Marine Department - Surveyor of Ships

Surveyor of Ships

Tak: There were two reasons for me to choose this occupation, the first reason is that I am very interested in machines, the second reason is that I wish to have the opportunity to broaden my horizons. When I was in university, one of my seniors was in the seafaring industry, I started my career under his encouragement.

Tai: Just like Tak, I decided to join the seafaring industry right after graduating from university. I have six years of experience in seafaring. After managing a fleet in a shipping company for two years, I applied for the job as a Surveyor of Ships. I think the prospect in the Marine Department is better. The remuneration and training system is well set and the career path is clear, that's why I chose to become a Surveyor of Ships.

The Duties of Surveyors of Ships

Tak: Our major duty is to carry out ship inspection. We must be familiar with different types of machines and navigation equipment on a ship, such as main engines, generators, boilers, purifiers, pumps, radars, electronic chart and radiocommunications equipment. We also have to evaluate the safety management system of the crew, so we have to be familiar with operations and management on ships. I am now responsible for inspecting visiting non-Hong Kong registered vessels, including cruiser, cargo ships, China-Hong Kong high speed craft and river-trade vessels registered on the Mainland, to ensure that they comply to the safety and pollution prevention requirement of related international conventions and the local Shipping Ordinances.

Tai: I am working in the Government New Construction Section and I am responsible for designing and procuring government vessels. I have to evaluate tenders, draft construction agreements, supervise the manufacturing process and carry out tests and acceptance checks. Surveyors of Ships also have other duties, such as conducting exams and issuing certificates for professional qualifications of seafarers, investigating accidents, and planning maritime-related laws.

The Traits of Surveyors of Ships

Tak: There are a lot of items to inspect every time we get on board, so we must be equipped with related professional knowledge. If we notice serious deficiencies, we will first consult the officer-in-charge of the Port State Control Section to decide whether the vessel should be detained and be prohibited to leave Hong Kong. We have to analyse and judge independently for making such a decision.

Tai: We also need to inspect different types of ships and to communicate with crew members from different countries, so patience and good communication skills are definitely required.

The Career Path of Surveyors of Ships

Tak: Surveyors of Ships in the Marine Department have a good career prospect. Assistant Surveyor of Ships can be promoted to Surveyor of Ships, Senior Surveyor of Ships, Principal Surveyor of Ships or even higher-level directorate posts.

Nothing to fear when you have been in the stormy sea

Tai: There are a lot of stories to share during my times as a marine engineer officer. For example, it takes five and a half months to sail around the Earth, you will encounter pirates if you pass by Somalia, and killer whales and dolphins will often swim along with the vessels.

Tak: The night at sea is spectacular, without the light pollution from cities we can really experience what a 'starry night' is. The life of working on board is comparatively simple. During off-hours, we usually read books, do exercises and prepare for professional exams.

Tai: Apart from undergoing obstacles and setbacks, there was an occasion when our ship was leaving a pier in Australia, a smack of jellyfish was found blocking the opening of the seawater cooling system, that made the ship unable to sail in full speed. The cost of hiring the vessels is not cheap, so we had to deal with the problem as fast as possible to ensure timely arrival at the next port.

The Mission of Surveyors of Ships

Tak: As a Surveyor of Ships, I wish to exert my influence on ensuring all ships meet the requirement of related international maritime conventions and local Shipping Ordinances, and contribute to the safety of marine traffic and marine conservation.

Tai: The goal of being a Surveyors of Ships simply is to ensure safety, including that of ports, vessels registered in Hong Kong and the staff on board. We strive to ensure safety.