Vessel Readiness
A delivery, a passage, or a season of cruising is only as good as the prep work that came before it. Most problems at sea aren't surprises — they're issues that were there at the dock and went unnoticed until conditions made them impossible to ignore. SEASCORPS vessel readiness services catch those issues beforehand, so your boat is genuinely prepared for what's ahead, not just assumed to be.
Captain Mark Gervais brings 35 years of hands-on experience with sail and power vessels to every readiness assessment — the same standard he holds his own deliveries to before ever leaving the dock.
What's Included
Readiness assessments are tailored to your vessel and your upcoming plans, and can include:
Systems checks — verifying that engine, electrical, plumbing, steering, and bilge systems are functioning properly and ready for sustained use
Electronics familiarity — confirming chartplotter, AIS, radar, autopilot, and communications gear are working and that you or your crew know how to run them
Diesel basics — fuel system checks, filter and fluid inspection, and the fundamental engine knowledge every owner should have before heading offshore
Safety equipment review — life jackets, harnesses, flares, EPIRB, fire extinguishers, and first aid supplies checked for presence, condition, and accessibility
Rigging and deck hardware — a visual inspection of standing and running rigging, sails, and deck gear for wear or fatigue that coastal sailing can mask
Provisioning and passage prep — making sure spares, tools, and supplies on board match the trip you're actually planning to take
Operational readiness assessment — an overall evaluation of the vessel's condition and a clear list of what needs attention before departure
Who It’s For
This service fits owners preparing for a delivery or an offshore passage, new owners getting familiar with a vessel they haven't sailed extensively, and anyone who wants an experienced second set of eyes before a season of cruising begins. It pairs naturally with a delivery — a readiness check before SeasCorps takes the helm, or before you head out yourself — and with bluewater or safety training, since a vessel and a crew should be prepared together.
Built on Real Offshore Standards
Vessel readiness isn't a checklist exercise for Captain Mark — it's the same pre-departure standard he applies before his own deliveries, shaped by 35 years and more than 25,000 nautical miles of finding out, firsthand, what actually matters before a passage and what doesn't.
Get Your Vessel Ready
Tell us about your boat and what you're preparing for, and we'll put together a readiness assessment that fits.