Ship Condition Grader A–D: Transparent Scores, Faster Deals
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Ship Condition Grader A–D: Transparent Scores, Faster Deals

Condition Grade A–D gives buyers instant clarity and gives sellers a roadmap. Instead of vague claims like “well maintained,” this transparent model scores the big six: hull, main engine, auxiliaries, electrical, safety, and documentation—each with weights, audit notes, and a practical checklist to lift the grade before listing.

Condition Grade (A–D) — A Transparent, Weighted Model for Ship Listings

Replace vague adjectives with a clear, auditable score. Sellers uplift value with a targeted prep checklist; buyers compare vessels on facts, not feelings.

1️⃣ How the Grade Works

The overall score is a weighted average of six subscores (0–100). Letter grades: A = 90–100, B = 80–89, C = 65–79, D = <65.

Item % Excellent (≈90–100) Acceptable (≈75–89) Concern (<75)
Hull 25% Recent dry-dock, coatings in spec, UT thickness within margins, no structural hot spots. Minor coating wear, localized steel repairs planned, clean PSC record. Wastage/indentations, overdue dry-dock, frequent PSC steel/safety remarks.
Main Engine (ME) 25% On-schedule overhauls, stable SFOC, clean oil analysis, no abnormal vib/temps. Minor leaks, consumables trending up but within norms, OEM parts documented. Overdue overhaul, oil metal counts high, recurring alarms/derates.
Auxiliaries 15% Generators, pumps, compressors within spec; spares rationalized; maintenance logs complete. Intermittent issues, some deferred parts, logs mostly complete. Frequent breakdowns, cannibalized spares, missing service history.
Electrical 10% Switchboards tested, clean IR/megger results, UPS/nav comms stable, drawings current. Minor hot spots, some outdated schematics, acceptable battery tests. Frequent trips, degraded insulation, obsolete protections.
Safety 15% LSA/FFA in-date and tested, drills logged, SMS findings closed. Some expiries approaching; drills on schedule; minor NCRs open. Expired LSA/FFA, overdue drills, major SMS gaps.
Documentation 10% Class/statutory, ISM/ISPS/MLC all current; clear ownership and service history. Minor gaps; renewals planned; traceability adequate. Missing certs, unclear ownership, poor records.

2️⃣ Live Scoring Tool

Adjust each subscore (0–100). The tool applies weights, shows the letter grade, and suggests targeted improvements.

Enter Subscores (0–100)
85
0255075100
Dry-dock, coatings, UT thickness, structure
88
0255075100
Overhauls, oil lab, alarms, performance
80
0255075100
Generators, pumps, compressors, spares
78
0255075100
Switchboards, IR tests, UPS, drawings
83
0255075100
LSA/FFA, drills, SMS findings
90
0255075100
Class/statutory, ISM/ISPS/MLC, ownership
Results
—
Overall Score: —
Letter Grade: —
Targeted Improvement Suggestions
    Shareable Summary

    3️⃣ Seller Prep Checklist to Boost the Grade

    Run this list 4–8 weeks pre-listing. The goal is to close gaps that drag the weighted score.

    Hull
    • Schedule UT thickness where coatings are thin.
    • Touch-up coatings at known abrasion zones.
    • Document last dry-dock scope with photos.
    Impact: Medium • Window: 1–3 weeks
    Main Engine
    • Close overdue overhauls and log OEM parts.
    • Run oil analysis; attach lab PDFs.
    • Capture trend screens (SFOC, EGT) with notes.
    Impact: High • Window: 1–2 weeks
    Auxiliaries
    • Test-run generators under load; log vib/temps.
    • Replace known-failure consumables; list spares.
    • Close small leaks; document gasket/valve work.
    Impact: Medium • Window: 1–2 weeks
    Electrical
    • Megger test critical feeders; note IR values.
    • Thermal scan switchboards; fix hot spots.
    • Update single-line drawings; version stamp.
    Impact: Medium • Window: 1–2 weeks
    Safety
    • Service LSA/FFA; attach certificates and expiry dates.
    • Log two recent drills with outcomes and photos.
    • Close open NCRs; add corrective action evidence.
    Impact: High • Window: 1–2 weeks
    Documentation
    • Verify class/statutory validity; list renewal dates.
    • Compile ownership chain and service history index.
    • Export PMS history (last 24 months) to PDF.
    Impact: Medium • Window: 1 week

    4️⃣ How Buyers Should Read the Grade

    • A in Hull or ME often justifies a premium if documentation backs it.
    • B overall with strong docs can outrank a higher raw score with gaps.
    • C in Electrical or Safety signals short, schedulable downtime; price accordingly.
    • D in Documentation introduces counterparty and delay risk; escrow conditions recommended.

    5️⃣ FAQ and Notes

    • Independent surveyors can certify subscores; attach survey ID and date.
    • Weights are adjustable by segment (e.g., offshore may up-weight electrical/safety).
    • Always include evidence: photos, lab PDFs, class screen captures.
    A transparent, weighted grade turns negotiations into math. Sellers know where to invest before listing; buyers see risk, downtime, and cost at a glance.