Frequently Asked Questions

A marine casualty survey is an independent inspection of a vessel following a reported loss event — such as collision, grounding, storm, fire, flooding, sinking, or machinery failure. The purpose is to document observed condition and damage, identify visible damage patterns, and provide a written report suitable for claim handling, repair planning, valuation support, or dispute resolution.

Insurance carriers, independent adjusters, claims representatives, attorneys, boatyards, repair facilities, vessel owners, and marine industry stakeholders. All Coast works with any party that requires an objective, independent inspection and written report.

Yes. The surveyor's role is independent and objective. Payment of fees does not influence findings, opinions, recommendations, or conclusions. Reports document what was observed during inspection. Attempts to pressure, direct, or influence the surveyor's findings may result in termination of the assignment, with fees earned to date remaining due.

No. Preliminary comments made during inspection are not final opinions. Final opinions are provided only in the written report after review of findings, photographs, documents, and supporting information.

Infrared thermography uses a calibrated thermal camera to detect temperature differences in vessel structures and systems. It can reveal electrical hot spots, moisture intrusion in hull and deck cores, laminate anomalies, and machinery issues not visible to the naked eye. Thermographic findings are interpreted in context with visual inspection, moisture readings, and other available evidence — they are indicators, not stand-alone conclusions.

Yes. All Coast Marine conducts independent marine casualty and damage surveys for insurance carriers, independent adjusters, claims representatives, attorneys, vessel owners, and repair facilities. Reports are clear, well-documented, and prepared for claim handling, repair planning, valuation support, or dispute resolution.

All Coast Marine provides marine casualty and damage surveys, insurance claim documentation, cause and origin documentation, infrared thermography, repair scope review, valuation support, dispute and litigation support, condition and value surveys, pre-purchase surveys, and consulting services.

Yes. Valuation support includes actual cash value, pre-loss value, post-loss value, diminution considerations, repair-versus-total-loss discussions, and market-supported vessel value. Valuation opinions may consider make, model, year, equipment, condition, market data, comparable sales, and available documentation.

Reports are typically delivered within 24–72 hours following completion of the inspection, depending on scope and complexity. Expedited delivery is available for urgent claim or repair situations, subject to rush fees.

Casualty and damage surveys are billed at $175/hr with a $750 minimum. Pre-purchase surveys start at $30–$38/ft with a $950 minimum. Condition and value surveys start at $24–$30/ft with a $750 minimum. Consulting, testimony, and specialized services have their own rate structures. See the Fee Schedule page for the complete rate sheet.

Private vessel owner assignments generally require payment before report release. Insurance, adjuster, attorney, and corporate assignments may be billed by invoice subject to approved terms. Attorney and litigation assignments require a retainer. Rush assignments require a deposit. Payment source or claim position does not influence findings or report content.

Yes. All Coast provides marine inspection, damage documentation, report review, valuation support, technical consultation, and expert support within qualifications. All Coast does not provide legal opinions or advocate for unsupported conclusions. Deposition testimony is $350/hr with a 4-hour minimum. Trial testimony is $400/hr with a full-day minimum.

All Coast Marine is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and serves clients throughout South Florida and surrounding coastal areas. Travel outside the local service area is available and billed at $100/hr plus expenses.

For casualty, damage, and pre-purchase surveys, a haul-out is strongly recommended when applicable. It allows proper inspection of the hull bottom, running gear, through-hulls, and other components that cannot be fully evaluated in the water. The decision depends on the vessel type, reported damage, and scope of the assignment.

A pre-purchase survey includes detailed inspection of the hull, structure, propulsion systems, electrical systems, onboard equipment, and safety gear. Sea trial and haul-out are strongly recommended. The report is suitable for purchase negotiation, insurance placement, and financing.