Marine advisory expertise for nearly 37 years
Hébert & Associates Marine Advisors was founded in Montréal in 1989, at a time when vessel transactions in Quebec, both recreational and commercial, were still largely handled without specialized advisory support. For nearly 37 years, the firm has assisted owners, buyers, sellers, brokers and financial institutions with the legal, administrative and financial aspects of vessel ownership.
Our work focuses on a precise field: transactions, contracts, registration, marine mortgages, lien releases and the documentation surrounding the purchase, sale or financing of a vessel.
What we do
We are not brokers, sellers or insurers. We are marine advisors. Our role is to protect the buyer, the seller or the lender at the stages where a poorly drafted detail, an unverified title or a poorly structured mortgage can create serious consequences.
Our services include:
- purchase and sale transaction support;
- sales contract drafting and review;
- marine mortgages and coordination with financial institutions;
- vessel registration, lien releases and title verification;
- marine financing consultation for owners, brokers and lenders.
An approach grounded in precision
The marine industry leaves little room for approximation. An improperly registered vessel can become difficult to sell. An ambiguous contract can create a dispute. A poorly structured mortgage can complicate a transaction that should have been straightforward.
Our way of working is based on three principles:
- Clarity before speed: understanding the real situation before recommending a path forward.
- Traceability: preparing documents that can withstand future review.
- Respect for each party’s role: aligning legal requirements with the reality of the owner, broker, lender or insurer.
Who we work with
Our mandates primarily come from:
- private owners involved in a purchase or sale transaction;
- marine brokers needing documentary or transactional support;
- financial institutions financing a vessel acquisition;
- marine insurers during a claim or transfer of ownership;
- estates, lawyers or professionals dealing with a marine asset in a file.
Whether the transaction involves a family sailboat or a multi-million-dollar commercial vessel, the standard of rigour remains the same.
An accessible team
In a marine transaction, availability matters as much as competence. A clear answer at the right time can prevent a delay, a misunderstanding or a more complicated closing.
