Careers and Training
Thinking of a career as a marine surveyor?
In Australia and the Australasian region, private commercial marine surveyors work across the entire spectrum of shipping. Their work encompasses all categories of surveys from cargo, insurance, salvage and towing to recreational vessel insurance and pre-purchase surveys to domestic working vessels needing a survey under the National Law requirements.
Due to the complexities of shipping and the maritime industry those people who already have a shipping or maritime background make the best marine surveyors and are generally more successful than those coming from outside the industry.
The AIMS promotes marine surveyors across all sectors of the industry, and provides the training required to become a professional surveyor.
WAGES
To become become an AIMS Certified Commercial Marine Surveyor™ you will need qualifications in marine surveying, experience in the maritime industry as a seafarer or maritime professional or as an engineer or shipwright.
To become accredited by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) as a commercial vessel surveyor or accredited by the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) as an Accredited Grain Surveyor you will need specific qualifications and experience. Further information can be found at these links:
Until 2014 all marine surveyors were trained on the job however the Diploma of Maritime Operations (Marine Surveying) was accredited by the Australian Government and became the accepted entry level qualification.
This qualification has now been phased out and replaced with the following AIMS diplomas:
- Advanced Diploma of Commercial Marine Surveying™
- International Diploma of Marine Surveying
(Working Boats)™ - Industry Diploma of Recreational Vessel Survey™
Marine surveyors are generally paid according to their qualifications, experience and job market trends.
Average Marine Surveyor salaries in Australia vary from approximately $50,000 / year to $120,000 / year with an average of $83,000 (reference – payscale).
CONDITIONS
Nearly all marine survey work is conducted at a port or slipway and most tasks are performed outdoors and in all types of weather conditions
Travel is part of the job role and can be extensive and continual although many companies work a roster system.
The upside to the constant travel is the opportunity to visit other countries and ports and meet new people.
Weekends and after hours work is common so if you are looking for a 9-5 Monday to Friday job then marine surveying is probably not suited to you.
Entry level surveyors are generally supported by a senior surveyor and are taught on the job skills that compliment their marine survey studies.
Still have questions – please email the training team at: training@aimsurveyors.com.au
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