Independent technical clarity for Australian buyers acquiring vessels overseas.

IPS provides a structured, evidence‑based assessment of a vessel’s technical condition, operational alignment and likely regulatory considerations before any overseas purchase.
It reduces uncertainty, identifies risk early and establishes a defensible technical position prior to commitment.

International Pre‑Purchase Survey (IPS)

Independent technical clarity for Australian buyers acquiring vessels overseas.

RTM’s International Pre‑Purchase Survey (IPS) provides a structured, evidence‑based assessment of a vessel’s technical condition, operational alignment and likely regulatory considerations before any overseas purchase.

IPS is designed to reduce uncertainty, identify risk early and establish a defensible technical position prior to commitment.

Independent by Design

RTM operates strictly within the technical and operational domain.

We do not:

• Participate in commercial negotiations
• Comment on asking price or value
• Represent brokers or managers
• Influence the transaction

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Our role is singular:

To provide independent technical clarity that supports safe, informed decision‑making.

This neutrality keeps RTM trusted by all parties.

What IPS Provides:

IPS delivers a structured understanding of:

• Technical condition
• Operational alignment with intended use and Australian conditions
• Likely regulatory considerations for Australian operation
• Risk environment and future technical considerations
• Technical cost awareness and forward planning
• IPS is not a valuation, certification, compliance approval or suitability endorsement.

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Scope of Inspection:

Each IPS engagement is tailored to the vessel’s type, location, operational history and the owner’s requirements.

Depending on access and location, IPS includes:

• In‑water inspection
• Out‑of‑water inspection
• Sea trial observations

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The confirmed scope is defined in advance to ensure clarity around what will be inspected, how it will be assessed and any limitations that may apply.

Technical Review

Documentation & History

RTM reviews available documentation to understand the vessel’s maintenance culture, operational history and any gaps requiring further investigation.

Operational Alignment

RTM assesses how the vessel’s systems and configuration align with the owner’s intended use and typical Australian operating conditions. This is a technical alignment assessment, not a suitability approval.

Risk Identification & Forward Planning

IPS identifies immediate, medium‑term and long‑term technical risks, including system vulnerabilities and potential refit considerations.

RTM provides technical cost awareness, not market‑based valuations.

Regulatory Alignment Considerations

IPS outlines likely regulatory considerations for safe and legal operation in Australia.
This is not a compliance assessment or certification.

Typical considerations include:

• Potential modifications or upgrades
• Potential certification or survey considerations
• AMSA‑related factors
• Electrical & LPG considerations
  (visual and operational observations only – not an electrical compliance inspection)
• Safety equipment considerations
• Import‑related obligations

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IPS provides clarity around what owners typically address post‑purchase, not what is required.

Sea Trial & Technical Observations

Where a sea trial is conducted, IPS documents the vessel’s operational behaviour under load, including:

• Machinery performance
• Steering and control response
• Stabilisation systems
• Noise and vibration characteristics
• System integration and responsiveness
• Navigation systems
• Watertight & weathertight integrity
• Overall underway behaviour

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These observations form part of the vessel’s technical observations baseline.

Why Clients Send RTM Overseas

When purchasing a vessel internationally, owners often face uncertainty around local surveyors – including their standards, independence and alignment with the local market.

RTM removes this uncertainty by providing a known, structured and independent approach.

Owners know:

• Who is inspecting the vessel
• How the inspection will be conducted
• What standards are being applied
• How findings will be communicated
• Who will support them beyond the purchase

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RTM remains accountable when the vessel arrives in Australia.

From IPS to VOTO

IPS establishes clarity. VOTO maintains it.

The insight gained during IPS forms the foundation for ongoing technical governance once the vessel arrives in Australia.

VOTO provides a structured, neutral and regulator‑aligned framework that supports the vessel’s operation post‑purchase.

This is a natural progression – not a requirement.