- RYA • IIMS • YDSA • MECAL Certified
- RYA • IIMS • YDSA • MECAL Cert.
- Sailing & Motor Yachts
Professional Marine Survey Services
Independent. Thorough. Straightforward
Accredited independent marine surveys carried out thoroughly and reported honestly, for sailing yachts and motor yachts throughout the Eastern Mediterranean, Europe and Asia.
- Based in the Eastern Mediterranean • Serving Europe & Asia
- MCA Compliance Examiner
- Tonnage Measurer
- Independent & Accredited
Professional Affiliations
Internationally Accredited & Certified
Joe is recognised by the following UK marine surveying organisations:
Our Services
Comprehensive Marine Survey Solutions
Professional survey services for sailing yachts and motor yachts throughout the Eastern Mediterranean, Europe and Asia.
- Sailing Yachts
- Motor Yachts
Full Condition Survey
Buying a yacht is a significant investment. A full condition survey is a thorough, independent inspection of a yacht before purchase.
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Appraisal Inspection
A walk-through assessment to help you evaluate a yacht before going further. A practical first step that identifies if the yacht is suitable without the cost of a full survey.
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MCA Coding
Inspection and certification of red ensign flagged commercial vessels under 24 metres load line length. The certificate is required to operate commercially.
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Tonnage for Registration
A tonnage certificate is required for yacht registration. Joe is authorised to carry out measurements for vessels under 24 metres load line for UK and other Red Ensign Group registries.
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Insurance Survey
Required by insurers when ownership changes or a vessel reaches a certain age. This survey is generally carried out with the yacht on hard standing.
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Valuation Survey
An accurate market valuation for finance, legal, insurance or sale purposes. Based on current market conditions and the actual condition of the vessel.
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Damage Survey
A damage survey assesses the extent of damage to your vessel, providing clear documentation to support an insurance or warranty claim. This survey is often carried out directly for insurance companies.
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New Yacht Builds
I can act as your representative at the shipyard, monitoring construction progress and reporting directly to you throughout the build.
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Survey Finder
Not sure which survey applies to your situation? You're not alone. Answer two questions and we'll point you in the right direction.
About Joe Rowles
Internationally Accredited Marine Surveyor & Consultant
Joe has been surveying yachts in the Eastern Mediterranean for over 20 years, covering the Aegean, Greek islands, and wider Mediterranean, working with clients across Europe and Asia.
Joe comes from a practical engineering background. In the early 1990s he worked as a helicopter technician before moving into the marine industry in 1993. After working as a marine mechanic and carrying out refit and repair work, he began marine surveying in 2001 and holds a diploma in Yacht and Small Craft Surveying.
A keen sailor himself, Joe has sailed throughout the Mediterranean, across the Atlantic, and in the Baltic and North Sea.
Professional Credentials
- Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Boat Inspector
- International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) Full Member
- Yacht Designers & Surveyors Association (YDSA) Accredited
- MECAL Authorised Surveyor
- Certified Tonnage Measurer
Why Clients Choose Joe Rowles
No agenda
Joe has nothing to gain from the outcome of a survey. His job is to find out the condition of the vessel and report it accurately.
Reports you can actually use
Findings are clearly documented, photographed and prioritised so you know what needs immediate attention and what can wait.
He knows the region
Over two decades working in the Eastern Mediterranean means Joe understands local conditions, common vessel issues in these waters, and the realities of the regional yacht market.
Straightforward communication
Joe responds promptly, explains things plainly, and is happy to talk through his findings with you directly after the survey.
Qualifications
DipMarSur (YS) MIIMS
- Important Information
Choosing a Marine Surveyor
The marine surveying industry is unregulated. Anyone can legally call themselves a marine surveyor.
Membership of a recognised organisation does not guarantee a good surveyor, but it does mean the surveyor has been vetted, holds relevant qualifications, and is required to stay active and up to date to maintain their membership.
Additionally, certain work such as tonnage measurement and MCA coding inspections can only be carried out by surveyors accredited by recognised organisations.
Joe is a full member of the IIMS, an accredited member of the YDSA, an RYA boat inspector, and MECAL surveyor and has been surveying yachts in the Eastern Mediterranean since 2001.
What Clients Say
Trusted by sailing yacht and motor yacht owners throughout the Mediterranean.
“I found the survey report invaluable for feeling secure about the purchase and the list of service or repair items gave me a detailed list of things to do that I might otherwise overlook or just not think is important. Thanks Joe.”
Jeffery Smith
Jeanneau Odyssey 32
Full Condition Survey
“Joe carried out a pre purchase survey for us on a Beneteau Oceanis 473. It was very thorough and detailed and he dealt with our agent saving us a lot of time chasing to get issues sorted. The report was very detailed and all queries answered quickly.”
Niall Ewen
Beneteau Oceanis 473
Pre-Purchase Survey
“We commissioned Mr Rowles to carry out a full condition (pre purchase) survey on a 26 year old HR352. In his response to our initial inquiry Mr Rowles was precise in what the survey would cover, what he would charge, and when the survey and if required the sea trial could be carried out. The execution of the survey was thorough, well organised, and meticulously carried out.”
Christopher and Annabel Moir
Hallberg-Rassy 352
Full Condition Survey
“Joe Rowles helped me a lot with the survey. I have got the report in one week and it was very detailed. Joe Rowles answered all my questions and advised me during the buying process of my new vessel. Thank you very much. I really appreciate your help!”
Harry Davis
Sunseeker 88
Pre-Purchase Survey
“I was impressed with Joe Rowles professionalism such that I would select him for any future survey of a boat in Southern Turkey. Thoroughly recommended”
Peter Buchan
Lagoon 42
Insurance Survey
“Your survey and report were a marked improvement on my previous experience of yacht surveys, which I've been involved in quite a lot over the years, both as seller & purchaser, and which have ranged from the reasonably competent to the frankly useless. I was particularly impressed with the time spent and the comprehensive nature of both the examination and report. I consider your service very good value for money, and would not hesitate to recommend it to others.”
Graham
Ferretti 85
Full Condition Survey
“I am grateful to Joe for managing the entire survey process on my behalf, including lifting out and coordinating the survey with the owners. The survey and survey report were carried out in a detailed and professional manner. In short, Joe provided a thorough, professional and personal service, and I am pleased to recommend him.”
John Hill
Lagoon 50
Pre-Purchase Survey
Get In Touch
Request a Survey
Tell Joe about your yacht and the survey you require. He will respond promptly with availability and a competitive quote.
What happens next?
Submit your enquiry
Provide basic details about your yacht and requirements
Receive a quote
Joe will respond with pricing and availability
Schedule your survey
Agree a convenient date and location
No obligation. Joe will review your details and come back to you personally, usually within one working day.