17 Marine Surveyor Interview Questions and Answers

Marine surveyors are responsible for inspecting all types of water vessels, from small boats to large cargo ships. They make sure that these vessels are seaworthy and in compliance with all safety regulations. Marine surveyors also prepare reports detailing the condition of the vessel and any necessary repairs.

If you’re interested in becoming a marine surveyor, you’ll need to go through a job interview. During the interview, the hiring manager will ask you a variety of questions to gauge your knowledge and experience. They will also want to know if you have the personality and work ethic necessary for the job.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of the most common marine surveyor interview questions and answers.

Are you familiar with the International Maritime Organization and other regulatory bodies that govern the shipping industry?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the shipping industry and how it’s regulated. This can be an important skill for marine surveyors, as they must understand these regulations in order to complete their work accurately. In your answer, try to show that you have a basic understanding of these organizations and why they’re important.

Example: “I am familiar with the International Maritime Organization, or IMO, which is the United Nations agency responsible for regulating international shipping. The organization has several conventions that set standards for things like ship construction, safety equipment and crew requirements. I also know about the American Bureau of Shipping, or ABS, which is one of the largest classification societies in the world. They provide certification services for many types of vessels.”

What are the most important qualities for a successful marine surveyor?

Marine surveyors need to be detail-oriented, organized and able to work independently. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills necessary for the job. Before your interview, think about what makes a marine surveyor successful. Make a list of these qualities and share them with the interviewer.

Example: “I believe that the most important quality for a marine surveyor is attention to detail. Marine surveyors are responsible for inspecting boats and other vessels for damage. If we miss something during our inspection, it could lead to serious safety issues later on. Another important quality is organization. Marine surveyors often work alone, so they must be able to stay organized while completing their inspections.”

How would you rate your teamwork skills?

Marine surveyors often work in teams to complete projects. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to collaborate with others and share your ideas. Use past experiences working as part of a team to explain how you can contribute to a group.

Example: “I believe my teamwork skills are excellent. I am always willing to help out my colleagues, even if it means taking on extra work. In my last position, I was one of two marine surveyors on our team. When we were assigned a project that required us to split up, I volunteered to go with my colleague who had more experience. This allowed them to focus on their strengths while I learned from them.”

What is your experience with using marine engineering software?

Marine surveyors use a variety of software to complete their projects. The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with using marine engineering software and how you apply it in your work. Use your answer to describe the types of software you have used and what you like about them.

Example: “I’ve worked with several different marine engineering software programs during my career as a marine surveyor. I find that MarineSoft is one of the best because it’s easy to use, has many useful features and allows me to create detailed reports for clients. Another program I enjoy using is Navionics, which provides high-quality maps and charts that help me plan out my surveys.”

Provide an example of a time when you identified a safety issue on a vessel.

Marine surveyors are responsible for identifying safety issues on vessels. This question allows the interviewer to assess your critical thinking skills and how you apply them in a marine setting. In your answer, describe a time when you noticed an issue that could have led to danger or injury. Explain what steps you took to resolve the situation.

Example: “In my last position as a marine surveyor, I noticed some loose wiring near the engine of a vessel. While this may not seem like a major problem, it could lead to a fire if left unattended. I informed the captain of the vessel about the issue so they could fix it before leaving port. They thanked me for bringing up the issue and fixed it before continuing their journey.”

If hired, what areas of marine engineering would you like to learn more about?

This question can help interviewers determine your level of interest in the marine engineering field. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific area you’re passionate about and why. It can also be beneficial to include an example of how you would apply what you learn to your job.

Example: “I’m very interested in learning more about underwater robotics. I think that these robots could be useful for marine surveyors because they can collect data from hard-to-reach areas. For instance, if I was surveying a shipwreck, I could use underwater robots to gather information on the condition of the wreckage. This could allow me to create a more detailed report.”

What would you do if you discovered a major issue with a vessel during a survey, but the owner couldn’t afford to make the necessary repairs before the ship’s next voyage?

Marine surveyors often work with tight deadlines and sometimes have to make difficult decisions about what repairs are most important. An interviewer may ask you this question to see how you handle these situations in your past experience. In your answer, try to show that you can prioritize tasks and communicate clearly with clients.

Example: “If I discovered a major issue during a marine survey, I would first discuss the situation with the client to determine if they could wait until after their next voyage or if they needed to repair it immediately. If they couldn’t afford to make the necessary repairs before their next trip, I would explain all of my options to them and help them decide which one was best for their business. Then, I would get started on the repairs as quickly as possible so that the ship could set sail on time.”

How well do you communicate with ship captains and crew members?

Marine surveyors often work with ship captains and crew members to ensure the safety of a vessel. Employers ask this question to make sure you can communicate effectively with these people. In your answer, explain that you are able to speak clearly and concisely with all types of people. Explain that you will always be honest when communicating with others about their vessels.

Example: “I am very good at speaking with anyone who is interested in what I have to say. Throughout my career as a marine surveyor, I’ve worked with many different types of people. I know how to communicate with them so they understand me and I understand them. I also try to be as clear and concise as possible when explaining things to others. This helps everyone feel more confident in my abilities.”

Do you have any experience giving testimony in court?

Marine surveyors may occasionally be called upon to testify in court about their findings. This question can help an interviewer determine whether you have experience doing so and how comfortable you are with it. If you do, share a specific example of when you testified in court and what the outcome was. If you don’t have any experience testifying in court, explain that you’re willing to if necessary.

Example: “I’ve never been asked to testify in court before, but I would certainly be willing to if needed. In my previous position as a marine surveyor, I had to testify in front of a judge once because we found evidence of illegal dumping on one of our surveys. The judge ruled in favor of the company who hired me, awarding them damages for the dumping.”

When is it safe to launch a vessel?

Marine surveyors must be able to determine when a vessel is safe for launch. This question allows the interviewer to assess your decision-making skills and ability to work with others in a team setting. In your answer, describe how you make this determination and what factors influence your decisions.

Example: “I always ensure that all safety equipment is functioning properly before allowing a vessel to launch. I also check the weather conditions and any other environmental factors that could affect the vessel’s operation. For example, if there are strong winds or storms predicted, I would not allow the vessel to launch until the storm passes. Another factor I consider is whether the crew has sufficient training and experience to operate the vessel safely.”

We want to improve our customer service. What is one thing you would do to enhance our customer satisfaction rating?

This question is an opportunity to show your interpersonal skills and how you can improve the company’s customer service. When answering this question, think about what you would do as a marine surveyor that would help customers feel more satisfied with their experience.

Example: “I would make sure I was always on time for appointments and communicated any changes or delays in my schedule. This way, clients know when to expect me and they don’t have to worry about whether I will be there. Also, I would try to answer all of their questions before arriving at the site so they could understand everything we were doing.”

Describe your process for conducting a thorough and efficient inspection.

Marine surveyors must be able to conduct thorough inspections of vessels and other marine structures. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills necessary for conducting efficient surveys. In your answer, explain how you would use your experience and expertise to complete a marine inspection.

Example: “I always start my marine inspections by looking at all of the vessel’s documentation. This includes its registration documents, insurance information and any other paperwork that may be relevant to the inspection. I also look over the vessel itself to get an idea of what areas I should inspect more thoroughly. After that, I perform a visual inspection of the entire vessel, paying special attention to any damaged or worn areas. Finally, I take measurements and photographs of the vessel so I can compare them to previous records.”

What makes you stand out from other marine surveyors?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your skills and experience. They want to know what makes you unique from other candidates. When answering, think of a skill or quality that you have that others may not. Try to choose something that is relevant to the job.

Example: “I am certified in marine surveying, but I also hold an additional certification as a scuba diver. This means I can perform underwater surveys myself instead of having to hire someone else for the task. Many surveyors are only certified in marine surveying, so they must hire divers to do their work. My certification saves my company money while allowing me to get up close with marine life.”

Which vessel types have you worked with most extensively?

Marine surveyors often work with different types of vessels, so the interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience level. When answering, consider which vessel type you have worked with most and describe a project that involved it.

Example: “I’ve mostly worked with commercial ships, but I also completed a marine survey for a yacht last year. The yacht was over 200 feet long, so it required an extensive inspection. I used my knowledge of commercial ship inspections to complete the yacht’s survey, and I found several issues that needed repair.”

What do you think is the most important skill for a marine surveyor to develop?

Marine surveyors need to be detail-oriented and have excellent communication skills. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand what the job entails and whether your skills match their expectations. In your answer, explain which skill you feel is most important for marine surveyors and why.

Example: “I think the most important skill a marine surveyor can develop is attention to detail. Marine surveyors are responsible for inspecting boats and other vessels for any damage or defects. If we miss something during our inspection, it could lead to serious safety issues later on. I am very good at noticing small details, so I know that I would be able to perform thorough inspections.”

How often should a vessel undergo a full inspection?

Marine surveyors must be able to determine when a vessel needs an inspection. This question helps the interviewer assess your decision-making skills and ability to prioritize tasks. Use examples from your experience to show that you can make informed decisions about when to inspect vessels.

Example: “In my previous role, I performed annual inspections on all vessels in our fleet. However, if I noticed any issues during routine checks, I would perform additional inspections as needed. For example, one of our boats had a small leak in its hull that we discovered during a routine checkup. We immediately scheduled it for repairs so that it was seaworthy before embarking on another trip.”

There is a growing concern in the industry about the long-term viability of certain materials used in marine engineering. How would you address this issue as a marine surveyor?

Marine surveyors are often tasked with assessing the long-term viability of marine structures. This question is an opportunity to show your critical thinking skills and ability to make informed decisions about materials used in marine engineering projects.

Example: “I would first assess whether or not there was a problem with the material’s performance. If it is still performing as expected, I would recommend that the client continue using the material until its useful life has expired. However, if the material is no longer viable for use, I would suggest replacing it with a more sustainable alternative.”