Introduction to Marine Surveyors
Marine surveyors perform inspections of vessels of all types including pleasure craft, passenger vessels, tugboats, barges, dredges, oil rigs, ferries, cargo vessels and warships, as well as marine cargo, marine engines and facilities such as canals, drydocks, loading docks and more for the purpose of pre-purchase evaluation, insurance eligibility, insurance claim resolution and regulation compliance.
Surveys typically include the structure, machinery and equipment (navigational, safety, radio). Marine surveyors also are involved in other aspects, including confirming compliance with international treaties associated with such things as pollution, international security, and safety management schemes. They may also examine cargo gear to ensure that it meets the requirements or regulations.
Marine surveyors may perform the following tasks:
- examine and approve design plans of hulls and equipment such as main propulsion engines, auxiliary boilers and turbines, electrical power generating plant, refrigeration and air conditioning plant and pumping systems
- inspect standards of construction and witness tests of materials
- inspect hulls, machinery and equipment during ship construction to ensure standards and legislative requirements are met
- conduct surveys throughout the ship’s life to ensure standards are maintained
- perform inspections required by domestic statutes and international conventions
- witness tests and operation of emergency and safety machinery and equipment
- measure ships for tonnage and survey them for load line assignment
- attend court as an expert witness and assist in coronial enquiries
- investigate marine accidents.
Specialisations:
Classification Society Marine Surveyor
A classification society marine surveyor inspects ships to make sure that ships, components and machinery are built according to the standards required for their class, and examines accident damage.
Government Marine Surveyor
A government marine surveyor inspects ships to make sure that ships, components and machinery meet crew and passenger safety regulations and construction standards. They may also assess and approve safety reports and plans as well as examine candidates for certificates of competency. Mark Wiater is a MCA accredited surveyor and previously with Malta and the Cook Islands as a government surveyor
Private Marine Surveyor
A private marine surveyor examines ships and their cargoes, investigates accidents in port and at sea (e.g. oil spillages) and prepares accident reports for insurance purposes