Update 09 December 2024: Checklist version 1.2 uploaded
Update 15 March 2025: Checklist version 1.3 uploaded and What are we looking for during an inspection added
In light of recent incidents, we believe it is essential to share our dive liveaboard vessel inspection checklist more widely. While many checklist items require evaluation by a marine surveyor or similarly qualified expert, much of the information can also help divers gauge the safety standards of a liveaboard vessel.
If you operate a dive liveaboard and would like a professional survey, please consider reaching out to Maritime Survey International (MSI). MSI has audited numerous liveaboard vessels and generously contributed their expertise to the development of this audit checklist.
You can access MSI’s audit program for liveaboard vessels here:
https://maritimesurveyinternational.com/vessel-surveys/
This inspection checklist has been compiled as a minimum requirement for the vessels inspected. It is intended as a stopgap measure to reduce the safety gap to vessels built to an IACS (International Association of Classification Societies) or even a non-IACS class society standard. Newly constructed dive liveaboard vessels should be built in accordance with IACS or even non-IACS class society standards.
The “What are we looking for during an inspection (MSI Dive Liveaboard inspection)” document available below gives you valuable insights what you should be looking for in a safe liveaboard vessel before you book.
Update 09 December 2024: Checklist version 1.2 uploaded
Update 15 March 2025: Checklist version 1.3 uploaded and What are we looking for during an inspection added
In light of recent incidents, we believe it is essential to share our dive liveaboard vessel inspection checklist more widely. While many checklist items require evaluation by a marine surveyor or similarly qualified expert, much of the information can also help divers gauge the safety standards of a liveaboard vessel.
If you operate a dive liveaboard and would like a professional survey, please consider reaching out to Maritime Survey International (MSI). MSI has audited numerous liveaboard vessels and generously contributed their expertise to the development of this audit checklist.
You can access MSI’s audit program for liveaboard vessels here:
https://maritimesurveyinternational.com/vessel-surveys/
This inspection checklist has been compiled as a minimum requirement for the vessels inspected. It is intended as a stopgap measure to reduce the safety gap to vessels built to an IACS (International Association of Classification Societies) or even a non-IACS class society standard. Newly constructed dive liveaboard vessels should be built in accordance with IACS or even non-IACS class society standards.
The “What are we looking for during an inspection (MSI Dive Liveaboard inspection)” document available below gives you valuable insights what you should be looking for in a safe liveaboard vessel before you book.
