The boat owner needs to have the boat ready for the survey. Everything that you store on the boat that is not absolutely essential legally. This includes all of your fishing gear, diving equipment, and anything else you’re storing there. The entire vessel must be meticulously clean. The bilges, compartments and every nook and cranny must be sparkling. If it isn’t, the inspector will be unable to do his job, and you will be required to reschedule.
The boat owner will need to make arrangements for the vessel to be removed from the water. Surveyors deal with facts, so they never just guess as to the condition of the vessel underwater. If they did, they wouldn’t be very ethical nor would they be doing the inspection appropriately. Besides, most lenders and insurance carriers require an out of the water inspection.