Marine Surveyor
SOC 17-2121.00 · ESCO 3115 · OSCA 313433
Role snapshot
Overview
Inspects ships, boats, and offshore structures to assess their condition, safety, and compliance with maritime regulations. Produces detailed reports on hull integrity, machinery, and equipment for insurers, owners, and regulators. This role involves meticulous technical assessment, adherence to international standards, and clear communication of findings to ensure the safety and seaworthiness of marine assets.
Ensures the safety, compliance, and structural integrity of marine vessels and offshore installations, protecting lives, assets, and the environment by upholding international maritime standards.
On the job
- Conduct detailed inspections of vessel hulls, machinery, and safety equipment for condition and compliance.
- Assess damage, determine repair scopes, and estimate costs following incidents like collisions or groundings.
- Prepare comprehensive technical reports for classification societies, insurers, and vessel owners.
- Verify compliance with international maritime regulations (e.g., SOLAS, MARPOL) and classification rules.
- Advise clients on risk management, maintenance strategies, and regulatory requirements.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
Bachelor's degree in marine engineering, naval architecture, or a related technical field, often followed by professional certifications.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Marine Surveyor
Civil & Structural Engineering
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
realistic · RIC
People who enjoy practical, hands-on technical work, investigating complex systems, and adhering to strict standards and regulations tend to thrive in this role.
Personality characteristics
Conscientious
Exhibits a high degree of thoroughness, attention to detail, and reliability in inspections and report writing.
Investigative
Enjoys analyzing complex technical systems, diagnosing problems, and finding root causes of damage or failure.
Practical
Prefers hands-on work, applying technical knowledge directly to physical structures and machinery in diverse environments.
Calm Under Pressure
Maintains composure and objectivity when assessing critical situations or delivering potentially challenging findings.
Methodical
Follows established protocols and standards rigorously to ensure consistent and accurate assessments.
Best for
- Individuals who enjoy applying deep technical knowledge to real-world mechanical and structural challenges.
- Professionals who thrive on ensuring compliance and safety in a regulated environment.
- Those who are comfortable with independent work and frequent travel.
Watch out for
- Requires extensive travel, often to remote or industrial locations, and can involve physically demanding work.
- High responsibility for assessing critical assets, requiring sound judgment and resilience under pressure.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Marine Surveyor — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
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