A useful electrical evidence pack shows what changed, which records describe the finished installation and who takes responsibility for the work. Assemble it during the refit so missing drawings, certificates or cable information can be resolved before the survey visit.
This checklist is for owners and project teams preparing records. For the broader survey pathway and WTM’s role, start with WTM’s marine electrical surveying service.
Describe the change on one page
Record the vessel identification, the equipment or circuits changed, the work dates and the contractors involved. Distinguish new wiring from retained wiring. Attach previous findings that the refit was intended to address.
For example, a hypothetical pump replacement might have a new supply cable, a revised control drawing and a changed wheelhouse alarm. List all three changes so the evidence pack does not stop at the pump invoice. The refit planning guide helps identify these interfaces early.
Name the people responsible for the evidence
AMSA’s March 2026 guidance (opens in a new tab) places electrical compliance responsibility with a competent electrical person, generally a licensed electrician, electrical surveyor or competent person for extra-low-voltage systems. The Form 563/564 signatory is accountable for confirming compliance. Supporting certificates do not transfer the surveyor’s own assessment responsibility.
Put each person’s role beside the record they will provide. Electrical contractor licensing and marine surveyor accreditation are different; check relevant survey categories and limitations in AMSA’s surveyor directory (opens in a new tab).
Build an indexed document pack
Agree the required documents with the responsible assessor, then use a simple index to track the current version, owner and outstanding action for each item:
- Vessel details and relevant certificates or conditions.
- A description of the electrical work and marked-up or final drawings.
- Equipment data and installation instructions.
- Inspection and test records linked to the changed systems.
- Applicable electrical compliance certificates and Forms 563/564.
- Cable identification and supplier evidence for new wiring.
- Previous findings and evidence of rectification.
Use filenames that identify the vessel, system and revision. Keep superseded drawings in a separate folder. An index entry such as “pump control drawing, revision C, contractor to confirm final issue” makes an information gap visible without presenting an old drawing as current.
Keep cable evidence connected to the installed work
For new-build, refit or repair cabling, AMSA’s March 2026 guidance (opens in a new tab) identifies cable markings and packaging labels under AS5000.1 Chapter 16 as evidence. Supplier invoices identifying the cable standard or qualification test reports may also be requested. New or modified wiring can trigger initial survey and a certificate of electrical compliance for that work.
Ask the installer to retain the relevant labels and supplier records and identify which installed circuits they support. A loose product datasheet is less useful if nobody can connect it to the cable actually installed. Cable suitability remains a technical decision, not an owner’s paperwork check.
Resolve gaps before the visit
Send the document index early and flag missing items. Agree any inspection needed before wiring is concealed, who will attend and how access will be arranged. Leave covers, connections and testing to the authorised team.
Track each finding with an owner and the evidence needed to close it. Allow time for rectification and review before planning return to service. Use the commissioning and handover guide for acceptance records and the final handover pack.
Confirm the scope for your vessel
This checklist concerns Australian domestic commercial vessels. Other vessel categories may follow different arrangements. Confirm the applicable requirements and current forms for the actual work.
Bring the change summary and document index to WTM’s marine electrical surveying team to discuss the electrical scope, evidence and responsibilities before the refit is finished.