How we verify marine engineers and boat trades
By Mark Bonnett, founder of Marine Match · Last updated
Verified on Marine Match means we've checked their insurance, and for engineering, gas and survey work, their qualifications or experience. It is shown against each service we've checked, and professionals can only stamp a Boat Passport for work in a service they're Verified for. A listing without the badge means the business is on the site but hasn't completed these checks yet.
What we check
- Insurance: a current public liability insurance certificate, for every service. Surveyors need professional indemnity insurance instead.
- Engines, electrical, rigging, GRP repair and boatbuilding: also a qualification, manufacturer training certificate, or 3+ years trading.
- Gas (LPG) work: Gas Safe registration, checked on the register. No alternative.
- Surveys: membership of a recognised body such as IIMS or YDSA.
- Name check: the name on the certificate must match the listing; for limited companies we confirm it on Companies House. No photo ID is needed.
- Qualified badge (extra): formal certificates we've checked, shown as a separate badge.
What happens if insurance lapses?
The Verified badge comes off automatically when the insurance we hold on file expires or a check fails. It goes back on once an up-to-date certificate is uploaded and checked.
What Verified does and doesn't mean
Verified means these checks were passed at the time shown on the profile. It doesn't mean Marine Match inspects or guarantees each piece of work. That's why payment is held until you sign a job off, and why each stamped job on a Boat Passport names the professional who did it.
How to check a marine engineer yourself
Whether or not you use Marine Match, ask any engineer for:
- A current public liability insurance certificate, and check the dates
- Their qualifications or manufacturer training for your engine type
- A written quote setting out what's included
- Recent work on similar boats
On Marine Match, Verified means we've checked their insurance, and for engineering, gas and survey work, their qualifications or experience. The separate Qualified badge shows formal certificates we've checked.
Stamped and Checked entries on a Boat Passport
A Verified professional can add two kinds of entry to a boat's Boat Passport:
- Stamped: they carried out the work themselves.
- Checked: they inspected work done by someone else.
Owners can add their own records too, which are labelled separately, so a buyer can see who did what.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I check a marine engineer's insurance and qualifications?
- Ask for a current public liability insurance certificate and check the dates, plus their qualifications or manufacturer training for your engine type. On Marine Match, the Verified badge shows we have checked their insurance, and the separate Qualified badge shows we have checked their qualifications.
- What does Verified mean on Marine Match?
- Verified means we've checked their insurance, and for engineering, gas and survey work, their qualifications or experience. It's shown against each service, and professionals can only stamp a Boat Passport for work in a service they're Verified for.
- Can unverified professionals quote for jobs?
- Yes. Businesses still completing verification can quote and do jobs, but they can't stamp a Boat Passport and don't show the Verified badge.
- What happens if a Verified professional's insurance expires?
- The Verified badge comes off automatically when the insurance we hold on file expires. It goes back on once an up-to-date certificate is uploaded and checked.