I had always been interested in surveying and investigations. I had my fair share of misfortunes at sea and was influenced by surveyors who attended on board to assist. I started my career in marine surveying by joining the office of a large and very busy P&I correspondent. The role was very interesting, but I was not fully aware of that when I took the dip. I joined a strong team of claims and casualty managers and investigators (including lawyers) and we were supported by a large number of external surveyors. Being correspondents for all the IG Clubs, and a host of others, meant a steady stream of work. That exposed me to a variety of claims and incidents and many major casualties. With my extensive experience at sea, it was the perfect launching pad for a shore career in a field that I saw as my future. There was almost every aspect of surveying involved – investigation of groundings, allisions, collisions, cargo damages, cargo condition, personal injuries and damage to vessels to name the main ones.


Q2. Which of the many sea going skills you acquired stood you in good order to make the transformation to a marine surveyor?


It is difficult to define a single one. The responsibilities and roles were different in ascending ranks at sea. I believe that having command was essential for the work that I carry out today as I am able to analyse an incident or reaction from a Master’s perspective. Sailing on general cargo vessels and bulk carriers added to my knowledge and skill of carriage of a variety of cargoes. The ISM Code assisted a lot as it required a vessel to record near-misses and investigate all incidents that occurred. My familiarity with vessel design and its capabilities, the problems faced by officers and crew and the commercial pressure exerted by all parties was very advantageous in making the transition. At sea,


you hope not to experience any incidents. I landed on the other side of the fence where there was work only if something went wrong with a vessel or a shipment. Problem solving is second nature for mariners as no assistance can be expected when you are at sea, especially of cross-ocean voyages. You are required to resolve any problem or minimise its effect yourself. That skill and experience is very handy in surveying as one is often required to suggest or find ways to mitigate the losses. It also helps in anticipating what went wrong and what could go wrong further if the situation remains unrectified.


Q3. Which aspect of marine surveying gives you the most job satisfaction and why?


Investigation of collisions, groundings and major cargo claims are always challenging and require focus and an open mind. There could always be another way to look at causation and you cannot afford to miss out on collection of any evidence. It is very satisfying to realise that you have collected all the evidence and made all the observations that are required to establish the cause of the incident or assess the quantum of damage. It is also very satisfying if you have been able to assist the client in reducing the losses or foreseeing that something may lead to a loss in the future if not rectified/ amended. I also feel very satisfied if my advice assists in increasing the safety of an operation, especially for that of the crew.


Q4. What is the most challenging and dangerous surveying job you have worked on?


Being winched down on to the main deck of a small grounded tanker with heavy winds and waves breaking over deck. The salvors did caution me that I may get washed off! Or waiting at 2 a.m. in the morning at a very secluded spot near an airport in a country recovering from a civil war, to be transported to a hotel in port. Probably the longest hour that I have ever spent, and in that duration, I was able to recall all the prayers that I had learnt since childhood. For a surveyor, the nature of the job itself may not pose any serious threat. It is the ambience in which it is carried out. That could relate to the weather conditions, motion of a vessel, safety in the docks and port or the risk of treading over the toes of powerful locals who may have a financial interest in the venture or incident.


Q5. What is the most dramatic investigation you have ever been involved with?


I was involved in a high-profile case of contraband being carried on a vessel which was detained by the Police and the entire crew was arrested. I was asked to inspect the vessel and review the navigation/ routeing to establish where the contraband was taken onboard. The dossier provided to me read like the script of a Hollywood thriller. The case was widely reported in the press.


The Report • March 2020 • Issue 91 | 101


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