To initiate discussion amongst and between members, I wish to raise several issues that remain central to the core values of both the AIMS and Marine Surveying Profession in Australia. These may provide some talking points for the next State, local area or team meeting in which you are involved.

1 – The ethics around meeting client requests that do not sit well with the fundamental independence of the professional marine surveyor will raise voices within two distinct camps – those who maintain that the client should receive whatever they request and those who draw a line in the sand. 

“That is a rather simplistic view” I hear you saying. Okay, there are a number of factors to be considered: 

What exactly is being requested of the surveyor? 

Does it compromise the integrity of the surveyor?

Does it compromise the independence of the surveyor?

Is the surveyor meeting the obligations of the scope of the appointment?

It is fair to say that, when a client provides a detailed scope, the surveyor is able to decide whether they are: 

A) capable and competent, and 

B) happy to consent to the requests within the scope. 

However, when the client request is simple e.g. an on hire bunker survey for a charterer, it will often leave the surveyor exposed to further requests, often following acceptance of the quote and the appointment of the surveyor. Such requests may leave the surveyor in a difficult position, compromising integrity and introducing another complexity to an often already challenging situation. 

The surveyor has to decide: 

A) do it and report to meet the client request, 

B) do it and report actual findings or 

C) decline to do it. As business ethics dictate, the client will have the say in who receives the report, but should they also have a say in how we conduct our professional operations? 

2 – A closely related issue which draws upon the above bunker survey example is the ‘bunkers for money’ surveys that are used by certain companies in attempts to discover undeclared bunkers. This practice ‘rewards’ the surveyor by offering an incentive payment per tonne for any additional bunkers discovered! I condemn this practice and suggest that AIMS members should insist on fair payment for their services and refuse these incentives which may well tempt those less ethical to rort their existence. 

3 – Being a member of the AIMS should be considered beneficial for the surveyor in a number of ways:

It can offer networking opportunities with other members, government and regulatory department personnel, and potential clients.

It is an effective way to build business relationships with other members in other locations and possibly effect an efficient servicing of client needs without the expense of travel and accommodation. 

It facilitates professional development targets and helps you reap the benefits of improved knowledge, competency and job satisfaction for yourself or within your team. 

It helps to future proof and expand your business and train Australians to meet your exact business requirements 

It allows for individual development and interaction with others within the profession
It encourages discussion and debate between members on fairness and ethical behaviour and provides a comprehensive, reasonable and just system to deal with complaints and disciplinary matters concerning members and the profession as a whole. 

I hope this will get people talking and provide a basis for improved communication within both local and wider circles. 

I know that AIMS, and in particular some members, have been the subject of criticism over the last twelve months and we seek to better understand what members really think, what they want and how they think we can improve. 

Let me know directly by email jholden@mipec.com.au or comment on this post below.

A reminder - if you can get along to Melbourne for our 30th Birthday Dinner on 19 August we would enjoy your company.  It will be a great opportunity to meet new people and celebrate your Institute.

John Holden
Vice Presiden