Business Details
21 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Marine Surveyors & NDT Services in Southampton
Established in 2005, Saunders Morgan Harris has built a reputation as a trusted international surveying company specialising in marine craft consultancy. With over 3,000 instructions completed for private and industry clients, our expertise spans loss adjusting, new build projects, restorations, and non-destructive testing (NDT). Our principal surveyors hold Level 2 ultrasound and visual weld inspection qualifications, enabling precise damage assessments and quality control for composite, steel, and timber vessels. We collaborate with structural engineers, naval architects, and specialists to deliver cost-effective solutions for projects ranging from superyachts to commercial craft under 24M. Recognised by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), we conduct code-of-practice surveys for over 300 vessels annually.Our commitment to innovation includes advanced NDT techniques like thermal imaging and ultrasound to detect hidden defects without destructive testing. Clients benefit from our 20+ years of collective experience, industry-leading accreditations, and a focus on transparency in insurance claims and new build oversight. We operate globally, supporting projects from initial design reviews to pre-delivery inspections and sea trials. Our teams technical proficiency and partnerships with classification societies ensure compliance with international standards. As active members of UK surveying organisations, we maintain rigorous professional development to stay at the forefront of marine surveying technology and practices.
Services
Marine Surveying
NDT Inspections
Loss Adjusting
New Build Projects
MCA Code Compliance
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We have completed over 3,000 survey instructions since 2005.
- Our team holds TWI Level 2 ultrasound and visual weld certifications.
- We specialise in NDT techniques for composite, steel, and timber vessels.
- Weve completed 500+ metres of new build projects in the last 5 years.
- We are MCA-nominated surveyors for commercial code-of-practice certifications.
Associations and certifications
- TWI
Services
Marine Surveying
We conduct comprehensive marine surveys for insurance, pre-purchase, and new build quality control. Our services cover composite, steel, and timber vessels up to 120M. Clients receive detailed reports with photographic evidence and compliance verification for classification societies.
NDT Inspections
Our NDT services use ultrasound and thermal imaging to detect hidden defects in hulls, keels, and superstructures. This technology identifies delamination, moisture ingress, and structural weaknesses without damaging vessels, reducing repair costs and downtime for insurers and owners.
Loss Adjusting
We provide loss adjusting services for underwriters and insurers, specialising in collision, grounding, and fire damage assessments. Our NDT expertise quantifies damage extent, enabling accurate repair cost estimates and minimising unnecessary structural interventions.
New Build Projects
We oversee new build projects from specification reviews to pre-delivery inspections. Our team monitors construction quality, verifies stage payments, and ensures compliance with MCA codes, supporting private owners and commercial clients globally.
MCA Code Compliance
We certify vessels under the MCA Code of Practice for commercial craft under 24M. Services include stability assessments, equipment checks, and documentation support to ensure compliance with UK maritime regulations for passenger and cargo vessels.
People
Duncan Saunders
Co-Founder & Principal Surveyor
With 20+ years in marine surveying, Duncan specialises in NDT and loss adjusting. He co-founded SMH in 2005 and oversees new build projects and complex insurance claims globally.
Hugo Morgan-Harris
Co-Founder & Principal Surveyor
A TWI-certified Level 2 ultrasound inspector, Hugo leads damage assessments and MCA code certifications. He has managed over 1,500 survey instructions since 2005, focusing on superyacht restorations.
Questions
What types of vessels do you survey?
We survey composite, steel, and timber vessels up to 120M, including superyachts, commercial craft, and racing yachts.
Are you MCA-certified surveyors?
Yes, we are MCA-nominated surveyors for code-of-practice certifications for commercial vessels under 24M.
Do you offer international services?
Yes, we operate globally with recent projects in the UK, Caribbean, and Mediterranean regions.
What NDT techniques do you use?
We use ultrasound for laminate thickness checks and thermal imaging to detect moisture ingress and delamination.
How do you handle insurance claims?
We provide detailed damage assessments using NDT to quantify losses and support insurers with accurate repair estimates.
Can you assist with new build quality control?
Yes, we oversee new builds from specification reviews to pre-delivery inspections, ensuring compliance with client requirements.
