ON/OFF HIRE SURVEYS
On/Off Hire Surveys are carried out on marine equipment, such as construction barges, that are being hired out, or chartered, by the owner to another marine company. This requires two surveys; one just before the vessel goes on hire, and one at the time it comes off hire. The first survey establishes the condition prior to the charter period, and the second determines whether any damage, other than normal wear and tear has been done during the charter period. Obviously, this survey by an independent third party can prevent a lot of trouble regarding responsibility and liability for vessel damage which may or may not have occurred during the charter period.
This type of survey is usually done either on behalf of the vessel' s owner or the owner's insurance company. Occasionally, the charterer will have a second surveyor accompany the owner's surveyor. This is known as a joint survey, and the two surveyors will either draw up a joint survey report, or at least agree on the vessel's condition if each is to write his own report.