Outstanding Survey Fees

A P&I club asked a marine surveyor to carry out a condition survey on a ship. The surveyor noted several deficiencies and, as a result, the P&I club requested the surveyor to conduct a follow-up survey. Although the P&I club copied the instructions to the shipowner, it was not clear whether the P&I club or the owner would be responsible for the survey fee. Unfortunately, the surveyor did not question this when accepting the instruction; he merely carried out the survey and sent his report to the P&I club. The invoice was sent to the owner. The owner did not pay and the surveyor asked ITIC to collect the debt. It became apparent that the owner was in financial difficulties and could not pay the surveyor’s invoice. ITIC negotiated on behalf of the surveyor with the P&I club and the owner and, eventually, the invoice was paid.