Independent marine surveyors – and the survival of the species

IN THIS period we have seen a general increase in ship sizes across all trades together with the worldwide adoption of new IMO conventions such as the ISM Code, ship and port security codes, upgrades in environmental oil and air pollution codes and ship management systems.
These are just the tip of the iceberg where on-board documentation has placed greater burdens on ship masters’ time.
By far the greatest single change in shipping practices has been brought about by improved ship communication systems.
Shipmasters can be in constant voice or email contact with their owners, charterers or managers at any time.
While this is a great leap forward in technology, to some extent these changes have lessened the need for initiative and independent decision making by senior ship staff – qualities that are valued in a marine surveyor.
At the same time ashore, the traditional roles for surveyors as non-exclusive classification surveyors, P&I and hull claims work and cargo and draft surveys have dwindled along with the shrinking population of independent surveyors.
In the port of Fremantle alone there were almost 30 independent marine survey businesses 15 years ago. Today there is less than half that number.
Natural attrition combined with the lack of qualified masters and engineers seeking shore-side employment have seen a contraction in their numbers.
Those who have survived have had to broaden their sphere of activities to meet the changing demands of shipping. 
Activities such as ship vetting, marine warranty of high value cargoes and ocean tows, on-hire/off-hire surveys and specialised work in the oil and gas industry or for the Department of Defence are just a few of the new roles which are being adopted by these survey companies.
The mainstay of work for many surveyors is still marine insurance but it has likewise undergone many changes.
Underwriters are now adopting more risk analysis techniques to protect their insured interests in vessels and high-value cargoes.
Heavy lift cargoes are increasing in size and as specialised heavy lift ships and ocean towing practices have become more sophisticated, underwriters see the role of a competent professional surveyor as essential to protect their interests.
But where is the next generation of marine surveyors to be drawn from?
Classroom
Australian-flag shipping fleets have all but disappeared and as a consequence so has the pool of available expertise to fill the void left by retiring marine surveyors.
This void of talent is also impacting the classification societies and statutory survey bodies who are also struggling to fill positions.
Typically, the age profile of marine surveyors has been over 35 and some are still working late into their sixties.
There is a wealth of knowledge and experience in these older heads but generally it is lost when these surveyors retire.
A training and a mentoring atmosphere in which to be trained is essential to foster the profession. Many of the skills needed for a successful surveyor cannot be taught in a classroom.
Certainly a marine qualification and background provides one with the raw material to be moulded into a competent surveyor.
But other qualities are also essential. Good interpersonal skills and a sound technical report writing ability are needed.
On a technical level the novice surveyor should have a good understanding of the sector of the maritime industry into which he intends to specialise.
On a professional level he should possess such qualities as integrity, impartiality, honesty, transparency and confidentiality – in fact something just short of sainthood is preferred.
Outsiders often look in on the business of marine surveying and think “this is just the type of work I would enjoy for semi-retirement”. This idea could not be further removed from the reality.
Successful surveyors are not only well qualified and experienced, they must be able to think on their feet and be physically fit as well. Climbing pilot ladders or crawling through double bottom tanks is not for the faint hearted.
A few courses in marine surveying are run by the Australian Maritime College in Launceston and through several colleges in the UK, but these qualifications are of little use unless they can be put into practical surveying experience under guidance from a more experienced surveyor/mentor.
Reputation
Difficulties lie ahead for a profession where learning by your mistakes does not enhance your reputation as a surveyor. The shrinking population of home-grown seafarers means the profession must look elsewhere for their raw material.
Naval architects, machinery inspectors, boat builders and marine underwriters are all possible sources for someone with the “right stuff” to become a marine surveyor.
Building up a marine surveying business takes time and effort and is often not financially rewarding for many years until the client base and reputation of the business is well established.
For these reasons perhaps the amalgamation of larger surveying companies can provide a sustainable training ground for future surveyors to mature and finally branch out on their own.
Maritime Engineers Pty Ltd celebrates its 15-year milestone this year with the confidence that with a structured vision and training program the future of independent marine surveying for them is on a sound footing.

Kent Stewart is managing director and principal surveyor of Maritime Engineers Pty Ltd.