Specialised Guidance, Analysis, and Assurance.
Marine Warranty Surveys
Since 2005, Waves Group has been dedicated to supporting offshore projects in reducing risk through our expert Marine Warranty Survey (MWS) services. As an independent consultancy, we can flexibly and rapidly respond to the needs of our clients around the world.
Under the brands “Mwaves” and “Waves Group,” we have built an unrivalled reputation for Marine Warranty Surveys and expertise in the industry. Our team of qualified Marine Warranty Inspectors are committed to ensuring that all aspects of your project are managed with the highest standards of safety and compliance.
For reliable and efficient MWS solutions, contact Waves Group today or view our range of expertise in the markets listed below.
What is a Marine Warranty Survey?
A Marine Warranty Survey is an independent technical review and inspection process used to reduce the risks associated with specified marine operations to an acceptable level.
The MWS process normally combines:
- Review of engineering calculations, drawings and procedures
- Assessment of vessels, equipment and personnel
- Examination of weather criteria and operational limits
- Attendance during preparations or critical operations
- Verification that recommendations and conditions have been satisfied
- Issuance of a Certificate of Approval where appropriate
The fundamental purpose is risk reduction. It is not simply a final inspection shortly before an operation begins.
What does a Marine Warranty Surveyor do?
A Marine Warranty Surveyor assesses whether a proposed marine operation has been adequately designed, planned and prepared.
In practical terms, the surveyor considers three essential questions:
- Is it strong enough?
- Is it stable enough?
- Can the operation be performed safely and in accordance with the approved procedure?
Depending on the project, this may involve reviewing structural strength, vessel stability, seafastening, lifting arrangements, towing systems, moorings, dynamic positioning capability, ballast plans, metocean limits, contingency arrangements and emergency procedures.
The surveyor also attends relevant vessels, fabrication yards, loadout locations and offshore sites to confirm that the physical arrangements match the approved documentation.
Why is a Marine Warranty Survey required?
An MWS is commonly required as a condition of marine insurance for operations carrying significant or unusual risk.
The insurance policy or endorsement will normally identify the operations that require approval and the conditions that must be satisfied. Proceeding without the required approval, or departing from the approved arrangements, may have insurance consequences. The precise position always depends on the applicable policy wording.
MWS involvement also provides wider project benefits. Independent review can identify missing information, unsuitable equipment, interface risks and impractical procedures before they affect the offshore schedule.
Who appoints the Marine Warranty Surveyor?
The assured will generally appoint and contract the MWS company, subject to acceptance by the underwriters.
The appointment should preserve the MWS company’s independence. The latest Joint Natural Resources Committee codes state that the assured should contract the MWS company directly, except where local law or regulation requires another arrangement.
Underwriters may maintain a panel of accepted MWS companies or require evidence that the proposed company and individual surveyors have suitable competence and relevant project experience.
When should the MWS be appointed?
The MWS should be appointed as early as practicable, ideally while the marine strategy, contracting arrangements and key procedures are still being developed.
Early engagement allows the surveyor to:
- Agree the project-specific scope of work
- Identify the operations requiring Certificates of Approval
- Establish document submission and review dates
- Plan vessel and site attendances
- Participate in HAZID, HAZOP, SIMOPS and contingency reviews
- Highlight critical technical or insurance requirements
- Resolve comments before they affect mobilisation
Bringing the MWS into a project only immediately before sailaway or installation creates unnecessary risk. Late document submission can leave insufficient time for engineering changes, physical modifications or proper close-out of recommendations.
Read our article on Answers to the Industry’s Most Frequently Asked Questions click here
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