IIMS charges marine surveyors on competence, standards

THE Chief Executive Officer of United Kingdom (UK) based International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS), Mike Schwarz,  has challenged marine surveyors in Nigeria and different part of the world  to maintain high level of competence in the interest of their clients and economic development.

According to Schwarz, a surveyor needs to be knowledgeable in surveying, educated in surveying techniques and have extensive practical experience.

Speaking in Lagos at the annual lecture and General Meeting of the Centre for Marine Survey Nigeria (CMSN), Schwarz explained that the principal aim of a Surveyor is to observe, report objectively in writing to clients, help to preserve lives, ensure vessels and their cargoes are safe and seaworthy, among others.

Schwarz said: “But how does the industry assess the competency of its surveyors? Who does it? And what standards should we work to? Surveyors must continue to learn and develop. IIMS cannot police the world’s surveyors, but we can help to educate and make a significant difference”.

He informed the audience that there is a shortage of marine surveyors, adding that “We have a collective responsibility to provide a framework to encourage, support and grow the next generation”.
He added: “No longer do mariners come ashore after 20 years at sea and become surveyors as they used to. Students do not leave university with an eye set on a career as a surveyor. Young surveyors require mentoring. Develop a worldwide apprenticeship scheme for marine surveying”.

According to Schwarz, a Surveyor need to be Knowledgeable in surveying, educated in surveying techniques, have extensive practical experience, “But still, this does not guarantee he is competent to carry out his trade”.

For competency to be assessed and measured, he advised Surveyors to continue to develop by acquiring new knowledge and skills, “Be abreast of the latest and new technologies in shipping, must be a member of a recognised professional body”.

In his welcome address, President of CMSN, Prince Bambo Ademiluyi said regulating agencies that are involved in regulating Marine Surveyors are also key to the development of the industry “as they should ensure that only properly trained and certified marine surveyors are licensed to operate within the industry”.

Explaining further, Ademiluyi said: “Our experience today is that a lot of companies and individuals escape scrutiny and are registered to practice because the process for licensing is not strict enough.

“We would seek the co-operation of such agencies to partner with us to identify those that are qualified to be licensed. Self-regulation, which allows for peer comparison is the best way to get the best professional for licensing”.
He commended the Federal Government for the Nigerian Content Development Management act, which stipulate that all clauses of Marine Surveying activities should be 100 per cent carried out by Nigerians.

According to Ademiluyi, the act is supposed to be a catalyst for the explosion in the growth of the indigenous Marine Surveying practices, “However, this is not so as the regulatory agencies and operating companies especially the Exploration and Production Companies are still not complying enough.

“There is need for the regulatory agencies to look deeply at the vendors being used by companies and ensure that Nigerians get the benefit of the provisions of this act.

“I dare say, cargo measurement for instance, is not rocket science and we do not need expatriate to carry out these surveys, especially of our crude production and sales.