Becoming a marine inspector can be done through apprenticeship or attending a vocational school. Certification from organizations like SAMS can increase employability and attract clients. Specialization can provide a variety of job opportunities.
There are several routes that people can take to become a marine inspector, which is a person who inspects vessels for appraisal purposes and also to confirm that they meet government standards. In most regions, this profession is not licensed and regulated, and people can simply start surveying businesses without any training and experience. However, having certifications from a professional organization such as the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) will increase employability and attract clients. Organizations like SAMS often expect people to meet experience requirements and pass an exam to start working.
One way to become a marine surveyor is to apprentice with a working surveyor. This will give people on-the-job exposure to a wide variety of vessels and configurations. As apprentices, people gradually take on more responsibilities and eventually begin generating their own research reports, learning about reporting standards in the industry, requirements for various types of vessels, and how to work with insurance companies and government officials. With three to five years of professional experience, the apprentice can apply for professional certification.
Another option for a person who wants to become a marine surveyor is to attend a vocational school. The school will provide people with a classroom education in marine surveying and people are generally encouraged to learn after school to gain work experience. An advantage of going to school first is the possibility of skipping earlier stages of learning. The school will also provide information on the latest technologies and techniques in the field of marine surveying.
Whether just an apprentice or go to school and then become a marine surveyor, to join a professional organization you will need to document your experience and pass a knowledge exam. Once in a professional organization, they are listed along with the organization’s membership and have access to trade publications, seminars and other benefits. It is easier to find work with a professional affiliation, as some people prefer to work with certified marine surveyors.
Other people go into boat inspection work without credentialing or special training. Persons with boating experience and familiar with regulations may advertise themselves as marine inspectors. Some of these individuals are highly competent, but work can be more difficult to find as people may be concerned that they do not follow ethical standards or are unfamiliar with preparing reports in the style and format preferred by the industry.
Someone who has become a marine surveyor may also choose to specialize in certain types of work, from inspecting cargo ships to handling small craft. Specialization can provide people with a variety of job opportunities.
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