The role of the surveyor - friend or foe?

摘要

"Good morning, captain. I'm the surveyor." This opening line will be heard on numerous ships in ports throughout the world. There are many different types of surveyors and inspectors. Some surveyors carry wide-ranging legal powers, including detention for the vessel and prosecution for officers, crew, and company. In contrast, some surveying and inspection roles require no formal qualifications. Some surveyors are there to protect your interests; others are there to protect interests not necessarily aligned to your owner's. So, is that happy surveyor who has just come up your gangway your friend or foe? Does he act in the shipowner's interest, the cargo interest, or a regulator's interest? Here is a brief guide to the main types of surveyor and inspector you may encounter and their potential powers.