Marine surveyor
Also known as: hull and machinery surveyor, yacht and small craft surveyor, cargo surveyor, marine surveyors, maritime ship inspector, marine warranty surveyor
About this occupation
Marine surveyors inspect vessels intended for operations in maritime or open sea waters. They ensure that vessels and equipment follow the regulations laid down by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). They may also act as third parties for the review of offshore facilities and construction projects.
A specialisation of mechanical engineering technician.
Essential skills and knowledge
- analyse ship operations
- mathematics
- comply with operational standards for vessels
- international waterways
- read engineering drawings
- write inspection reports
- quality assurance procedures
- mechanics of vessels
- determine cause of damage
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
- assess structural integrity of ship for maritime usage
- mechanical engineering
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians (O*NET 17-3024.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Test performance of electromechanical assemblies, using test instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges.
- Install or program computer hardware or machine or instrumentation software in microprocessor-based systems.
- Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders to determine methods and sequences of assembly.
- Modify, maintain, or repair electrical, electronic, or mechanical components, equipment, or systems to ensure proper functioning.
- Inspect parts for surface defects.
- Install electrical or electronic parts and hardware in housings or assemblies, using soldering equipment and hand tools.
- Typical education (US)
- Post-Secondary Certificate
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Operations Monitoring, Troubleshooting, Monitoring, Repairing, Critical Thinking, Quality Control Analysis
US median pay: US$73,900 a year (2025), 15,520 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.1)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (3.7)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.2)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.2)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Post-Secondary Certificate
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
- Avionics Technicians
- Robotics Technicians
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
- Photonics Technicians
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.