Q. Some are concerned about the image of marine surveying as a profession, saying it does not carry the same kudos it once used to. What would you say is the situation in Australia?
A. I think the opposite has evolved in Australia. Marine Surveyors are now playing a major role in the safety and compliance of the entire Australian fleet and the Australian Maritime and Safety Authority are using these surveyors as their eyes and ears out in the field.
Q. Technology is changing fast and autonomous vessels it seems will be with us soon. An opportunity for a surveyor or a threat?
A. This technology amazes me and I am in two minds as to its future. If it helps save lives and helps keep the marine freight industry lucrative, then it’s a good thing but there needs to be more runs on the board. From a surveyor’s point of view, I don’t see it as a threat as the systems and fail safes aboard the vessel must still be compliant and tested; and there will always be someone wanting that all important signature that takes the responsibility away from them. I think it is important for the modern surveyor to keep on top of their training and Continuous Professional Development which should encompass new technology like this.
Q. How important is appropriate surveyor education and training for upcoming surveyors in Australia and is there any provision for mentoring such individuals?
A. I am a huge advocate of education and training and feel that this is one of the area’s which needs work in the surveying industry in Australia. As our industry has changed and grown through the introduction of a National System, there has been confusion and frustration over the various functions of the private surveyor along with the various compliance requirements from state to state. Our National Regulator is actively accrediting new, young surveyors in various subjects of Marine Surveying yet it’s hard for these individuals to gain experience and income to run a profitable business. Under the current guidelines, an accredited surveyor can survey and sign off on the areas they have been trained and accredited in yet they must have insurance and administration systems in place equal to a fully qualified surveyor. This leaves them out in a competitive market trying to pick up work within their survey limits and creating micro competition within the industry affecting no one except the customer. I think the training and accreditation could come from the surveying industry itself and this training should be a complete package leaving the fully trained and mentored surveyor entering the industry as a qualified equal with the support of the mentor and their business.
Q. It has been said that Port Lincoln is the ‘Seafood Capital of Australia’. What is your favourite food and what would you recommend to eat if anyone finds themselves in that part of the world?
A. Port Lincoln is definitely the Sea Food Capital of Australia and my favourite would be sashimi Tuna or Kingfish. I also like our local whiting and the Oysters from our west coast are world renowned. For visitors, I usually recommend whatever is fresh on the day but you must try the sashimi rosettes from the Lincoln Hotel.
Q. When you have the chance to escape at the end of a busy day, how do you choose to relax and what hobbies do you enjoy?
A. I actually have a 1965 Lewis Ski Boat in my shed which I have been rebuilding for the last couple years. It’s a bit crazy spending time on a boat in my spare time, I guess that’s why it’s taking so long. I get out on my motor bike when the weather lets me and camping with the family is probably my favourite escape.
Q. And finally if you were to give a message for the next generation of surveyors, what would it be?
A. Start at the bottom of the boat. Learn what happens in the engine room before you get too carried away with compliance and administration. This means going out on vessels and experiencing the rigours that the vessel and crew can be exposed to and how difficult simple things can be when the vessel is pitching and rolling, or plunged into darkness. Spend some time on smaller boats and you will learn how important it is to have systems in place before you need them, as problems usually occur in twos and threes and can get out of hand if not dealt with immediately.
78 | The Report • June 2017 • Issue 80
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