Eyes on Boats

ABOUT YOU AND US
Boating is about having fun and most owners make a considerable effort to maintain their pride and joy. But what is happening to your vessel when you are not there?
Are the mooring lines holding, are the auto bilge pumps functioning, is the waterline lower than it should be, what’s that smell coming from the cockpit, is the power connected and working, are the doors and windows locked, who’s that person on the boat?
Even the most well maintained vessel can become the victim of unforseen problems and these issues can develop at an alarming rate, unnoticed because owners simply don’t have time to maintain the required vigil over their boat.

EYES-ON-BOATS offers a personalised service designed to save you time and help prevent expensive boat disasters.
Andrew Raven, principal of EYES-ON-BOATS, honed his skills over many years in a major Australian marina, inspecting and helping safeguard thousands of vessels in all weather conditions, spotting tiny signs of trouble and acting decisively to help prevent expensive disasters.
EYES-ON-BOATS SERVICES
A key is regularity. EYES-ON-BOATS perform regular inspections designed to detect problems commonly experienced in penned boats.
COMMON PROBLEMS
Water ingress and Oil Leaks
Water leaks are not uncommon in moored boats, and experienced eyes will detect the signs before they become a major issue. Experience shows that a quick check aboard to turn off a through-hull valve may prevent a more serious problem. In some cases deployment of a portable emergency pump (PEP) will offer the best chance of saving a boat. EYES-ON-BOATS carries PEP as standard. In like manner, spotting and reacting to a tiny oil leak may mean the difference between a clean-up inside a boat or a serious marina spill. EYES-ON-BOATS routinely carry emergency oil spill booms.
Shore Power
A supply of continuous shore power is regarded as essential by many boat owners. Hence, unless an owner has made arrangements not to have shore power connected and has told us, EYES-ON-BOATS will ensure the AC shore power lead is connected and switched on. Correct AC function may be vital to charging batteries, detection systems and bilging of clear water. if shore power is disconnected prolonged auto bilging will flatten a boat’s batteries, and as a consequence the in-boat emergency bilging system will not function. For the owner’s peace of mind EYES-ON-BOATS will arrange customised checks of AC power supply and RCD function on request.
Forgetful Skippers
Since skippers are human, it is not surprising they sometimes forget the odd chore when locking up. EYES-ON-BOATS Standard Inspections cover vessel hatches, locks, doors, windows and irregularities. The spin-off is that the regular presence of EYES-ON-BOATS enhances existing pen security.
Mooring Gear
Many boats become damaged when secured with poor mooring gear. In most clubs and marinas, lines, chains, weights and snubbers are the responsibility of the pen occupant. Usually, mooring gear must comply with the standards required by the club. Standard Inspections will ensure your boat is securely moored and coping with weather and tidal conditions found in the area, and EYES-ON-BOATS will report confidentially to you any signs of wear and tear of your mooring gear. We carry temporary lines and other mooring gear as standard. With your approval EYES-ON-BOATS will assist your club by advising it free of charge of any seriously-defective hardware not regarded by the club as an occupant responsibility.
INSPECTIONS
EYES-ON-BOATS offer two categories of inspection: Standard and Customised. See COSTS
STANDARD INSPECTIONS are carried out a minimum of (3) three times per week. EYES-ON-BOATS check:
• water line integrity;
• bilging;
• external signs of oil leaks;
• AC Shore Power Connection – connected and ON;
• moorings – security of lines, weights, chains and chafing of lines;
• security of hatches, locks, doors and windows (necessitates boarding your vessel);
• any irregularities; and
• provide a written confidential report and dated photograph once fortnightly.

CUSTOMISED INSPECTIONS are tailored to suit individual owners and include all of the Standard Inspection checks, plus any others as agreed, including:
• board and enter the cabin, check power board is ON, check cabin lights and fridge are working;
• check operation of navigation, running and anchor lights; check auto bilge is ON;
• check fuel gauge level/s;
• lift engine hatch and check oil and coolant levels for main engine/s;
• run engine/s at working RPM for 15 minutes and note stabilised temperatures;
• check gen set gauge for output under load;
• check anchor winch operation;
• check canopies, clears, fenders, loose halyards, and deck equipment;
• and provide a written confidential report and dated photograph, as arranged.

MANAGEABLE CAUSES AND EMERGENCIES
Manageable Causes: If during any inspection EYES-ON-BOATS suspects an irregularity, it may investigate and attempt to remedy a manageable cause, or may call the owner at its discretion. A manageable cause may otherwise be reported in a routine confidential report to the Owner.
Emergencies: In the case of a genuine emergency such as a water or oil leak EYES-ON-BOATS may deploy a Portable Emergency Pump (PEP) in the boat or an oil spill boom over the side, as the case may be. Where in the opinion of EYES-ON-BOATS the marina could be adversely affected, or the marina staff are able to deal promptly with the emergency, EYES-ON-BOATS may call the club/marina by telephone then advise the emergency contact (as nominated by the owner) and follow up with a confidential email and dated photograph to the owner or his nominated emergency contact, as arranged.
In an emergency EYES-ON-BOATS may need access to the Boat internally.

COSTS
Standard Inspections
• Sign up for 12 months @ $20 per week for three Standard Inspections per week.
• Sign up for 6 months @ $25 per week for three Standard Inspections per week.
• Sign up for one month @ $40 per week for three Standard Inspections per week.
• The Standard Inspection includes the cost of the Fortnightly Report.
CUSTOMISED INSPECTIONS. Cost may vary from boat to boat and will be as agreed with the owner.
INITIAL VIEWING Of BOATS
PLEASE NOTE: Prior to any owner signing up, EYES-ON-BOATS will carry out an obligation free inspection on the vessel to ascertain its current condition.