Kia ora koutou katoa

It is fair to say that the past few months have been pretty hectic in the life of a Marine Surveyor. Of course, it had a fantastic start with our first Board meeting in Sydney which was a great success largely due to the energy and drive, Stacey brought to the Boardroom!

A very settled Autumn in Wellington included our routine commercial and recreational activity such as supporting fishing vessels from the Chatham Islands undertaking their MNZ periodic surveys and annual servicing, as well as working through vessel change of use for one of our local Diving and Salvage companies.  On the pleasure craft side, we have done a number of Pre-Purchase Inspections on various launches and yachts, including one Ferro vessel that was immediately condemned and didn’t actually make it to the travel lift.  Anecdotally we are seeing more of this type of vessel appear either abandoned and left to Harbour Masters and marinas to deal with or alternatively popping up on online auction sites.   I suspect these types of vessel will become an increasing problem as cost of ownership and insurance requirements increase. 

Rotten Beam In Ferro Boat

What May has really exemplified though is the diverse range of activities a Marine Surveyor can undertake. May has thrown up some other interesting engagements, such as an audit of recent work undertaken on a vessel that had been previously surveyed for sale and purchase (I’ll expand on this in a future piece), the project management of a 90’s Maxi 88 charter yacht which having been abandoned in NZ and was purchased from the Crown, with the new  owner working towards putting it into MNZ Survey. As a legacy vessel issues include, (but not limited to) getting Design Approval for the construction and electrical installation, especially when there is limited history, plans and the company no longer exists!

This month has also provided the opportunity to undertake some training and professional development. Able Ships Ltd in Nelson are a recognised MNZ Inspectorate for the Test, Examination and Inspection and marine lifting devices (the rules for these being under Maritime Rule Part 49).   Robert Browne, a Part 49 expert recently ran an excellent two-day course which included visiting Havelock Marina AKA ‘Crane Land’ for the practical elements of the training. There we three key take aways for me from the course, firstly a better understanding of the effects that cranes and lifting devices can have on the stability of vessels, secondly the significant health and safety considerations required when using marine lifting devices, and thirdly the importance of preventative and routine maintenance to keep the devices operational. A well worth course and thanks to Able Ships Ltd and the Principal Andrew Chandler for facilitating.

In terms of Governance activity, Stacey has kindly given me some homework, and I am currently working on drafting an Engagement Strategy paper for consideration by the Board. Here we are looking at how we can logistically, and cost effectively maintain engagement with our current members as well as generating new members and networks in our emerging regional markets. One such early opportunity will be at the end of June when Stacey will hopefully be visiting Wellington to present AIMS at the two-day MNZ Surveyors Symposium. We plan to cover a number of themes such as the Institutes new structure, our current and future training course portfolio, and strategic intent of the organisation with regard to regional growth and enhanced engagement with the statutory bodies. Undoubtedly there will be time for a beverage and a natter which will be a prime opportunity to attract some new members.

Finally, I’m sure that many of the members come across many interesting issues on a daily basis. Please do share these experiences via the newsletter

Ngā mihi nui

Greg Marsden