A survey commissioned by the owner of a vessel at the request of an insurance company in order to either initiate or renew a policy. Sometimes termed a Condition Survey, the aim of the survey is to confirm the integrity of the vessel and any item that is a risk to this will be noted. Sometimes second opinions are required. All secondary defects noted within the survey would be reported to the owner. 

An Insurance survey may be required by Insurers or Underwriters upon the new ownership of a boat, or at periodic time periods, typically every 5 years.