These Inspection Terms apply to Vessel IQ Health Inspections, Pre-Purchase Marine Systems Inspections and other inspection services carried out by Vessel IQ Limited. They sit alongside our Terms of Trade.
Important: A Vessel IQ Pre-Purchase Marine Systems Inspection is not automatically a full structural marine survey, valuation or certification of the vessel.
Non-invasive inspection scope
Our inspections are visual, functional and non-invasive. We inspect, test and assess systems in the condition and configuration we find them.
We do not remove linings, panels, tanks, headliners, cabinetry or structural components unless that has been separately agreed and quoted.
Accessible systems only
We inspect only those systems and components that are reasonably and safely accessible on the day.
Areas that are sealed, concealed, blocked by stowage, under water, behind fixed joinery or otherwise inaccessible are excluded and will be noted in the report as not inspected.
Engine inspection limitations
Engine assessment is based on visual inspection, available diagnostic data, operating behaviour and reasonable running checks.
Unless separately agreed, an inspection does not include internal engine examination, compression or leak-down testing, oil analysis, gearbox internal assessment, dyno testing or dismantling.
An engine that operates normally on the day of inspection may still develop faults afterwards.
Diagnostic limitations
Diagnostic tools report only the data the vessel's systems make available. Some engines and systems store limited or no fault history, and some faults do not generate a code.
Diagnostic results are an aid to assessment, not a guarantee of condition.
No dismantling unless agreed
No dismantling, disassembly or invasive testing is carried out unless separately agreed in writing, quoted and authorised by the client and the vessel owner.
Hidden and intermittent faults
Hidden, latent and intermittent faults may not be apparent during a non-invasive inspection.
Faults that occur only under load, in particular sea states, at certain temperatures, or after prolonged running may not present themselves during the inspection period.
Permission to operate equipment
You confirm that permission has been obtained from the vessel owner for us to access the vessel and operate its engines, machinery, electrical systems and equipment as part of the inspection.
Failure during reasonable testing
Marine equipment can fail during normal, reasonable testing because of its existing age or condition.
Vessel IQ is not responsible for the failure of existing components during reasonable testing, provided the testing was carried out with reasonable care and skill.
Sea-trial conditions
Where a sea trial forms part of the inspection, it must be separately agreed.
The vessel must be insured, seaworthy and carry the safety equipment required by law. The owner or their nominated skipper remains responsible for the operation of the vessel unless separately agreed in writing.
Sea trials may be shortened, postponed or cancelled for weather, safety or mechanical reasons.
Structural survey excluded
Unless expressly included in your quote, our inspections do not include:
- Full structural survey of the hull, deck or superstructure
- Moisture mapping or laminate testing
- Osmosis assessment
- Rig and standing rigging survey
- Haul-out and underwater inspection
- Insurance survey certification
- Valuation of the vessel
If you require any of these, we recommend engaging a qualified marine surveyor in addition to your Vessel IQ inspection.
Report limitations
The report records our findings as at the date and time of inspection, based on the systems accessible and the testing carried out.
It is a snapshot of condition, not a warranty, guarantee or prediction of future reliability.
Condition ratings
Condition ratings and IQ scores are our professional opinion, expressed on a Vessel IQ scale to help owners and buyers prioritise work.
They are indicative only and are not a certification, valuation or a statement of compliance with any standard.
Further investigation
Where the report recommends further investigation, testing, dismantling or specialist assessment, that recommendation should be actioned before relying on the vessel's condition.
Vessel IQ is not responsible for issues that would have been identified had a recommended further investigation been carried out.
Information supplied by sellers or brokers
We may record information supplied by owners, sellers, brokers or third parties, such as service history, hours, age of components and previous repairs.
We do not verify that information unless we state otherwise in the report.
Third-party reliance
Reports are prepared for the named client only.
No other party may rely on the report without our prior written approval. We accept no responsibility to any third party who relies on a report without that approval.
Payment
Inspection fees are payable in accordance with our Terms of Trade.
Reports may be withheld until the inspection fee has been paid in full, where legally permitted.
Cancellation
Inspection bookings are subject to our Booking and Cancellation Policy.
Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, our liability in relation to an inspection is limited to the amount paid for that inspection.
We are not liable for indirect or consequential loss, loss of use, loss of income, loss of opportunity, purchase decisions, negotiation outcomes, hidden or existing defects, inaccessible systems, or failures occurring after the inspection.
Nothing in these terms is intended to exclude liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.
Consumer Guarantees Act 1993
Where the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 applies, nothing in these terms limits or excludes your rights under that Act.
Where the inspection is acquired for business purposes, the parties agree to contract out of that Act to the extent permitted by section 43, and agree that it is fair and reasonable to do so.
Health and safety
We may stop or decline an inspection where conditions are unsafe.
Known hazards must be disclosed to us before the inspection begins.
Governing law
These Inspection Terms are governed by New Zealand law.