component condition.
Fuel Tank Inspection – the purpose of this inspection is to verify that the fuel tank of each watercraft being inspected is free from any damages and leaks to ensure safe and reliable use prior to distribution. Fuel tank inspections must be performed by an accredited API and USCG representative.
Steering System Inspection – inspect the steering system of the watercraft being inspected to verify if the right signals are being sent and received by the control deck to ensure that each proper mechanism is working as expected.
Ventilation Inspection – inspect and identify the ventilation system of the watercraft being inspected to ensure that the engine is well-ventilated and reliable for regular use.
SAILBOAT INSPECTION (If applicable)
Rig Inspection – inspect the running rigging of each applicable watercraft being inspected for any signs of damage or misuse to ensure that proper setting of sail is experienced prior to distribution.
Sailboat Components Inspection – the purpose of this inspection is to verify that each mast, step, shroud, stay and terminal fitting is free from any damages, dents, or anomalies during production to ensure that the sailboat is ready for use anytime.
Sailboat Weight Inspection – each component being added on watercraft should be properly measured to ensure that the buoyancy of each watercraft will stay the same. The purpose of this inspection is to verify that the sailboat weight and measurement applies to the watercraft being inspected to ensure safety and reliability prior to distribution.
Winch Inspection(if applicable) – the purpose of this inspection is to verify that the winch is operating as expected and the cables are free from any damages to ensure safe use and reliability that would last a long time.
INTERIOR INSPECTION
Furniture Inspection(if applicable) – the purpose of this inspection process is to verify that all the interior designing (for houseboats and cruisers) are on top quality and is free from any damages or manufacturing anomalies to ensure that the finest quality control guidelines have been met.
Electrical Panel Inspection – inspect and identify the different electric panels to be used inside the deck area and living room (if applicable) and verify if everything is free from damage or lose wirings to ensure safe and reliable use when in distribution.
Wiring Inspection – inspect and identify the wiring of the interior deck and cabin of the watercraft, and as well as the function rooms (for large watercrafts) and verify that all switches, sockets and power outlets are in working order to ensure reliability.
Battery Inspection – inspect and verify if the attached battery is more than capable to provide power and energy to the utilities found on the watercraft being inspected to ensure that the battery attached is compatible and adheres to the quality and safety guidelines.
Shore-Power Plug Inspection(if applicable) – inspect and verify that the shore-power plug is free from any damages and is capable of providing the standard power needed for the watercraft to operate when on shore to ensure that proper battery and fuel management systems are in check.
Utilities Inspection (if applicable) – inspect and verify the different general utilities being used inside the watercraft ranging from stove/heater(if applicable), tanks, fittings, detectors and shutoffs to ensure that all of these components are in working order and are free from damages.
Deck Hardware Inspection – inspect and verify that the deck hardware of the watercraft being inspected is free from any damages, manufacturing anomalies or blisters to ensure that all items are of high quality that adheres to the quality control standards.
SAFETY AND STORAGE INSPECTION
Emergency Plugs Inspection – the purpose of this inspection process is to verify that all the emergency mechanisms of the watercraft is in working order and is free from any damage or manufacturing anomalies to ensure safe use and reliability.
Plumbing Inspection – inspect and identify the different plumbing facilities being used by the watercraft and verify if there are any leaks, damages and other destructive factors present to ensure that plumbing is safe and reliable even when off-shore.
Water Tank Inspection – the purpose of this inspection process is to verify that the different water storage tanks to be used for potable and non-potable water supply to ensure health and safety of future buyers of the watercraft.
Holding Tank Inspection – inspect and verify that the holding tank of the watercraft being inspected is free from any leaks, cracks and/or noticeable damage to ensure that the containment facility of the watercraft adheres to the safety standards.
