Michael Pope

INTRODUCTION

I started in 1974 as an apprentice shipwright on the Thames. I then accumulated over 22 years’ experience as engineer/captain on private & charter yachts and this has taught me the importance of good maintenance, fault diagnosis, and good repair techniques. A further 25 years in yacht building, refit, repair, restoration, project supervision, shipyard management and surveying work has supplemented a comprehensive practical education.


APPROACH

Professionally trained, responsive, competent and practical method to customer requirements
Balanced reporting with constructive advice and solutions for remedial work.
I offer advice to clients who maybe looking for guidance when choosing and purchasing a boat and her equipment
I hold professional indemnity insurance and work in accordance with the IIMSCode of Practice
I can offer help with registration and ownership issues, SCV coding and commercial use.


QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Maritime Training Academy Diploma in Yacht & Small Craft Surveying
Ocean Yachtmaster , MCA Class IV (Y) training courses & STCW95
Numerous training courses in diesel/hydraulics: Mercedes, Perkins, Gardner, MTU, MAN
Languages spoken : English, French, basic Italian and Spanish
References from owners, captains, managers, refit shipyards, boat builders, naval architects, designers, yacht & insurance brokers, engineers, yacht agencies.
AffiIIMS P1553 with the International Institute of Marine Surveyors (IIMS)


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2004 - 2024  Independent project consultant and surveyor, specializing in wooden and steel yacht restorations for private clients and marine insurance companies.
Senior refit manager at La Ciotat Shipyards, France, on 30 different sail & motor yacht projects from 25m – 50m
1998 - 2004  Restoration manager for 6 large classic yacht restorations in Spain, Italy, UK and France. Rigging, fittings & customized parts specialist for yacht restoration projects.
1976 - 1998  Professional yacht captain of large sailing yachts for private and charter use. Project manager for the repair & refitting of 5 yachts and 5 new construction projects.
1973 -1975  Boatbuilding/repair apprentice J.I. Thorneycroft’s Shipyard (Hampton). River Thames lighterman. Sailmaker with Ratsey & Lapthorn, & rigger at Spencer Rigging, Cowes.

SOME RECENT SURVEYS
1905 49m Schooner Invader, - general condition survey, Genoa
1910 147' Schooner Orion  (now Sylvanna- Pre-purchase Survey, buyer's consultant
2004   35m TSDY Viking III - Condition survey for insurance
2019 Jeanneau 51 Salammbo - Pre-purchase survey
2005 Knysna 440 Catamaran Ukiyo - Damage survey, repair estimation for insurers

SOME RECENT PROJECTS
1937 Thornicroft  65' TSDY - survey and supervision: repower and structural refit, Imperia, Italy
1962 Dambuster 38'' sloop - supervision of major structural repairs, new engine installation
1967 Hinckley Pilot 35 - refit and delivery to Caribbean, marketing and sale in Dec to a US buyer.
1988 Halberg Rassy 42 - consultant, new decks, refit analysis plan
1957  52' Sangermani sloop - buyer's consultant