Q4. I am sure we both agree that just completing a theoretical course does not make or guarantee a competent surveyor at the end of the process. What advice would you give to someone who completes their Professional Qualification as they start to make their way in their chosen profession and what role does mentoring play?
Of course and it is very important for the student to remember that the Institute and the Distance Learning Course can only provide the theoretical outlines and basis of each subject. Although this sets an international standard, the student will then have to go out into the field and start to gather practical experience. Many of the students already have experience before they sign up, because they have already worked in one of the many trades or disciplines in their earlier careers. This means not only that they will need to learn about, say, hands-on laminating, sail making, welding, or any one of the other necessary skills, but they should ideally work alongside an experienced surveyor until they have learned to be thoroughly competent.
Q5. Are there any books or resources you would regard as essential reading material for marine surveyors and, if so, what are they?
Besides picking up invaluable knowledge in the yards and workshops around the various trades as well as afloat, there are many technical information sources to which the student and indeed more experienced marine surveyors should be guided. In addition to the excellent IIMS series of twenty What a Marine Surveyor Needs to Know About handy guides there is a wealth of independent information available out there covering everything you will ever need to know on the theoretical side. For instance, nowadays it is possible to go on the web and merely type in your question on any subject at all. The student will be rewarded with a very large amount of up to date information which should lead to further sources and further questions. The student both in his/her studies and in his/her later career as a practicing surveyor will of course need his/her own library of reference books and these he/she will need to purchase. The IIMS will always be happy to help you with guidance as to which
publications to buy. These reference books will be invaluable to the surveyor throughout his/her career. There are also reference libraries in every large town and the staff there will help you. They are often full of students studying many subjects.
Q6. You are a highly experienced marine professional with experience gained from many years in the sector. What would you say are the main keys for success in today’s marine surveying profession?
One. In the long run, the key to operating as a successful surveyor is basic knowledge and understanding of the skills and the theory behind them coupled with as much experience as it is possible to get in your chosen field of expertise.
Two. The surveyor must also understand that he/she has to be capable of quickly producing a report that is technically correct and accurate that is also understandable by the client as well as his/her insurance agents, which is regarded as a legal document and could be presented in Court at a much later date.
The Report • June 2019 • Issue 88 | 81
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