Choosing or even finding a qualified marine surveyor can be challenging. Almost everyone believes they can make a living from inspecting commercial and recreational marine vessels, which makes the selection process difficult. ‘While certifications and credentials go a long way, the experience can be the joker for marine surveyors,’ says Southern Divers Melbourne Commercial Divers.
Hence, what should you consider before choosing a marine surveyor? What qualities of an excellent one should you be on the lookout for? This blog post provides tips that will help you select the marine conveyor that is right for you.
- Pick a marine surveyor that can build a boat
Competency is key to this craft, and what better person to inspect and examine your marine vessels than someone who can build one? Such marine surveyors know their way around all the boat’s components and will help you make the right decision with your vessels. But be careful. There is a difference between a surveyor with a Captain’s license and another who actually knows how to manufacture and produce the boat.
If you want a comprehensive evaluation, from the reliability of the system to the engine conditions, then someone with this experience is necessary. You can rely on their experience to take decisive actions on the safety, quality, and dependability of the vessel.
- Gauge their skillset
Going with what a marine surveyor says they can do for you is a huge risk. Instead, get a feel of their skillset and experience in previous projects before selecting one. Three important qualities define marine surveyor: trustworthiness, technical proficiency, and experience. Sadly, these traits are hardly found in trades people in the US, including those in the marine industry.
To gauge a marine surveyor’s skillset, ask about their approach to business and experience. A key trait that should help you out here is their attention to detail in getting the technical job done.
- Evaluate their approach to performing surveys
As there are many independent marine surveyors, different approaches have been devised to conduct surveys. A part-time surveyor shouldn’t be a red flag, but you don’t expect the same commitment and competency that a full-time marine surveyor will give you. There is no way experience can be substituted in the job, as it will tell in the final survey document.
The integrity of a surveyor and his process is also another thing to use in evaluating the approach to surveys. Any surveyor that offers a drive-by survey (a survey that provides a high discount rate insufficient to obtain insurance) should be not be selected. Such surveys will transfer the liability and expense to you.
- Find out about their background
Since the evaluation process and survey involves a lot of technicalities, it is expected that qualified marine surveyors have mechanical experience or background. Just as how you would not trust a surgeon who isn’t knowledgeable about the body’s anatomy, so also should you not rely on or choose a marine engineer without a mechanical experience.
An in-depth understanding of all components in the vessel is required, and that is what a mechanical background provides.
- Request for Samples
This is perhaps the easiest tip to remember when choosing a marine surveyor. Asking for a sample in the qualification process is very important. A professional marine surveyor should be able to provide you with a well-thought, detailed, and carefully-crafted survey to convince you. But remember not to settle. If the sample is basic and lacks the quality you require, then move on with the search.
- Find out about the surveyor’s reviews from past customers
In the marine surveying industry, like all others, testimonials and reviews from previous customers can play a huge part in the selection process. An experienced and vast surveyor will have a reputation for his good work, so find out exactly how he or she approaches the job from past customers. They are the best people to give you the go-ahead or not.
Alternatively, you can request a reference from marine surveyors before you choose the right one for the job. A marine surveyor should have several references to show for his excellent work unless he or she doesn’t provide the required services or doesn’t have the years of experience.
In both cases, look out for behavioral patterns that either strengthen or weaken your choice.
In Conclusion
There are not a lot of qualified marine surveyors in US, Australia etc. However, there are still a few excellent ones that have years of experience, the necessary background, and integrity. This doesn’t mean that you have to lower your standards in your selection process.
Take time to screen the candidates, following the tips we have listed for you, and you will save time, stress, and money. The ultimate goal is to find a marine surveyor who is committed and passionate about their job.