Small craft marine surveyor
Inspect yachts and motor boats for buyers, owners and insurers, and write up clear condition and value reports.
- £2k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
8,155 UK companies in this field, 27% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 71200 “Technical testing and analysis”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
Independent inspection of leisure boats such as sailing yachts, motor cruisers and small commercial craft. You check the hull, engine, rigging and safety gear, then write a report on condition and value.
Your first three steps
- Look at the main surveyor qualification routes and professional bodies in the UK, and choose a training path
- Build experience by assisting an established surveyor or working in a boatyard or marine trade
- Set up a simple report template, get professional indemnity insurance quotes and make contact with local brokers and boatyards
Who pays
People buying a second-hand boat, owners who need a report for insurance or finance, and insurers or brokers who ask for a survey.
How it makes money
A fee per survey, usually based on boat size and the time needed, plus travel costs. Insurance and valuation reports can be charged separately.
Skills that help
- Hands-on knowledge of boat construction and engines
- Clear, careful report writing
- Comfortable working in boatyards and cramped spaces
- Honest and independent judgement
Watch out for
- Professional indemnity insurance is usually essential, as a missed fault can lead to a claim. Check cover levels with insurers
- Many insurers and lenders only accept reports from surveyors with recognised qualifications or body membership, so check what they require
- Work is often seasonal and depends on the boat sales market
- Check whether you need extra cover or training for working at height, in boatyards or on boats out of the water
- Keep your reports independent and avoid conflicts of interest, such as surveying a boat you also sell or repair
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: small craft marine surveyor
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start as a marine surveyor?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on your equipment, insurance and any training. Professional indemnity insurance is usually essential, so check cover levels with insurers.
What should I check before working as a marine surveyor?
Check what qualifications or body membership insurers and lenders require before accepting your reports. Also check whether you need extra cover or training for working at height, in boatyards or on boats out of the water, and avoid conflicts of interest.
How much can a small craft marine surveyor earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many surveys you win and the boat sales market. Work is often seasonal, so plan for quieter months.
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