How to Be Marine Surveyor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 27, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The Marine Surveyor plays a critical role in the marine industry, as they are responsible for assessing the condition of ships and other marine vessels. By conducting thorough inspections, Marine Surveyors are able to identify any potential issues with the vessels structure, systems, and safety equipment. This can lead to increased safety for the crew and passengers, reduced accident rates, and better maintenance.

In addition, the Marine Surveyors findings can also be used to determine the value of a vessel, insurance claims, and even the legal liabilities of ship owners. As such, having a reliable and experienced Marine Surveyor is an essential part of any maritime venture.

Steps How to Become

Get a Bachelors Degree. Most marine surveying positions require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a related field such as marine engineering, naval architecture, or maritime law.
Take a Marine Surveying Course. Many universities and colleges offer courses in marine surveying. Taking a course can give you an edge over other applicants.
Obtain Certification. Professional certification is not required to become a marine surveyor, but it can give you an edge in the job market. The three main certifying bodies are the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS), the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS), and the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC).
Join a Professional Organization. Joining a professional organization such as NAMS or SAMS can help you network with other marine surveyors and stay up-to-date on industry trends.
Get Experience. Most employers require marine surveyors to have at least two years of experience in a related field such as marine engineering, naval architecture, or maritime law. You can gain experience by interning or working as a technician in a related field.
Get Licensed. Depending on the state in which you live, you may need to be licensed to practice as a marine surveyor. Licensing requirements vary from state to state, so check with your states licensing body for more information.

The key to being a reliable and competent Marine Surveyor lies in knowledge, experience and dedication. Having a thorough understanding of the technical aspects of the marine industry, as well as the legal and regulatory requirements, is essential. An experienced Marine Surveyor has a deep understanding of the craft and its mechanical workings, as well as an acute awareness of safety protocols and regulations.

By investing time and effort into researching the latest advancements in the industry, a Marine Surveyor can stay up to date and provide reliable and accurate assessments. dedication to the profession is required in order to maintain consistency and accuracy in the work carried out. By combining knowledge, experience and dedication, a Marine Surveyor can make sure they are reliable and competent.

You may want to check Highway Surveyor, Soil Surveyor, and Property Surveyor for alternative.

Job Description

Assess the condition of a vessel.
Prepare detailed written reports on the vessels condition.
Inspect vessel systems, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and navigation equipment.
Conduct sea trials to measure performance and assess seaworthiness.
Calculate the vessels tonnage.
Evaluate the vessels interior and exterior design, construction and repair work.
Check safety equipment and systems to ensure they meet necessary standards.
Take photographs and video recordings of the vessel as part of the inspection.
Provide technical advice to clients on the purchase, sale or legal registration of vessels.
Authorize and certify vessel insurance documents.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the principles and practices of marine surveying
Knowledge of relevant regulations, industry standards, and safety practices
Ability to interpret and apply technical drawings and inspection criteria
Knowledge of inspection and testing techniques for marine vessels and equipment
Knowledge of marine systems, materials, and components
Ability to read, interpret, and assess technical reports and data
Ability to identify, analyze, and diagnose problems
Ability to assess risk associated with vessels and equipment
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
Ability to work independently and with a team
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Ability to work in extreme weather conditions
Ability to use measurement tools such as micrometers and calipers
Ability to use computer systems for data entry, analysis, and reporting

Having the right skills is essential for any marine surveyor. Specifically, being able to accurately assess and evaluate the condition of a vessel is critical. The ability to detect and diagnose any potential faults, as well as understand the structural integrity of the craft, are invaluable skills that must be mastered in order to competently fulfill the role.

Furthermore, a strong technical knowledge of marine engineering and systems is necessary in order to make accurate repairs and recommendations. excellent communication and interpersonal skills are important in order to effectively interact with clients, as well as ensure any instructions are understood and followed properly. Lastly, strong problem solving and investigative skills help a marine surveyor identify any potential underlying issues that may need to be addressed.

All of these skills help marine surveyors provide the highest level of service for their clients.

Mine Surveyor, Railroad Surveyor, and Geodetic Surveyor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in Marine Surveying?
What do you consider to be the most important qualities of a Marine Surveyor?
What methods do you use to keep up with changes in the marine surveying industry?
How do you handle difficult or challenging situations when it comes to surveying vessels?
How do you ensure accuracy in your survey reports?
What safety protocols do you follow while conducting surveys?
How do you stay up to date with international and domestic regulations and standards?
How do you ensure that all stakeholders are informed of survey results?
What techniques do you use to assess the condition of a vessel?
How do you handle customer complaints or disputes related to survey results?

Common Tools in Industry

Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge. Used to measure the thickness of materials such as steel plates. (eg: measure the thickness of a hull)
Moisture Meter. Used to measure moisture levels in materials such as wood. (eg: measure the moisture of a deck)
Digital Camera. Used to take photos of marine vessels and components. (eg: photograph a damaged propeller)
Flashlight. Used to illuminate dark areas in a vessel. (eg: inspect a bilge)
Laser Measurement Tool. Used to measure distances and angles in a vessel. (eg: measure the length of a beam)
Infrared Camera. Used to detect temperature differences in materials. (eg: detect heat loss in a hull)
Borescope. Used to inspect tight spaces in a vessel. (eg: inspect an engine block)
Protractor. Used to measure angles and other measurements in vessels. (eg: measure the angle of a rudder)
Multimeter. Used to measure electrical current, voltage and resistance in vessels. (eg: measure electrical load on a circuit)
Graphing Calculator. Used to analyze and graph data from measurements taken from a vessel. (eg: graph the pressure of a fuel tank over time)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Marine Surveyors (AMS)
National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS)
International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS)
Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS)
American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC)
International Association of Classification Societies (IACS)
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI)
International Federation of Shipmasters' Associations (IFSMA)
International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO)

We also have Construction Surveyor, GPR Surveyor, and Environmental Surveyor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

NDT (Non-Destructive Testing). A process used to evaluate the properties of a material, component, or system without causing damage.
UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator). A system of grid coordinates used in geodesy and cartography to locate points on the surface of the Earth.
Hydrography. The science of measurement and description of bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and seas.
Marine Seismology. The study of seismic activity in the ocean.
Acoustics. The science of sound and its propagation through air, water, and other media.
Buoyancy. The upward force exerted on an object by a fluid that opposes gravity.
Marine Geology. The study of the structure and composition of the seafloor and its interaction with the ocean environment.
GPS (Global Positioning System). A satellite-based navigation system used by ships to determine their position on the Earth's surface.
Ship Stability. The ability of a vessel to remain upright in different conditions of loading and sea states.
Ship Design. The process of designing a vessel for a specific purpose and operating environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to become a Marine Surveyor?

To become a Marine Surveyor, you typically need a Bachelor's degree in marine engineering or a related field, as well as experience in the marine industry. Additionally, some organizations may require professional certification, such as the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) or the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS).

What types of vessels are surveyed by Marine Surveyors?

Marine Surveyors inspect a variety of vessels, including commercial fishing boats, pleasure craft, sailing yachts, ocean-going ships, and recreational boats.

What are some of the tasks performed by Marine Surveyors?

Marine Surveyors inspect vessels for structural integrity, safety equipment, and other factors such as damages or deficiencies. They also examine the vessels condition and make recommendations for repairs or replacements as needed. Additionally, they may measure the vessels dimensions and draught and take photographs of the vessel in order to document their findings.

How often should a vessel be surveyed?

The frequency of surveys required varies depending on the type of vessel and its use. Pleasure craft and commercial vessels may require an annual survey while larger vessels may need to be surveyed more frequently.