making it more difficult for a surveyor to rely entirely on their knowledge.


The increasing technological advancements applied to vessels have also led to a more complex statutory landscape, observed Wilson. “Regulations such as SOLAS and MARPOL have obviously had a positive influence on ship safety, however, whilst new regulations have come into force fairly quickly, very few have been taken away.”


He points to tank coatings and the introduction of Common Structural Rules, which have significantly improved the condition of the ballast tanks and improved safety to such an extent that Wilson feels it’s time to consider relaxing younger ships’ tank inspections during routine surveys.


Looking forward, however, Wilson believes that the biggest disruptor is yet to come – decarbonisation.


“There is a huge amount to be done and we have only really just started,” he told Horizons. “The industry will have to move from a standardised bunkering system, to one that involves multiple fuels with as yet little infrastructure to support them. Crew still need to be trained and assets must be retrofitted to use new fuels. It’s not just a technical challenge, it’s a commercial and economic one”.


It may be a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity, he observes, adding that these new developments make it an incredibly exciting time to become a class surveyor. “It’s a job that’s taken me around the world,” said WIlson, “and it involves genuine hands on engineering.”


For all the talk of technology and changing business landscapes, when it comes to succeeding as a surveyor, Wilson says it’s about how you interact with people. “It’s about communicating and influencing. You often have to tell someone that’s something’s not right, but there are ways of doing it that bring the best outcomes. And that’s what makes a surveyor stand out.”


Iain Wilson on a survey in Samsung on the BP H-Class Project


128 | ISSUE 107 | MAR 2024 | THE REPORT


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