How to Conduct Marine Surveys

Marine surveys can be complex undertakings whether one is examining cargo vessels or pleasure crafts. Usually employed by insurance companies and shipping firms, surveys sometimes require taking in-depth stock of not only machinery and equipment but also various structures. From ensuring that companies are complying with international standards to considering safety concerns, here's how to conduct a successful marine survey.

Understand the Needs of the Employer

Marine surveyors have to start by understanding the client or the organisation they work for. They are responsible for inspecting all types of vessels, including cargo ships, passenger vessels, barges, ferries, marine cargo, and oil rigs. They may also inspect loading docks, canals, and drydocks. Surveyors are hired to perform inspections for various reasons, such as checking compliance with regulations, evaluating a vessel before purchase, settling insurance claims, and determining if certain vessels are eligible for insurance. Communication between the surveyor and the party that requested the inspection is crucial, as is understanding the requirements for a particular assignment.

Be Clear on Key Objectives of the Survey and One's Role

The next step in conducting a marine survey is familiarising oneself with the details included in the survey brief if one has been shared. If a clear and concise brief has not been handed over by the employer, it is up to the marine surveyor to convert employer expectations into services that can be fulfilled by the surveyor. It is important not to overextend oneself when listing the types of surveys that can be done to meet the client's needs as certain elements will inevitably fall outside of one's wheelhouse or expertise.

Explore Possible Litigation Issues

When conducting surveys, it is also crucial for surveyors to understand the particulars of a case where litigation may be involved. Disputes between shippers, traders, time charters and ship owners are often resolved out of court but if a survey is being conducted to prove or disprove certain items of contention, the surveyor must understand the risks involved. It may be prudent to save all communications between both parties as emails can be used as "evidence" during legal proceedings.

Heading to the Survey Site

After going through the ship's file and verifying the statutory position of the vessel, it is then time to head out to the survey site. The first step in any marine survey is reviewing the certificates earned by a vessel, which will include class position and other important details. Using a representative of the ship owner to help facilitate the survey is equally important as none of the crew members or technicians onboard are duty-bound to spend a workday answering questions. Whether one is performing surveys for McLarens Sri Lanka or any of the other marine companies in Sri Lanka​​​​​​, scheduling the timing of surveys so that no one is inconvenienced is imperative.

Take Safety Precautions

When conducting a marine survey, every surveyor must take safety precautions that are part and parcel of their occupation. This means that everything from one's attire to footwear and headgear must be determined based on the hazardous contents that one might come across during the inspection. Those conducting machinery surveys, for example, should never operate any machinery to check the alarm system as this should be left to members of the crew. Climbing ladders and entering the ship's hold can also prove disastrous if the right precautions are not taken. Hatch covers can be particularly dangerous in this respect.

Document Thoroughly

During the marine survey, meticulous documentation is crucial. The surveyor should maintain detailed records of their observations, inspections, and any issues identified. Photographs and video recordings can serve as valuable visual evidence to support the survey findings. Accurate documentation is essential for creating comprehensive reports that can be shared with the client, insurance companies, or other relevant parties.