experience and interests. Solving a complex case or ‘whodunit’ can be thrilling. Depending on the type of surveying that you choose, you are likely to get a chance to travel to many new places.
Q8. Have you a funny experience as a marine surveyor you can recall and share?
Q6. Which of the many skills a marine surveyor must possess do you believe is of prime importance?
I believe that a surveyor must carry out an objective and unbiased investigation and/or observation. That is extremely important so that a client is not misled. It is likely that the evidence/observations may not support the client’s case and the surveyor must report that honestly. I think that wilful neglect or manipulation of any evidence should be avoided by a surveyor at all costs. Complacency in surveying can prove to be costly, both financially for the client and loss of reputation for the surveyor. A surveyor should treat all jobs with equal respect even if he/she has years of experience in the same field.
Q7. What encouragement would you give the next generation of marine surveyors, or those thinking about a career in this line of work?
It is a very interesting and exciting career. Marine incidents and claims are often of a high value and there are likely to be one or more competing interests. There is always something different even if the survey or incident appears to be similar. Forensic analysis of evidence provides mental stimulation and is very satisfying. The career will also give you an opportunity to specialise in certain types of claims/surveys and there are many to choose from depending on your qualifications,
I recall interviewing a Master regarding a grounding. That was in the pre-VDR era. We were on the Bridge pouring over the Passage Plan and charts that had been used. It was difficult going as the Master was not keen on assisting and it was clear to me that his version of the event was not plausible. Sometime during that discussion, the Second Officer, who was on deck, called the Master on walkie-talkie radio, and told him in an Indian language that he had altered certain information on the chart. The Second Officer had not met me and was not aware that I was (or could be) familiar with his native language. A very embarrassed Master beat a hasty retreat. We did have a good laugh and I got what I needed to know (and suspected).
Q9. What do you say are the greatest challenges facing the surveying world in an ever-changing technological environment and how important is it for a surveyor to grasp them?
Recent years have seen a large increase in the use of electronic instruments for measurements of various parameters - for example, laser distance measurers, temperature and moisture content measurers, 360° cameras, ultrasonic testing equipment, etc. A surveyor must keep up-to-date with the new technologies and equipment that is available for use in his speciality and budget for it. Similarly, there is an increasing number of softwares available for various calculations like Optimoor, Bollard Pull Calculator etc. These are also important tools which a
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client would expect a surveyor to procure and use. A word of caution about cyber threat, which is very real, even for small firms. A surveyor should seek advice and ensure that his system is adequately protected, and that the data and its confidentiality is not compromised.
Q10. Once the work is done, how do you like to relax?
If I am travelling for a survey, then I prefer to go out and enjoy the local food. Street food is my favourite but sometimes with unwelcoming consequences. If I am working in a place where it is not recommended to venture out in the evenings, I prefer to stay in the hotel and relax. If at home, well, I get the instructions on how to relax and I just follow them!
Q11. If we were to meet you in a bar, what is your favourite tipple?
A woody single malt or a glass of Merlot. I also enjoy trying the local brew when I travel to new places. As I said earlier, the career is full of challenges – at work and at play. You can always raise the bar.
Q12. Having travelled the world, which location has given you the most satisfaction, making you long to return?
It is difficult to choose as there are so many places that I would love to visit again. The attractions are different – high pressure working environment or simply laid back. Ease of working with locals or working with known people can be important for the case in hand. If I had to choose between a job in any port in India and South Africa and the rest of the world, I would accept the former. It will be good to work with some known friends and foes. Moreover, I have my roots there and I am always eager to go back. Having said that, the choice of location is not mine and I would happily accept to go to where I am required.
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