FERRY, RO-PAX & RO-RO VESSEL SURVEY IN SPAIN

TYPES OF FERRIES, RO-PAX & RO-RO VESSELS

PASSENGER FERRIES

Commercial ferries primarily carrying passengers on coastal, inter-island or short-sea routes.

VEHICLE FERRIES

Vessels designed to transport cars, trucks and other wheeled vehicles through dedicated Ro-Ro access arrangements.

RO-PAX VESSELS

Combined passenger and vehicle vessels incorporating passenger accommodation together with vehicle decks, ramps and Ro-Ro cargo systems.

CARGO RO-RO VESSELS

Commercial vessels primarily designed for trailers, trucks, wheeled cargo and other rolling units.

MARINE SURVEY SERVICES FOR FERRIES, RO-PAX & RO-RO VESSELS

SHIP CONDITION SURVEY

Independent assessment of the apparent condition of accessible structures, vehicle decks, machinery spaces, ramps, shell openings and vessel equipment.

SHIP CONDITION SURVEY

PRE-PURCHASE SHIP SURVEY

Technical inspection for prospective purchasers who require an independent assessment before acquiring a ferry, Ro-Pax, or Ro-Ro vessel.

PRE-PURCHASE SHIP SURVEY

ON-HIRE / OFF-HIRE SURVEY

Independent documentation of vessel condition at charter delivery or redelivery, including bunker quantities where included in the appointment.

ON-HIRE / OFF-HIRE SURVEY

MARINE DAMAGE SURVEY

Independent technical inspection following collision, grounding, berth contact, ramp damage, shell-door damage, machinery failure or another marine casualty.

MARINE DAMAGE SURVEY

SHIP INSPECTION

Targeted technical inspection of a particular ramp, shell opening, structure, machinery item, technical defect or repair.

SHIP INSPECTION

BUNKER SURVEY

Independent measurement and calculation of bunker quantities and Remaining On Board.

BUNKER SURVEY

PSC PREPARATION & POST-DETENTION SUPPORT

Pre-PSC technical inspections, deficiency review, corrective-work follow-up and preparation for official Port State Control reinspection.

PSC PREPARATION & POST-DETENTION SUPPORT

STRUCTURAL INSPECTION

Ferries, Ro-Pax and Ro-Ro vessels have structural arrangements that differ significantly from conventional cargo ships.

Large hull openings, extensive vehicle decks, and loading systems require particular attention.

Depending on the agreed scope, inspection may include:

• shell plating;

• vehicle decks;

• deck structures;

• bulkheads;

• pillars;

• frames;

• stiffeners;

• brackets;

• ramp foundations;

• shell-door structures;

• superstructure;

• machinery foundations;

• visible welds;

• previous repair areas.

Visible deficiencies may include corrosion, cracking, deformation, coating breakdown, impact damage, buckling and previous structural repairs.

VEHICLE DECK INSPECTION

Vehicle decks are a principal inspection area on Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax vessels.

The survey may include:

• deck plating;

• supporting structures;

• pillars;

• bulkheads;

• vehicle securing points;

• deck drainage;

• internal ramps;

• vehicle barriers;

• access lanes;

• protective structures.

The surveyor may document:

• corrosion;

• deck deformation;

• impact damage;

• cracked structures;

• coating deterioration;

• damaged securing fittings;

• previous repairs.

BOW, STERN & SIDE RAMP INSPECTION

Ro-Ro ramps are critical operational components.

Depending on vessel design, inspection may include:

• ramp structure;

• hinges;

• hydraulic cylinders;

• lifting arrangements;

• supporting structures;

• locking systems;

• seals;

• wire ropes where fitted;

• deck connections;

• operating mechanisms.

Relevant observations may include:

• structural deformation;

• corrosion;

• hydraulic leakage;

• damaged components;

• cracking;

• abnormal wear;

• previous repairs.

Operational testing is only included where specifically agreed.

SHELL DOORS & ACCESS OPENINGS

Shell doors and large loading openings are key structural and operational areas.

Inspection may include accessible:

• bow doors;

• stern doors;

• side doors;

• vehicle-loading doors;

• structural frames;

• hinges;

• locking mechanisms;

• securing arrangements;

• seals;

• surrounding shell structure.

Pay particular attention to deformation, corrosion, cracking, damaged locking components, and visible sealing deficiencies.

INTERNAL RAMPS

Multi-deck Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax vessels frequently use internal ramps to connect vehicle decks.

Inspection may consider:

• ramp structure;

• supporting arrangements;

• hinges;

• hydraulic equipment;

• lifting mechanisms;

• deck interfaces;

• structural deformation;

• corrosion;

• visible leakage.

PASSENGER AREAS ON RO-PAX VESSELS

Where included within the appointment, the survey may also cover accessible passenger spaces such as:

• passenger lounges;

• cabins;

• corridors;

• stairways;

• public spaces;

• external passenger decks;

• doors;

• access routes;

• sanitary spaces.

For cruise ships and passenger-focused vessels without significant Ro-Ro operations:

PASSENGER SHIPS

MACHINERY SPACES

Inspect accessible machinery spaces according to the agreed scope.

Typical equipment may include:

• main engines;

• auxiliary engines;

• generators;

• reduction gears;

• pumps;

• compressors;

• separators;

• steering gear;

• hydraulic systems;

• cooling systems;

• fuel systems;

• lubrication systems;

• piping;

• valves;

• electrical installations.

Visible observations may include leakage, corrosion, poor maintenance, temporary repairs, damaged insulation, and abnormal external conditions.

PROPULSION & MANOEUVRING SYSTEMS

Ferries and Ro-Pax vessels often carry out frequent port manoeuvres, making propulsion and manoeuvring equipment particularly important.

Depending on vessel design, inspection may include accessible:

• main propulsion machinery;

• reduction gears;

• shafting systems;

• azimuth propulsion;

• pod propulsion where fitted;

• steering gear;

• bow thrusters;

• stern thrusters;

• hydraulic systems;

• machinery foundations.

External underwater components require dry-docking or separately arranged underwater inspection where necessary.

MOORING & DECK EQUIPMENT

Frequent port operations also place significant demands on mooring equipment.

Inspection may include:

• anchors;

• windlasses;

• mooring winches;

• capstans;

• fairleads;

• bollards;

• deck fittings;

• hydraulic arrangements;

• access areas.

FIRE-SAFETY-RELATED AREAS

Vehicle decks and passenger spaces require extensive fire-protection arrangements.

Within the limits of the independent survey scope, visible condition may be reviewed for:

• fire doors;

• fire stations;

• hydrants;

• fire hoses;

• portable extinguishers;

• escape routes;

• emergency signage;

• visible fixed-system equipment;

• fire-related vehicle-deck arrangements.

Independent visual inspection does not replace statutory testing or certification.

LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT AREAS

Where required, visible inspection may include relevant areas associated with:

• lifeboats;

• rescue boats;

• liferafts;

• davits;

• launching arrangements;

• muster stations;

• embarkation areas.

Formal statutory inspection and certification remain with authorised organisations.

FERRY, RO-PAX & RO-RO DAMAGE SURVEY

Typical damage scenarios may include:

• berth contact;

• collision;

• grounding;

• tug contact;

• vehicle impact;

• ramp damage;

• shell-door damage;

• heavy-weather damage;

• machinery failure;

• propulsion damage;

• structural cracking.

A Marine Damage Survey may document:

• exact damage location;

• dimensions;

• deformation;

• cracking;

• damaged machinery or equipment;

• affected surrounding structure;

• photographic evidence;

• measurements;

• temporary repairs;

• completed repairs;

• further investigation required.

MARINE DAMAGE SURVEY

PRE-PURCHASE FERRY, RO-PAX & RO-RO SURVEY

Prospective purchasers may require a broader technical assessment before acquiring the vessel.

Depending on the agreed scope, inspection may include:

• hull structure;

• vehicle decks;

• ramps;

• shell doors;

• passenger spaces;

• machinery;

• propulsion systems;

• steering systems;

• thrusters;

• deck equipment;

• visible safety-related arrangements;

• previous repairs;

• available technical documentation.

PRE-PURCHASE SHIP SURVEY

ON-HIRE / OFF-HIRE SURVEYS

Condition surveys at delivery or redelivery may document:

• vehicle deck condition;

• ramps;

• shell openings;

• decks;

• visible existing damage;

• passenger areas where relevant;

• machinery areas;

• deck equipment;

• bunker ROB quantities.

ON-HIRE / OFF-HIRE SURVEY

PORT STATE CONTROL PREPARATION

Ferries and Ro-Pax vessels may present numerous areas relevant to PSC inspection because of their passenger operations, vehicle decks, shell openings, machinery, and safety arrangements.

Independent technical preparation may include:

• structural observations;

• machinery-space inspection;

• vehicle-deck condition;

• ramp and shell-door condition;

• passenger-area observations;

• visible safety-related deficiencies;

• review of previous PSC deficiencies;

• corrective-work follow-up;

• preparation for official reinspection.

PSC PREPARATION & POST-DETENTION SUPPORT

Official PSC inspection, detention and release decisions remain exclusively with the competent authority.

FERRY, RO-PAX & RO-RO SURVEY PROCEDURE

1. VESSEL INFORMATION

The client provides vessel name, IMO number, vessel type, location and required inspection.

2. SCOPE DEFINITION

The vessel areas, machinery and systems requiring inspection are established.

3. DOCUMENT REVIEW

Relevant plans, technical records and previous reports may be reviewed where included.

4. VESSEL ATTENDANCE

The marine surveyor attends the vessel at the agreed Spanish port, terminal, anchorage or shipyard.

5. TECHNICAL INSPECTION

The surveyor examines accessible structures, machinery, and equipment within the scope.

6. PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION

Relevant observations are documented photographically where practicable.

7. TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT

Findings are evaluated from a Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering perspective.

8. REPORTING

A professional marine survey report is prepared where included in the assignment.

FERRY, RO-PAX & RO-RO SURVEY REPORT

Depending on the appointment, the report may include:

• vessel identification;

• IMO number;

• vessel type;

• year of build;

• survey location;

• inspection date;

• appointing party;

• inspection scope;

• documentation reviewed;

• vehicle-deck observations;

• ramp condition;

• shell-door observations;

• structural findings;

• passenger-area observations;

• machinery findings;

• propulsion observations;

• photographs;

• measurements;

• identified defects;

• technical findings;

• recommendations;

• additional investigations required;

• survey limitations.

ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INVESTIGATION

Where initial inspection identifies the need for additional assessment, further work may include:

• ultrasonic thickness measurements;

• non-destructive testing;

• crack testing;

• hydraulic-system testing;

• ramp operational testing;

• shell-door testing;

• underwater inspection;

• machinery analysis;

• electrical testing;

• specialist safety-system inspection;

• Classification Society involvement.

This work is included only where specifically agreed.

INDEPENDENT SURVEY VS STATUTORY INSPECTION

VALENCIA Marine Services provides independent marine surveys and technical inspections.

These services do not replace surveys, certification or approvals required from:

• Classification Societies;

• Flag State administrations;

• Port State Control authorities;

• authorised lifesaving-equipment service providers;

• authorised fire-safety service providers;

• other statutory or competent organisations.

FERRIES, RO-PAX & RO-RO VESSELS VS PASSENGER SHIPS

The separation between these categories is deliberate.

FERRIES, RO-PAX & RO-RO VESSELS

Focused on vessels incorporating:

• vehicle decks;

• ramps;

• shell openings;

• rolling cargo;

• vehicle transport;

• passenger and vehicle combinations.

PASSENGER SHIPS

Focused primarily on:

• cruise ships;

• passenger-focused vessels;

• passenger accommodation and hotel-service systems.

PASSENGER SHIPS

SURVEYS AT SPANISH PORTS

VALENCIA Marine Services provides ferry, Ro-Pax and Ro-Ro survey attendance at major Spanish commercial and passenger ports.

Regular coverage includes:

Valencia • Sagunto • Castellón • Alicante • Cartagena • Tarragona • Barcelona • Algeciras

Attendance at other Spanish ports may also be considered subject to vessel location, schedule, access arrangements and surveyor availability.

WHY APPOINT VALENCIA MARINE SERVICES?

VESSEL-SPECIFIC APPROACH

The survey scope is adapted to Ro-Ro structures, vehicle decks, ramps, shell openings, machinery and passenger spaces.

NAVAL ARCHITECTURE & MARINE ENGINEERING

We assess structural and machinery observations from an engineering perspective.

INDEPENDENT TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT

Findings are based on accessible vessel condition and the agreed scope.

TARGETED INSPECTIONS

Survey attendance can focus on ramps, shell doors, machinery, vehicle decks, structural damage or repairs.

PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION

Significant findings are supported by photographs where practicable.

PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL REPORTING

Observed conditions, evidence, findings and limitations are documented clearly.

EXPERIENCED MARINE SURVEYOR

Carlos Montamarta is a Naval Architect & Marine Engineer with more than 20 years of professional experience in marine surveying and ship inspection.

His assignments combine extensive practical vessel inspection experience with technical expertise in ship structures, marine machinery, propulsion systems, Ro-Ro arrangements, damage assessment and technical reporting.

Professional marine surveying services are provided through VALENCIA Marine Services SLU.

INDEPENDENT • DISCREET • PROFESSIONAL

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS A FERRY, RO-PAX OR RO-RO VESSEL SURVEY?

It is an independent technical inspection of the vessel or selected vessel systems according to a defined scope.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RO-PAX AND RO-RO?

Ro-Pax vessels combine substantial passenger accommodation with Ro-Ro vehicle transport. Ro-Ro vessels are primarily designed for rolling cargo and may have limited or no passenger accommodation.

CAN YOU INSPECT VEHICLE DECKS?

Yes. The survey may include accessible vehicle decks, supporting structures, and related equipment.

CAN YOU INSPECT SHELL DOORS?

Yes. You may inspect the accessible bow, stern, and side shell doors, including their structural and locking arrangements.

CAN YOU INSPECT BOW AND STERN RAMPS?

Yes. We may inspect ramp structures, hinges, hydraulic equipment, operating mechanisms, and supporting structures within the agreed scope.

CAN PASSENGER SPACES BE INCLUDED?

Yes. Passenger areas may be included in Ro-Pax and passenger ferry surveys upon request.

DO YOU PERFORM PRE-PURCHASE FERRY SURVEYS?

Yes. A Pre-Purchase Ship Survey can be adapted specifically to ferry, Ro-Pax and Ro-Ro vessels.

CAN YOU INSPECT DAMAGE TO RAMPS OR VEHICLE DECKS?

Yes. Reported damage may be documented through a Marine Damage Survey or a targeted Ship Inspection.

CAN YOU ATTEND ON SHORT NOTICE?

We may consider urgent attendance, subject to vessel location, port access, and surveyor availability.

DO YOU PROVIDE PSC PREPARATION?

Yes. We can provide independent PSC preparation, deficiency review, and post-detention technical support.

DOES THE SURVEY REPLACE CLASS OR FLAG STATE INSPECTIONS?

No. Independent marine surveying does not replace Classification Society, Flag State, Port State Control or statutory inspections.

REQUEST A FERRY, RO-PAX OR RO-RO VESSEL SURVEY IN SPAIN

Please provide:

• vessel name;

• IMO number;

• vessel type;

• ferry / Ro-Pax / Ro-Ro;

• year of build;

• current or expected port;

• ETA;

• required attendance date;

• type of survey;

• areas requiring inspection;

• ramp or shell-door issues where relevant;

• reported defects or damage;

• photographs where available;

• relevant technical documentation;

• specific client instructions.

Urgent attendance requests are welcome, subject to surveyor availability.

NEED A MARINE SURVEYOR IN SPAIN?

Independent marine surveying services for shipowners, operators, charterers, insurers and maritime stakeholders throughout Spain.

© 2026 VALENCIA Marine Services SLU · VAT No. ESB06827356 │ Mercantile Registry of Valencia: Volume 11011, Sheet 122, │ Section GNE, Entry 198596

SERVICES

COMMERCIAL VESSELS

CONTACT

VALENCIA Marine Services SLU

Independent marine surveying, vessel inspection, maritime auditing and technical consultancy services for commercial vessels in Spain.

INDEPENDENT • DISCREET • PROFESSIONAL

Bulk Carriers
Container Ships
General Cargo Ships
Tankers
Gas Carriers
Passenger Ships
Ferries, Ro-Pax & Ro-Ro Vessels
Multipurpose & Heavy-Lift Vessels
Offshore, Tugs, Workboats & Dredgers

Marine Survey Services
Ship Condition Survey
Pre-Purchase Ship Survey
On-Hire / Off-Hire Survey
Marine Damage Survey
Ship Inspection
Cargo Hold Inspection
Bunker Survey
Draft Survey
PSC Preparation & Support
Flag State Inspections
ISM, ISPS & MLC 2006 Audits

Marine survey attendance in Spanish ports and shipyards.

Real Club Náutico de Valencia - Camino del Canal 91 - Bloque 3 Local 21 - Valenciac 46024, Spain

Office +34 96 13 050 13

Mobile/WhatsAp: +34 644 70 90 38

Base : Port of Valencia, Spain

Urgent attendance requests are welcome, subject to surveyor availability.

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