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Marine Surveyor

State/Territory Specific Information

Marine surveyors carry out inspections of passenger and cargo ships, fishing vessels, pleasure craft and yachts.

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 airconditioning 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 inquiries
  • 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.

Private Marine Surveyor

A private marine surveyor examines ships' cargoes, investigates accidents at sea (e.g. oil spillages) and prepares accident reports for insurance purposes.

Marine surveyors work for governments, classification societies (groups that lay down specifications for the construction of ships) and private companies.

Personal Requirements:

  • enjoy the sea and maritime activities
  • an inquisitive mind with attention to detail
  • good written communication skills
  • able to work with a variety of people.

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