Why Every Yacht Needs an AV/IT As-Built Document
The Document Every Yacht Needs and Most Don't Have
An AV/IT as-built document is a comprehensive record of every system, network, and configuration on the vessel. It's the single most valuable document a yacht management company, ETO, or visiting technician can have — and it's the one most vessels are missing. Without it, every service call starts with 30-60 minutes of discovery work that the owner is paying for.
Rack Elevation Diagrams
Every AV and network rack on the vessel should be documented with a front-view elevation diagram showing each device, its position in the rack, and its function. Label each unit with make, model, and IP address. Include rear-view diagrams showing cable routing for racks with complex patching. These diagrams let any technician locate a specific device in under 30 seconds — without them, troubleshooting starts with opening every rack door on the vessel.
Network Topology Map
A visual diagram showing every switch, access point, router, and firewall on the vessel, how they interconnect, and which VLANs they carry. Include uplink speeds, trunk port configurations, and PoE allocations. Mark the path from shore power/dock internet to the onboard network. This map is the first thing we look at when called to a network issue — it cuts diagnostic time by 50% or more.
IP Address and VLAN Schedule
A spreadsheet or table listing every static IP address on the vessel: Crestron processors, touch panels, DSPs, cameras, NVRs, switches, access points, and managed devices. Include the VLAN ID, subnet, gateway, and DNS server for each VLAN. Document DHCP ranges and reservations. When a Crestron processor can't reach a touch panel, the first thing we check is the IP schedule — if it doesn't exist, we have to scan the entire network to find both devices.
Firmware Version Register
A log of every device's firmware version, the date it was last updated, and the manufacturer's current recommended version. This register serves two purposes: it tells a technician whether a firmware update might fix a known bug, and it prevents accidental downgrades that can cause configuration loss. Update this register every time any firmware change is made — even minor updates.
Cable Labelling Standard
Every cable in every rack and conduit should be labelled at both ends with a consistent naming convention. Document the labelling scheme in the as-built: for example, "S1-P24" means Switch 1, Port 24. Include a cable schedule that maps every labelled cable to its source, destination, cable type, and length. When a cable fails (and on vessels, they do — vibration, moisture, and rodent damage are real), a labelled cable takes 5 minutes to replace. An unlabelled cable takes an hour to trace.
Preventive Maintenance Schedule
A calendar-based schedule of maintenance tasks: firmware review cycles (quarterly), WiFi performance testing (before each charter season), UPS battery replacement dates, camera lens cleaning intervals, and rack environmental checks (temperature, dust, humidity). Assign each task to a role (ETO, visiting technician, management company) with clear instructions. Preventive maintenance is dramatically cheaper than emergency repairs — a €500 pre-season audit prevents a €5,000 mid-charter callout.
Why Management Companies Require It
Major yacht management companies — Y.CO, Burgess, Hill Robinson — increasingly require as-built documentation as part of their vessel management standards. It reduces their liability, enables faster crew handovers, and ensures system continuity when technicians change. Insurance providers are also starting to ask for documentation of IT security measures and network architecture as part of cyber risk assessments. The industry is moving toward mandatory documentation — vessels that have it now are ahead of the curve.
How We Build It
We create as-built documents during scheduled visits — either as a standalone documentation project (typically 1-2 days depending on vessel size) or incrementally during regular service calls. Every document we produce follows a consistent template and is delivered as both PDF and editable format. We store a copy securely and update it with every subsequent visit. Contact us to discuss documentation for your vessel.