Systems audits

Understand the boat’s condition before a fault develops

I have carried out technical inspections, surveys and audits for owners and yacht management companies. The aim is to provide a documented view of system condition so that maintenance can be planned with better information.

I offer three types of audit: electrical systems, navigation electronics and IT networks. They can be commissioned separately or combined to suit the boat. Before starting, we agree which systems will be inspected, the access required and the tests that can be carried out.

Electrical audits: checking what works out of sight

This is one of the preventive inspections I value most. I examine the technical spaces included in the scope, checking equipment, cabling, terminals and terminal blocks for loose connections, corrosion, wear and other signs of deterioration.

I combine inspection, measurements and photographs with thermal imaging, checking systems under load where conditions permit. Thermal imaging helps locate abnormal heating, which must then be interpreted and checked against the other findings.

As a guide, the onboard inspection of a boat of around 20 metres may take approximately two working days. Timing depends on complexity, accessibility and the agreed scope; report preparation is also considered when planning the assignment.

Navigation electronics: checking the complete system

I review equipment operation, connections and communication between devices. I look for incompatibilities, potentially unreliable links and signs that an installation needs attention before returning to intensive use.

I also review software versions and updates that may be available or appropriate for the installation. The report separates observations from proposed work: an update or modification is assessed and agreed, rather than applied simply because a newer version exists.

IT networks: understanding actual performance

A network audit establishes how the installation is organised and how it performs in use. I review equipment, wired connections, Wi-Fi coverage, network layout and configuration, including any VLAN separation between users or systems.

Depending on the scope, I measure speed, latency and packet loss, and assess potential bottlenecks, address conflicts and access and security settings. The result is a report on network condition and improvements worth considering, including where the network supports onboard audiovisual and control systems —AV/IT—.

A report to help decide what to do, and in which order

I provide a detailed report with photographs, measurements, thermal images where relevant and my analysis of the findings. It records the systems inspected, test conditions and any points that could not be checked.

Recommendations are prioritised to distinguish items needing attention, work to schedule and points to monitor. This gives the owner or management company a basis for planning the next steps. Any resulting repairs or upgrades are agreed separately.

Plan ahead during the quieter season

I generally recommend an annual review, preferably in autumn or winter, to allow time before the next season. Inspections can also be arranged at other times, with frequency and scope adapted to the boat’s use and condition.

Finding wear or deteriorating connections early can help avoid more expensive faults and lost holiday time. An audit helps anticipate problems, although it cannot guarantee that no fault will occur. Tell me the boat’s length, the systems you want checked and your available dates so I can prepare a proposal.