Two workers in hard hats review blueprints on a large vessel under construction.

UNDERSTANDING THE FIVE-YEAR SURVEY

The five-year survey is a mandatory, in-depth inspection required by a yacht’s classification society and flag state. Conducted every five years, it ensures that the vessel is structurally sound, operationally reliable, and fully compliant with international standards. Whether you are a current owner or a prospective buyer, the five-year survey provides essential insight into the yacht’s condition, offering transparency and confidence in ownership or purchase decisions.

A large, sleek yacht with a wooden deck and a dark, expansive body of water in the background.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES

The primary objectives of the five-year survey are to:

Confirm the yacht’s seaworthiness and structural soundness.
Verify that all machinery, systems, and safety equipment function to class standards.
Review maintenance records and compliance documentation to ensure operational transparency.
Identify any required repairs or updates to preserve the vessel’s classification and certification.

In essence, it is comparable to a major service interval in other asset classes, providing assurance that the yacht continues to meet the technical and safety expectations of a vessel “in class.”

Why it is important

The five-year survey represents a critical milestone in a yacht’s lifecycle. Beyond fulfilling regulatory obligations, it provides owners, captains, and prospective buyers with a detailed understanding of the vessel’s true condition.

By addressing any deficiencies and maintaining compliance with class and flag requirements, the survey helps safeguard the yacht’s value, performance, and safety for years to come.

Engaging the Y.CO Refit Team to prepare thoroughly for this inspection ensures a smooth process and reinforces confidence that the yacht remains not only compliant — but truly seaworthy and dependable.

A ship's captain navigates the open sea from the bridge, surrounded by advanced radar and navigation systems.

SCOPE OF THE SURVEY

The five-year survey is the most extensive of the periodic class inspections. It generally encompasses the following elements:

HAUL-OUT AND UNDERWATER INSPECTION

The yacht is dry-docked for external examination. Surveyors inspect the hull, propellers, shafts, rudders, stabilizers, and underwater fittings for signs of wear, corrosion, or structural issues.

STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY ASSESSMENT

Advanced tools, such as ultrasonic thickness testing, are used to assess hull plating and structural components, ensuring there is no hidden degradation or corrosion.

MACHINERY AND TECHNICAL SYSTEMS REVIEW

Main engines, generators, hydraulic systems, fuel and lubrication systems, and electrical installations are inspected and tested for operational performance and compliance with technical standards.

SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION

Firefighting systems, alarms, life-saving appliances, and emergency procedures are reviewed to confirm that all equipment meets the latest regulatory requirements and functions correctly.