Becoming a Marine Surveyor can be one of the most rewarding careers out there and if you are someone who is curious about everything, love to communicate with people and enjoy the sea, then this profession will be perfect for you. A Marine Surveyor is someone who evaluates, investigates and inspects ships, yachts and fishing vessels. They survey the structure, machinery and navigation. They assure that these vessels meet governmental safety regulations.
Types of Surveyors There are several types of surveyors such as: Government surveyors who can be Flag State or Port state representatives. These Surveyors work with foreign going ships, local craft and ship registration. They enforce ship safety. Then there is the Classification surveyor who can be a representative or inspector of ships. Then there is the Private Surveyor who examines ship cargo, on board conditions, fuel quality, investigates accidents, and prepares reports. Lastly there is the Yacht and small craft surveyor, which is a specialty in smaller vessels, power and recreational sailing.
Education Requirements There are several ways to get the education required to be a surveyor, there is the traditional college or university, then there is the correspondence courses, either way is sufficient for preparing one for the licensing exam. In most cases it is required that the student have a 4 year degree in fields like biology, chemistry, mathematics, or land surveying. It is not mandatory, but the experience or the college background is necessary to get a head start in the Marine Surveyor studies. It can take up to six months to complete the correspondence courses. Once the classes like wordsmithing, expert witness, hull surveying, refrigerated cargo, yacht and small craft, infrared thermography and damage survey are completed, the next step is an internship or apprenticeship.
Once experience is gained for about two to four years, then the licensing exam can be taken. This exam is called the FS exam. It is several hours long and it tests basic knowledge of marine surveying. The next exam would be at the end of more time and experience, the PS exam. Both of these exams are sponsored by the NCEES. Many of the courses that are required can cost $600-700 each.
Certified Organizations for Marine Surveyors
There are several governing bodies that monitor Marine Surveyors, (NAMS)-National Association of Marine Surveyors, the US Surveyors Association-Navy, Certified Marine Surveyors-(CMS), (ABYC)-American Boat and Yacht Council, (IIMS) - International Institute of Marine Surveyors, (SAMS) - Society of Accredited Marie Surveyors and the (YDSA) - Yacht Designers and Survey Association. Many schools will require that the new students are members of the ACMS, ABYC and the NFFA in order to be accepted into the program.
Conclusion A Marine Surveyor is someone who investigates and evaluates ships, yachts and fishing vessels. They can work for insurance companies or private contracts. They can be employed by P&I Clubs, Brokers and ship owners. The educational road to become a surveyor starts with college courses or many years of experience, then an apprenticeship and lastly the licensing exam. Overall it takes years of hard work and a strong desire to become a Marine Surveyor. It requires a strong background in geometry and biology, and knowledge of different types of GPS systems. Also with new technology being created everyday it requires a continuous update of knowledge of new marine equipment. A good Surveyor must know how to draft schematics and calculate geometric equations with ease.
The ability to work on boats and be around sea life is a privilege. Having the chance to learn about marine environment and boats takes an acquired skill, that is not easy to attain, but with the right education and good trainers it can be accomplished.
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