Marine Surveyor
About UK Boat Surveys
UK Boat Surveys delivers independent, high-quality marine surveys for leisure vessels across the UK. Led by Principal Marine Surveyor David Rawlinson, we combine technical accuracy with real-world experience to help boat owners make confident decisions.
Meet David Rawlinson - Your Principal Marine Surveyor
With over 20 years of hands-on maritime experience, David Rawlinson leads UK Boat Surveys as a seasoned and highly qualified marine surveyor. Beginning his career as a boat builder in GRP, FRP and wood, David has build and understood vessels from the hull up – a rare advantage in the world of boat surveying.
He holds a prestigious MCA Master 3000gt Yacht Certificate, is an RYA Ocean Yachtmaster and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Marine Surveying alongside an HDN in Maritime Studies. David has sailed more than 250,000 miles as a professional delivery skipper and Captain of sailing and motor yachts up to 80 meters.
As a former superyacht Captain, he has overseen major refits and new builds across global shipyards – from the UK to the Mediterranean and beyond. This blend of deep technical knowledge, global sea time, and project supervision gives clients unmatched insight and reliability.
Whether you are buying, selling or maintaining your vessel, David brings clarity, experience, and peace of mind to every boat survey.
Our Mission and Values
At UK Boat Surveys, we believe every boat owner deserves clear, honest guidance. Whether you’re buying your first yacht or maintaining a well-loved cruiser, our mission is to deliver unbiased, thorough surveys that protect your investment and safety at sea.
We value precision, professionalism, and transparency in every report.
Why Clients Trust Us
Over 250,000 nautical miles of seagoing experience
Real-world insight from boat building to command
Unbiased, independent reporting
MCA-certified and RYA-qualified
Global refit and project supervision expertise
Associations & Qualifications
- Postgraduate Diploma in Marine Surveying (Lloyds Maritime Academy)
- MCA Master 3000GT Certificate (Warsash Maritime Academy)
- RYA Ocean Yachtmaster
- HDN in Maritime Studies (Plymouth University)
- Member of RINA (The Royal Institute of Naval Architects)
- Member of SCMS (The Society of Consulting Marine Engineers and Ship Surveyors)
Who We Work With
We work exclusively with private boat owners and leisure craft under 24 metres, offering B2C services for buyers, sellers, and owners across the UK.
Covering the Southern Area of the UK
At UK Boat Surveys, we cover a wide area from our base in Southampton – providing expert surveys across the South Coast, East Coast and Wales.
From Lowestoft round to Milford Haven, including key ports like Southampton, Poole, Falmouth, Brighton, Dover and the Thames Estuary, we are proud to offer trusted marine surveys within a 4 hour travel radius.
We include travel within 100 miles of Southampton at no extra cost. Beyond that, a fair, fixed travel fee applies.
- Lowestoft
- Ipswich
- Harwich
- Brightlingsea
- Chichester
- Portsmouth
- Southampton
- Lymington
- Poole
- Weymouth
- Dartmouth
- Plymouth
- Fowey
- Falmouth
- Penzance
- Milford Haven
FAQs - Your Marine Surveyor Questions Answered
We know booking a Boat Survey can feel daunting – but it does not have to be. Here are answers to the most common questions we get from boat owners across the UK.
Yes – a professional survey give you peace of mind, ensures the vessel is seaworthy, and can reveal hidden problems that may impact value or safety.
Survey costs vary depending on the vessel size and type. Use our instant Quote tool for a fast cost based on your boat’s details.
Our surveys include a full inspection of hull, deck, rig, systems, machinery and safety gear. A detailed report with photos and recommendations is provided.
Most surveys take a full day on board. You will receive the full written report within 24 hours if using our express service, otherwise it is our standard 48 hours.
Ready to Book Your UK Marine Survey?
Fast, professional, and fully independent boat surveys across the UK coastline – from Lowestoft to Milford Haven.