Why is there a need for an accreditation scheme for professional marine surveyors?
Put simply, anyone can work as a marine surveyor anywhere in the world. Remarkably, that means there is no barrier to entry and unlike most other professions that have formal exams and tests to pass, there are none in this business. Over the years this has led to a number of unskilled, incompetent people and part timers with other jobs working as marine surveyors. The marine surveyor has a big part to play in the safety of life at sea and when this is impinged, this is no longer acceptable in today’s world. It has to stop and it is time for the profession as a whole to take the necessary steps to do just that. The industry has grappled with this thorny issue for many years, but no-one had the resolve or stamina to tackle the issue – until now. The result is the Accredited Marine Surveying Practitioner scheme, developed by professionals for professionals, which for the first time brings transparency to the sector.
How many specialisms does a professional marine surveyor have?
This has been the subject of much debate and the simple fact is that many marine surveyors believe they have dozens of specialisms, but in reality, (and once pushed), the vast majority agree this is actually not the case. Our research carried out in recent months suggests that at most a surveyor will have a maximum of five specialisms – surveying activities in which he or she is a true expert displaying supreme competency. Certainly, they will have a broad range of other skills but the aim of the scheme is to recognise practitioners and their specialisms. So, this is reflected in the scheme and the maximum number of specialisms a marine surveyor can be accredited for is five. There is the ability to add 150 words of free text to list other surveying activities in which a practitioner can take instruction but is not necessarily a specialist.
The scheme is widely supported by leading marine industry organisations
The team developing the Marine Surveying Practitioner Scheme has worked closely with a peer group and a range of stakeholders every step along the development phase, all of whom are motivated by ensuring the highest possible standards of marine surveying are met. These stakeholders and those involved in engaging marine surveyors have a vested interest in the success of the scheme too. They include major P&I Clubs, Vessel Owners and Operators, Insurance Companies, Underwriters and Brokers.
What is the Accredited Marine Surveying Practitioner (MSP) Scheme?
• The MSP scheme launched in 2021. Its aim is simple – to give anyone engaging a marine surveyor peace of mind, knowing that he or she has been assessed objectively for competence against particular surveying specialisms. The scheme is jointly powered by the International Institute of Marine Surveying, the worldwide leading professional body for surveyors in conjunction with its subsidiary, the Marine Surveying Academy – themselves no strangers in running important international accreditation schemes in other marine related sectors.
• All marine surveyors appearing on this site have been assessed by their peers and have been granted accreditation specialisms having provided objective evidence to demonstrate they have the skills, experience, and competency to meet the criteria of the scheme.
• For those looking to engage an MSP, there is no charge to search and find your chosen marine surveyor who is right for your job.
• The scheme promotes the highest standards in specific areas of marine surveying and ensures that those looking for a professional surveyor are easily able to identify practitioners with proven competency in given areas of surveying.
• The scheme administrators ensure through a rigorous review process that accredited practitioners maintain relevant standards of competency and show a commitment to continuing professional development.
As a professional marine surveyor, this is your opportunity to prove and tell the world how good you are in your surveying specialism(s). Are you ready to gather your objective evidence and information before starting your accreditation application process?
Yacht & Small Craft Surveyors click here
Superyacht Surveyors click here
Cargo & Commercial Ship Surveyors click here
DISCLAIMER
Whilst every effort and diligence has been made to assess and verify each marine surveyor’s specialism(s) using objective evidence, neither the scheme providers, nor the assessors, officers, directors, or anyone else involved with the scheme can be held liable in the event that something goes wrong. It remains the responsibility of the person engaging a marine surveyor to satisfy themselves that their chosen practitioner is suitable for the job and possesses the right skills to carry it out.