PEGASUS  MARINE  SURVEYS   

 

 

ABOUT US

  

Donald Ortchison is an independent marine surveyor specialising in commercial fishing vessels and
workboats, yachts and small craft, fish farm and mussel farm installations.  Having lived and worked
in the area since 1988 as a marine surveyor, commercial fisherman and professional diver, he has extensive knowledge and experience in these fields, and is a member of a number of professional institutions, including The International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS).
  
He is authorised by the IIMS Certifying Authority to undertake examinations in connection
with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Codes of Practice for Small Commercial
Vessels, and Tonnage Measurements.
  
Pegasus Marine Surveys carries Professional Indemnity Insurance and Public Liability Insurance for the practice of Marine Surveys and is recognised by leading insurance and finance
companies in the marine world.
  
Surveys and investigations are carried out locally, nationally and internationally on behalf of clients who require professional, unbiased, and thorough examinations of vessels.   

Being based in Tobermory on the west coast of Scotland, Pegasus Marine Surveys covers the whole of the country, including the
islands and remote areas of the west coast.  Visiting the islands and remote areas would not be dependant on ferries as MFV "Pegasus"
would be used, and so time and costs would be reduced.  Vessels can also be dried out against the wall in Tobermory, when tides
are suitable, and surveys carried out there.
  
 Contact us to discuss your requirements.

   

SERVICES

The following is a brief description of the services we provide.
    
   

PRE-PURCHASE / CONDITION SURVEYS

These are usually the most comprehensive type of surveys and are strongly advised to
clients when purchasing a new or, more especially, a used vessel.  The prospective
owner requires the surveyor to thoroughly inspect the vessel, her machinery, rig,
service systems and equipment, to find, as far as practical, her condition, quality and
any faults.  These surveys should include, where possible, a full out of water
inspection, to assess the structural integrity and watertightness of the hull, rudder and
stern gear. This will also include the condition of the cathodic protection, and an
examination of  the machinery (non-invasive), propulsion, fuel, electrical, gas, sewage,
water and other service systems.  A sea trial may be conducted, where practical.  The
nautical items, appearance, and an assessment of the overall level of maintenance,
general condition, structural and mechanical integrity of the vessel will be considered.
    
   
   
   
   
   
   

VALUATION / SUPERFICIAL EXAMINATION

This type of inspection is often carried out at the same time as a Pre-Purchase    
 survey and is used to determine the fair market value of the vessel which is
normally required for insurance, mortgage or other financing.  When a
valuation is carried out separately, it will be clearly stated in the surveyor's
report that  this type of survey does not constitute a Pre-Purchase survey and it
should not be regarded as such.
    
   
   

  
  
DAMAGE INSPECTIONS

Damage surveys are usually required by an insurance company to assess the extent of
damage to a vessel resulting from an accident.  The surveyor will carry out a thorough
examination and report on the resulting condition of the vessel, the probable cause of the
damage, recommended repairs, and an estimate of the cost of such repairs. This will
require liasing with the client, boat yards or repairers, and transportation specialists.  It
should be noted that insurance companies expect immediate reporting of accidents /
incidents, and speedy damage assessment and reporting by a surveyor.  Best effort should
also be made to minimise further damage or deterioration of the vessel following the
accident.
    
   
   
   

FISHING VESSELS

Pre-Purchase / Condition surveys for fishing vessels are thorough and
comprehensive examinations of the vessel, her machinery, rig, service systems
and equipment, to find, as far as practical, her condition, quality and any faults,
and are strongly advised to clients when purchasing a new or, more especially, a
used vessel.  These surveys should include, where possible, a full out of water
inspection, to assess the structural integrity and watertightness of the hull,
rudder and stern gear.  This will also include the condition of the cathodic
protection, and an examination of the machinery and deck equipment
(non-invasive), gallows, poles and rigging, propulsion, fuel, electrical, gas,
sewage, water and other service systems.  General condition of the fishing gear
may also be included where required.  A sea trial may be conducted, where
practical.
 A Valuation / Superficial Examination is often carried out at the same time as a
Pre-Purchase survey and is used to determine the fair market value of the vessel
which is normally required for insurance, mortgage or other financing.  When a
valuation is carried out separately, it will be clearly stated in the surveyor's
report that this type of survey does not constitute a Pre-Purchase survey and it
should not be regarded as such.

   

COMMERCIAL CRAFT

Small commercially operated vessels, up to 24 metres load line length, and
carrying no more than 12 passengers, are legally required to comply with the
relevent Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Codes of Practice for the
Safety of Small Commercial Sailing and Motor vessels.  Similarly, small
commercial workboats also have to comply with the relevent MCA Codes of
Practice.   Presently all of these Codes of Practice are in the process of being
superceded by a single harmonised Small Commercial Vessel and Pilot Boat
Code, and guidance is given in the MCA MGN 280(M) note.
Pegasus Marine Surveys is authorised by the IIMS Certifying Authority to
undertake examinations in connection with the MCA Codes of Practice for Small
Commercial Vessels, and Tonnage Measurements.

   
   
CONSULTANCY, TROUBLESHOOTING AND INVESTIGATIONS

Pegasus Marine Surveys has extensive experience and knowledge in the mechanical, marine and surveying industries, not only with
sailing and motor vessels but also with fish farms, mussel farms and mooring installations.  Troubleshooting, investigations and design
consultancy services can be offered - contact us to discuss your requirements and solve your problems.

   
OIL ANALYSIS SERVICES

Pegasus Marine Surveys can provide Oil Analysis Services, available for engine and gearbox oils which give an indication of the suitability of the lubricants for continued use of the machinery, and provide important information about the condition of the components within the machines. Early detection of emerging mechanical problems using chemical and physical examinations of the lubricant by oil analysis can be an effective diagnostic tool, which can allow remedial maintenance to be planned and carried out before a serious and costly failure occurs.  A single sample at time of survey could give indications of the condition of the machinery prior to purchase, and regular sampling during service could be an effective monitoring programme providing real savings by increasing machinery availability and reliability while reducing the costs associated with unplanned repairs and downtime.

   
TONNAGE MEASUREMENTS

Pegasus Marine Surveys is a tonnage measurer appointed by the International Institute of Marine Surveying, and is authorised to carry out measurements on vessels under 24 metres length overall on behalf of the MCA for Registration on Part 1 of the British Registry.  The tonnage measurements for vessels, other than fishing vessels, are in accordance with MS (Tonnage) Regulations, 1997, Part 3, as defined in Part 1 of the Merchant Shipping (Tonnage) Regulations, 1997.  

Registration on Part 1 of the British Registry give entitlement to the following: