Waterfront property is a desirable investment that offers unparalleled views and lifestyle benefits. But a home or business fronts an ocean, bay, river, lake or canal, with unique issues and challenges requiring special considerations. Inspectors often encounter situations where a regulation seems applicable but may be inappropriate or not in the best interest of overall safety.
Identifying Issues
Waterfront facilities are exposed to constant wear and tear. Over time, this can lead to structural weakness, erosion, or other issues that may not be obvious. Regular inspections can identify these hidden problems early and help you take steps to correct them before they escalate. This can save you from costly repairs or even seawall failure. If you’re considering purchasing a waterfront home, it’s essential to find reputable marine inspection services that specialize in assessing the condition of waterfront structures like seawalls and docks. They can also provide a detailed assessment of the home’s location and if it is likely to be affected by environmental damage or flooding. During an inspection, the inspector must notify the master or representative of deficiencies. This is a requirement for any inspection. However, the master or representative is not required to be informed if a deficiency does not affect the safe operation of a vessel or is not of a kind that requires action by the Coast Guard.
Detecting Defects
Waterfront properties are unique in that they require different care than residential homes. This is due to the additional moisture in the air, the increased risk of mold and mildew, and other factors. It’s important to consider all of these factors when assessing the maintenance requirements of waterfront properties.
Waterfront property owners are often surprised to learn that the shoreline may move over time. This could cause problems like erosion that affect structures or water depth. This is why it’s important to check the location of your home’s bulkhead and conduct a marine inspection before buying.
Marine inspectors are often approached by individuals from ship safety committees who ask for interpretations of regulations. OCMIS needs to note these requests in their inspection reports. This ensures that the commandant and other leaders know the issues in these situations. In addition, this practice prevents erroneous perceptions that the Coast Guard does not find any deficiencies during vessel inspections.
Preventing Damage
Waterfront living offers stunning views and access to exciting activities and includes added responsibilities. Keeping your seawall in good condition is important during hurricane season to protect your home and family from dangerous waves and wind damage.
During inspections, marine inspectors look for signs of early deterioration that can lead to structural damage. This ensures the safety of anyone using the seawall, reducing the risk of costly repairs or replacement.
For docks and piers, marine inspectors check for safety hazards like protruding nails and screws as well as rust on anchoring beams. They also look for deterioration in the decking and pilings. In addition, the water’s salinity can increase the severity of corrosion on metal parts and components. For these reasons, it’s critical to perform regular inspections. These inspections can help prevent serious problems, such as collapse or rot, resulting in costly repairs and replacement.
Increasing Value
The location of the waterfront property comes with a built-in advantage—the water views and opportunities that come with living by a lake, river, ocean, or pond. Waterfront homes typically sell at a higher price than those inland, so making the most of this potential selling point is important.
Whether you plan to buy a new boat or yacht or sell your existing one, the onsite marine survey is essential. It is a more comprehensive inspection than the surface-level evaluation performed by a boat inspector, and it can help you better understand your vessel’s underlying condition to make an informed purchase decision or pricing strategy.
A marine survey is also appropriate for larger maritime insurance cases in which the extent of damage may need to be assessed. Marine surveyors are experienced with yacht and small craft marine vessels and are often employed directly by maritime insurance companies to perform inspections.
