Marine surveyors include, Yacht and small craft surveyors, Hull and Machinery Surveyors and cargo Surveyors and are responsible for conducting examinations and assessments of marine vessels to identify their present conditions and damages that may have been caused including regular wear and tear. A Marine Cargo Surveyors are also responsible for identifying the cargo that is being loaded and the amount of perishables and destructible that are being sent as cargo. Any insurance, which needs to be claimed either for the vessel or the cargo are made and sanctioned only after the Surveyor has given his certification and recommendations.
Being qualified and technically sound is the main requisite of the Marine Cargo Surveyors where the judgement and experience that they carry including the time that they must have spent at sea is primarily considered.Having a working knowledge of the vessels electrical and mechanical systems and carrying a fundamental understanding of the design and construction of the vessel and a complete knowledge about the weight allowance of the vessel are also essential in recruiting and employing the marine surveyor.
Apart from conducting various surveys to gauge the damage made to the cargo and the assessment of the losses is the prime responsibility of the Marine Cargo Surveyor. They are also experts for witness tests and measure ships for the required tonnage and safety machinery that needs to be in place.