Business Details
17 Years
experience
Professional Marine Surveyors in Balmain, NSW
Established in 2009, ShipShape Marine Surveying has become a trusted name in professional marine surveying across Sydney, Pittwater, and the New South Wales Coast. Our founder, Mark Robertson, brings over 35 years of maritime industry experience to every inspection, combining formal qualifications from the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) with hands-on expertise gained through roles in Europe and Australia. We specialise in delivering accurate, impartial marine survey reports that protect both your investment and safety afloat, with a focus on quality, detail, and professionalism. Our services include pre-purchase surveys, insurance condition and valuation reports, fair market valuations, and damage assessments, all enhanced by colour photography and delivered in clear, accessible language.Backed by memberships in the Boating Industry Association (BIA) and IIMS, our reports meet requirements of leading finance and insurance institutions. Every survey includes a comprehensive debrief and prioritised recommendations graded by urgency, with reports typically issued within 3-4 working days. Mark's career spans roles from yacht brokerage in the UK to commercial boatmaster operations, culminating in ShipShape's mission to promote boating safety through rigorous inspections. Clients consistently praise our thoroughness, with testimonials highlighting our ability to identify critical issues and provide actionable insights that inform purchasing decisions and maintenance planning.
Services
Pre-Purchase Survey
Insurance Condition & Valuation
Fair Market Valuation
Damage Assessment
Marine Inspection Services
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of maritime industry experience from IIMS-registered surveyors
- Our reports include prioritised recommendations graded by urgency for clear action
- Surveys meet requirements of leading finance and insurance institutions
- We provide comprehensive debriefs with actionable insights during inspections
- Backed by formal qualifications in yacht and small craft surveying
Associations and certifications
- International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS)
- Boating Industry Association (BIA)
What people say
Most thorough inspection
Comprehensive report
Prompt service
Clear recommendations
Highly recommend
Services
Pre-Purchase Survey
This comprehensive marine survey evaluates vessels prior to purchase, identifying structural integrity, mechanical condition, and safety compliance. Our reports include graded recommendations for essential repairs, advisory maintenance, and suggested improvements. The inspection covers hull, deck, rigging, engines, electrical systems, and safety equipment, with a debrief session to discuss findings and negotiate repairs or pricing adjustments.
Insurance C&V Survey
Condition and Valuation surveys assess vessels for insurance underwriting, focusing on structural safety, fire prevention, and navigational equipment. We examine hull-to-deck joints, keel fittings, mechanical installations, and safety systems to determine insurability. Reports highlight potential risks that could lead to sinking, fire, or dismasting, ensuring compliance with insurance requirements while maintaining crew safety.
Valuation Survey
Determining fair market value for legal, customs, or financial purposes, this survey considers vessel age, condition, and operating systems. Our methodology combines industry standards with practical assessment of hull integrity, mechanical components, and equipment functionality. The formal valuation statement supports divorce settlements, estate planning, and importation processes with independent, defensible figures.
Damage Survey
Post-incident damage assessments investigate collision, grounding, or weather-related incidents to determine repair scope and causation. We document damage extent, recommend repairs, and provide expert testimony for insurance claims or disputes. Surveys include photographic evidence and technical analysis of structural failures, mechanical damage, and safety system compromises.
People
Mark Robertson
Marine Surveyor
With over 35 years in the maritime industry, Mark holds an IIMS diploma in yacht surveying and MCA commercial qualifications. His career spans UK brokerage roles, Mediterranean crewing, and NSW commercial operations. He established ShipShape in 2009 after completing formal surveying training.
Questions
What types of marine surveys do you offer?
We provide pre-purchase surveys, insurance condition and valuation reports, fair market valuations, and damage assessments for vessels across NSW.
How long does a marine survey take?
Most inspections take 3-4 working days including report preparation, with debrief sessions conducted immediately after on-site assessments.
Are your surveyors qualified?
Our lead surveyor holds an IIMS diploma in yacht surveying and has 35+ years maritime experience, including MCA commercial qualifications.
Can you survey boats interstate?
Yes, we regularly conduct surveys for interstate clients, with recent inspections covering vessels from Queensland to Victoria.
What's included in a pre-purchase survey?
Our pre-purchase surveys cover hull integrity, mechanical systems, electrical installations, safety equipment, and navigation systems with graded repair recommendations.
