Marine Department - Assistant Surveyor of Ships

Assistant Surveyor of Ships

Yoyo: After I graduated from the university, I had tried two jobs working ashore as an assistant engineer, then I worked on an ocean-going vessel. Working on board, I had experience in dismantling and repairing different machines that gave me great satisfaction.

Raymond: I started as an engine cadet on a ship to get experience on board, then I was promoted to a Class 3 Marine Engineer Officer and finally acquired the Certificate of Competency of Class 1 Marine Engineer Officer. While I was working on board, I had come across surveyors conducting all kinds of surveys. As time passed, I became interested in their monitoring role for vessels.

Yoyo: After working ashore, I want to broaden my professional knowledge in the maritime industry and continue to make use of my previous experience on-board. That is the reason why I decided to apply for the post of Assistant Surveyor of Ships.

Routine work of Assistant Surveyor of Ships

Yoyo: An Assistant Surveyor of Ships has to work for three to four years in different sections of the Marine Department such as the Cargo Ships Safety Section, the Seafarers' Certification Section, the International Safety Management Section, the Government New Construction Section and the Maritime Policy Branch, etc. While studying and having on-the-job training, we have to obtain a corporate membership of the Hong Kong Institute of Engineers (HKIE) during this period.

Raymond: Now I am posted to the Cargo Ships Safety Section, my main duties include assisting the Surveyors of Ships to handle applications for exemption from cargo ships registered in Hong Kong and the corresponding quality management, inspection, examination and any other survey and certification work. Sometimes we have to assist in handling vessel emergencies in the Hong Kong waters.

Qualities of Assistant Surveyor of Ships

Yoyo: We need to be interested in and have basic knowledge of all aspects of the maritime industry, so that we can stay alert. Technology is advancing rapidly, maritime conventions, regulations, and technology in the industry require regular update, so we have to be motivated and patient to keep learning and keep abreast with the market developments.

Raymond: Of course, clear judgment is also very important, as a Surveyor of Ships always has to work independently and make his own judgment.

Induction training and promotion

Raymond: A newly recruited Assistant Surveyor of Ships will receive professional training jointly designed by the Marine Department and the HKIE. Trainees will have industry attachment opportunity in maritime related organisations or overseas training. When we finish the designated training programme and pass the assessment, we have to obtain the corporate membership of HKIE. And fulfilling other requirements such as having good character and ability, we can be promoted to the rank of Surveyor of Ships. Like other government departments, there is an established promotion system in the Surveyor of Ships grade. When one receives continuous positive appraisals, he may be promoted to Senior Surveyor of Ships, Principal Surveyor of Ships and even higher management level.

One family on the same boat

Raymond: I had quite a lot of unforgettable experience when I was working on board. While we were sailing off the east coast of New Zealand, we received a distress signal. It turned out to be a married couple on a sailboat of over a dozen meters - they were caught in a storm and had spent two days on that failing boat. Fortunately, they came to our rescue in the end. After this incident, I realised it is very important to look out for each other at sea. It also reinforced my sense of duty to uphold maritime safety.

Yoyo: When working on board, we have to conduct different kinds of drill every week for different accidents such as fire drill and abandon ship drill. Although I am usually the only woman on board, I have to act as a fire-fighter in the drills, carrying full set of gears with helmet, oxygen cylinder, and fire hose, opening the hatch cover, climbing the cat ladder, passing through narrow space and putting out the fire in the engine room. They would not take special care of me just because I am a woman, we all work together to ensure navigational safety.

Missions of an Assistant Surveyor of Ships

Raymond: Unfortunately, two friends of mine lost their lives in a marine accident. Now I have the privilege to join the Marine Department, I hope to fully show my ability and utilise my professional knowledge and have the opportunity to rise to the management level to contribute and maintain an accident-free harbour.

Yoyo: As an Assistant Surveyor of Ships, I wish to acquire the necessary experience during this period to inject a new impetus in the department and the maritime industry in Hong Kong, to further enhance Hong Kong maritime services in the world.