preparing the appropriate gear to keep cool and or warm is critical, as well as, types of hydration in all temperature. On-sites, it’s important for the marine surveyor to evaluate specific requirements of personal protective equipment, work permits, safety and evacuation equipment, changing atmospheric conditions, and other relevant risk to the project.
Q5. How important is it for a marine surveyor to keep him/herself abreast of new technologies and to show he/ she is continuing to show career progression?
To be successful in producing the desired or intended results for clients, the marine surveyor must keep relevant, through continuous learning, understanding, and developing a level of knowledge to keep pace in his or her concentration of marine surveying. Technologies are growing at a rapid pace, keeping up presents challenges to the surveyor, greater opportunities exist for flag/port state, and class inspectors through conduits within their organizations, as for independent surveyors, belonging to professional associations, such as International Institute of Marine Surveying, provides access to relevant industry information, seminars, and training courses.
Q6. What would you say are the most important personal traits for a surveyor (apart from being competent to survey) in today’s modern, fast moving business world.
The most important component is the level of physical condition of the marine surveyor, good health and nutrition, keeps the mind and body stable, energetic, and tolerate to fatigue. Conditioning lends itself, to a more positive and optimistic approach to projects and or tasks, the ability to clearly think, interact, and respond the needs or requirements before you, as well managing interpersonal relationship of the job.
being approachable, respectful, and demonstrating professional integrity, and being timely with appointments and commitments.
Q7. What would you say has been the most hazardous survey you have ever undertaken and what made it such a challenge?
The most hazardous survey undertaken was a confined space situation, I attended a Federal sheriffs auction with a client preparing to bid on a small fleet of tank barges, these barge had be out of services for over three years, with no supervision or maintenance from the Federal receivers. Time of year was mid-summer, plus 30 C temperatures, the barges were laid- up in a fleeting yard, some tanks and machinery space had been opened during the past few years. Bidders were granted permission for inspection the week before the court auction, the client and I arranged to inspect each of the barges at our own risk. The Federal Receivers did not provide any means and or services to prepare for confined space entry, total at your own risk. The last contained material on the barges was bunker C petroleum and coal tar, all tanks having residuals bottoms.
Importantly, 84 | The Report • March 2019 • Issue 87
We jointly made a decision to inspect the tanks from the topside only, the machinery space, I would entry the compartment to inspect diesel engines, pumps, manifolds, and condition of the space, which essentially is another tank, with a flush mount hatchway. The second barge to inspect, the machinery space hatchway was missing, and it appear to have been open for extended period of time, I tested the atmospheric levels in the tank, and proved safe for entry. I made my way down the ladder with the meter and light, I stepped onto the deck plates, there was startling growls and several racoons scurrying about my feet, as I charge up the ladder, unknown to me, under the hatchway entrance in the tank, was a very large wasp’s nest, humming from being disturb from my tank entry.
Fortunately, I managed to escape the compartment with only a few wasp stings. With all the confined space training, never has there been a conversation about the hazards of meeting insects, rodents or animals in confined space. This situation could have had significantly different outcomes.
Q8. If you could give three pieces of advice to younger, less experienced surveyors making their way in this profession, what would they be?
Focusing on achieving their highest level of academics, or field of concentration.
Find an industry mentor that can challenge you, listen to you, and or bounce your ideas off of.
Include a lifelong learning process in your personal and professional life, and take care of yourself.
Q9. The size and landscape of Canada must make your job challenging. How tough is the travelling to deal with and how often are you having to make long distance trips on survey?
Canada is vast, in the marine industry, it’s divided into the Atlantic Region, Quebec Region, Ontario Region, Prairie and Northern Region, and Pacific Region. The major challenge is the cost of air travel throughout Canada, most companies sourcing marine surveyors will look regionally for surveyor availability and competencies. In my case, I operate primarily in Ontario and Quebec Regions, whereas I have several transportation options, usually flying several time per year, to other locals.
Q10. As regional Director for the IIMS Canada Branch, what specific issues are there for Canadian surveyors to be aware of?
There is a number specific topics that should be addressed with marine surveyors on an annual
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