Frequently Asked Questions

Hirst Marine Surveyors was founded in 1979 and has been providing professional marine survey services throughout the British Virgin Islands for over 45 years.

We survey vessels throughout the British Virgin Islands, including Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada. If your vessel is located elsewhere in the BVI, contact us to confirm availability.

We offer pre-purchase surveys, insurance surveys, damage assessments, charter phase-out and valuation surveys, evaluation and appraisal surveys, registration and tonnage measurement, cargo inspections, and general marine consultation.

A pre-purchase survey is a comprehensive inspection of a vessel's condition — hull, rigging, systems, and structure — conducted before you complete a purchase. It gives buyers an independent, professional assessment to inform their decision and negotiate with confidence.

For production fiberglass sailing vessels up to 55 feet, our rate is $48/ft with a minimum fee of $1,920. Vessels over 55 feet are quoted individually — contact us for a custom quotation.

A pre-purchase survey is conducted on behalf of a prospective buyer to assess a vessel before sale. An insurance survey is typically requested by an underwriter or broker to evaluate a vessel's condition for policy underwriting or as part of a damage claim.

A Charter Phase-Out survey assesses a vessel's condition and value as it comes out of charter service. For production fiberglass vessels up to 55 feet, our rate is $48/ft with a minimum fee of $1,920. Vessels over 55 feet are quoted individually.

Yes. For vessels located on Tortola, we charge a flat rate of $800, which includes two visits to the vessel. For vessels located off Tortola, please contact us for a custom quotation.

An Evaluation and Appraisal survey establishes a vessel's current market value, commonly used for resale, estate planning, or financing purposes. For standard production vessels up to 55 feet, our rate is $42/ft.

Damage surveys and compliance inspections are billed hourly, with a two-hour minimum charge to attend any vessel. Contact us for our current hourly rate and to discuss the scope of your inspection.

Yes, we conduct cargo and commercial vessel inspections, including condition assessments and loss investigations. Rates vary by scope of work — please contact us for a firm quotation.

Yes, we offer marine consultation for a range of needs beyond standard surveys. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and receive a firm quotation.

Yes. Vessels over 55 feet, non-standard construction, or vessels located off Tortola are quoted individually based on size, type, and location. Contact us with your vessel's details for a custom quotation.

Call us at +1 (284) 494-2399 or email survey@hirstmarine.com with your vessel's details — make, model, length, and location — and we'll respond with a quotation and available scheduling.