Explore Marine Surveyor Opportunities with the MCA

Are you an experienced Maritime Professional looking for a challenging and rewarding experience to further your career?

Are you a seafarer looking for your first job ashore or looking for a new role which offers variety and a structured career path?

If so, this is your opportunity to join a diverse team working towards making a difference in maritime safety, and we’d love to hear from you!

Join Our Versatile Team of Marine Surveyors

No two days are the same for our Marine Surveyors. You could be inspecting a ship in Hull ensuring it meets UK and International Regulations one day, working from home the next, and assessing oral examinations for seafarers the day after.

We have several Marine Surveyor positions available in the Engineer, Naval Architect, Nautical and Ship Surveyor disciplines. Please see the Role Profiles attached below for further information about the responsibilities associated with each role, and apply to the appropriate campaign.

Apply now!

We’re recruiting Marine Surveyors from a variety of disciplines across the UK. See all current Marine Surveyor vacancies using the link below.

Explore the Marine Surveyor Sectors

  • Marine Surveyor – Engineer

    The majority of the work undertaken by Marine Surveyors (SEO Surveyor) is common and covers survey and audits of both convention and non-convention vessels. This includes carrying out surveys leading to the issuance of statutory certificates for a variety of ship types such as passenger, cargo, code and fishing vessels. The scope of work also includes inspections of all vessel types both for confirming compliance with regulations under UK and Port State Control requirements. You may also become a qualified auditor carrying out ship and office audits. Further details on this can be found within the relevant roles job description.

    Depending on the discipline you may undertake specific tasks based on your experience and underpinning qualifications.

    For engineer surveyors (holding a STCW III/2 Chief Engineer unlimited Certificate of Competency ) they undertake examinations of seafarers of all ranks within their areas up to and including Chief Engineer/Electro-Technical Officer. Depending on your experience and area of expertise you may be asked to investigate incidents and provide statements as a subject matter expert.

     

    Minimum Qualification Requirements:

    The minimum academic qualification required is one of: Engineer Surveyor: MCA Recognised STCW III/2 Chief Engineer unlimited Certificate of Competency. `MCA Recognised’ means certificates issued by a country whose seafarer training is recognised by the UK. A list of those countries can found on our website at www.gov.uk and search MCA CEC. (Those without UK issued STCW Certificates of Competency will need to complete UK LAP training at an early stage after entry).

  • Marine Surveyor – Naval Architect

    The majority of the work undertaken by Marine Surveyors (SEO Surveyor) is common and covers survey, inspections and audits of both convention and non-convention vessels. This includes carrying out surveys leading to the issuance of statutory certificates for a variety of ship types such as passenger, cargo, code and fishing vessels. The scope of work also includes inspections of all vessel types both for confirming compliance with regulations under UK and Port State Control requirements. You may also become a qualified auditor carrying out ship and office audits. Further details on this can be found within the relevant roles job description.

    Depending on the discipline you may undertake specific tasks based on your experience and underpinning qualifications.

    Naval Architects will undertake detailed stability approvals and stability assessments of vessels including approval of stability books. They are also likely to undertake plan approval of more complicated new builds and modifications. Depending on your experience and area of expertise you may be asked to investigate incidents and provide statements as a subject matter expert.

    Minimum Qualification Requirements:

    The minimum academic qualification required is one of: A degree accredited by RINA/SNAME as meeting the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer Applicants without the qualification stated above, may also be eligible if they are Chartered Engineer (C. Eng) (through Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) or the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)), but in such cases evidence of the equivalent level of learning plus relevant marine industry experience will need to have be demonstrated to the satisfaction of an MCA S&I technical review panel.

  • Marine Surveyor – Nautical

    The majority of the work undertaken by Marine Surveyors (SEO Surveyor) is common and covers survey and audits of both convention and non-convention vessels. This includes carrying out surveys leading to the issuance of statutory certificates for a variety of ship types such as passenger, cargo, code and fishing vessels. The scope of work also includes inspections of all vessel types both for confirming compliance with regulations under UK and Port State Control requirements. You may also become a qualified auditor carrying out ship and office audits. Further details on this can be found within the relevant roles job description.

    Depending on the discipline you may undertake specific tasks based on your experience and underpinning qualifications.

    For nautical surveyors (holding a STCW II/2 Master unlimited Certificate of Competency) they undertake examinations of seafarers of all ranks within their areas up to and including master’s. Depending on your experience and area of expertise you may be asked to investigate incidents and provide statements as a subject matter expert.

    Minimum Qualification Requirements:

    The minimum academic qualification required is one of: Nautical Surveyor: MCA Recognised STCW II/2 Master unlimited Certificate of Competency. MCA Recognised means certificates issued by a country whose seafarer training is recognised by the UK. A list of those countries can found on our website at www.gov.uk and search MCA CEC. (Those without UK issued STCW Certificates of Competency will need to complete UK LAP training at an early stage after entry).

  • Marine Surveyor – Ship

    The majority of the work undertaken by Marine Surveyors (SEO Surveyor) is common and covers survey, inspections and audits of both convention and non-convention vessels. This includes carrying out surveys leading to the issuance of statutory certificates for a variety of ship types such as passenger, cargo, code and fishing vessels. The scope of work also includes inspections of all vessel types both for confirming compliance with regulations under UK and Port State Control requirements. You may also become a qualified auditor carrying out ship and office audits. Further details on this can be found within the relevant roles job description.

    Depending on the discipline you may undertake specific tasks based on your experience and underpinning qualifications.

    For Ship surveyors there is no unique eligibilities for which you will be trained. Depending on your experience and area of expertise you may be asked to investigate incidents and provide statements as a subject matter expert.

     

    Minimum Qualification Requirements:

    The minimum academic qualification required is one of: An engineering degree accredited by IMarEST/IMechE as meeting the academic qualifications for Chartered Engineer Applicants without the qualification stated above, may also be eligible if they are Chartered Engineer (C. Eng) (through the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) or Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)), but in such cases evidence of the equivalent level of learning plus relevant marine industry experience will need to have be demonstrated to the satisfaction of an MCA S&I technical review panel.

  • Marine Surveyor – Small/Non- Conventional Vessel Surveyor (Senior HEO Surveyor)

    Small vessel surveyors (HEO Surveyor) undertake inspections and surveys to issue the statutory certification for non-convention vessels which include small domestic passenger ships, code and fishing vessels. Inspect shoreside facilities such as port waste management facilities, bulk carrier terminals and lifesaving appliance stations. You may also become eligible for undertaking audits and assist other surveyors undertaking inspection of foreign vessels. More details on the role can be found in the job description.

     

    Minimum Requirements Needed:

    a) Nautical Surveyor

    • Fishing Vessel Class 1 Deck Certificate of Competency
    • Fishing Vessel Class 2 Certificate of Competency supported by sufficient experience as skipper
    • STCW II/3 Master 500GT or above
    • Master yachts, less than 3000 GT, unlimited area, regulation II/2.

    b) Engineering Surveyor

    • Fishing Vessel Class 1 Engineering Certificate of Competency
    • Fishing Vessel Class 2 Engineering Certificate of Competency supported by sufficient experience
    • EOOW Unlimited CoC lll/1- Less than 3000GT & less than 9000kW supported by sufficient experience
    • Chief Engineer III/3 less than 3000kW Unlimited or above
    • Chief Engineer, STCW Convention regulation III/2, Certificate of Competency – Yacht 2 (Y2) or above

    c) Ship / Naval Architect

    • HND or above in a related filed such as Nautical Science,Surveyor
    • Marine Engineering, Marine Surveying or Naval Architecture

    Applicants without the qualifications stated above, may also be eligible if they are an Incorporated Engineer (IENG) or Registered Marine Technologist (RMarTech) through the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) or Royal Institute of Naval Architects (RINA), but in such cases evidence of the equivalent level of learning plus relevant marine industry experience will need to have be demonstrated to the satisfaction of an MCA S&I technical review panel.

Comprehensive Training for Marine Surveyors

We want our Marine Surveyors to be the very best.

In return, we offer full training, specifically designed for the role. The surveyor training will be provided as part of the marine surveyor development scheme – which includes several courses and on-the-job training, delivered by experienced surveyors within your first 12 months in the role.

In addition, a competitive package which includes flexible working patterns, attractive remuneration, and ongoing support to develop a rewarding career that makes a difference and saves lives.

Key Responsibilities of Marine Surveyors

Some of the typical responsibilities could include, but are not limited to:

  • They are inspecting, auditing and surveying ships and maritime ship operators to ensure that they meet UK, EU and international safety, management, welfare, security and anti-pollution regulations. Carrying out the approval of stability information where qualified to do so. When qualified as a Nautical Examiner, undertaking oral examinations to ensure high standards of training and competence among seafarers
  • Carrying out safety management audits in straightforward and routine cases under the International Safety Management (ISM) code of ship operators and their vessels for ISM Document of Compliance (DOC) & ISM Safety Management Certificate (SMC)
  • Inspecting ships and port installations in straightforward and routine cases to ensure compliance with International Conventions, EU legislation and UK statutory requirements.
  • As a qualified Port State Control Officer (PSCO) helping fulfil UK obligations under the Paris MOU Agreement and EU Port State Control Directive in the inspection of foreign registered ships calling at UK ports.

Marine Surveyor Locations

Want to find a Marine Surveyor Vacancy near you?
Follow the link below to find out where you could be based.

Understanding Surveyor Recruitment

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a CV. Further details about what this will entail are listed on the application form.

  • Application 

    Outlining previous jobs and any qualifications.

  • Technical Interview

    Short initial video interview to assess your technical knowledge

  • Role Play

    Second stage to assess Civil Service Behaviours

  • Onboarding 

    This includes pre-employment checks, CTC and medical

  • Start

    Join your marine office and start your career

Your CV

Within your CV, please ensure you outline the following:

  • Your work experience: Company, Job Title, Start-End Dates), Brief Duties
  • Your education
  • Highlight relevant qualifications

A full UK driving licence and a passport valid for international travel are an essential requirement.

The Interview Process

If your application meets the requirements, you will be invited to a two-stage interview process conducted via Microsoft Teams.

The first stage consists of a short initial video interview where we will assess your technical knowledge. The second stage/final assessment will involve a role-play to assess Civil Service Behaviours.

Onboarding

Background checks & medical clearance are required.

  • Pre-employment checks (up to 4 weeks) include right to work, employment history, social media and criminal record checks.
  • Counter Terrorism Checks (CTC) take an estimated 40 days and require UK residency for the past 3 years.
  • Medicals are required for all Marine Surveyors

Unlocking Your Benefits

Surveyor training will be provided as part of the Marine Surveyor Development scheme – including several courses and on-the-job training, delivered by experienced surveyors.

In addition, a competitive package which includes flexible working patterns, attractive remuneration, and ongoing support to develop a rewarding career that makes a difference and saves lives.

Follow the link below to discover our comprehensive employee perks!

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