Becoming an SCMS Examiner or Surveyor
There are two separate areas of Examiner and Surveyor within the SCMS, both require the SCMS Membership as a minimum.
Code Examiner certifying authority (to include the tonnage authority)
These Examiners are authorised to various levels by the SCMS and can conduct surveys under the agreements held by the SCMS with the MCA and other Flag States. Examples of surveys conducted are Full term survey, Annual survey, Tonnage survey, MLC survey and are dependent on their experience and qualifications.
These Examiners work for themselves, carry out Surveys on behalf of the owners/managing agents of vessels using the SCMS specified forms. The Examiners are paid by the owner/managing agent for the vessel survey and the Examiner sends in the SCMS specified paperwork the SCMS HQ for authorisation and generation of the Certifying Authority certificate or document of compliance. The SCMS does not specify which of the SCMS Examiners must be used by owners/managing agents that have vessels certified by it, only that they must be SCMS approved in the specific survey required.
The SCMS Examiners are subject to continuous monitoring from the SCMS in their Examiner Monitoring processes and may have their authorisations amended according to the surveys submitted and scrutinised by the head office team.
Fishing Vessel certifying authority
These Surveyors are authorised to various levels by the SCMS and can conduct surveys on Fishing Vessels under the agreement held by the SCMS with the MCA. Examples of surveys conducted are newbuild, Hull or Outfit inspection etc.
These Surveyors work for themselves, however in this case vessel surveys are allocated to them through the SCMS Head of Fishing Vessels and the fee for undertaking these surveys comes from the SCMS. The SCMS required documents are completed and submitted to the SCMS for scrutiny and generation of the applicable documentation.
The SCMS Examiners are subject to continuous monitoring from the SCMS in their Examiner Monitoring processes and may have their authorisations amended according to the surveys submitted and scrutinised by the head office team.
Application Process
The experience and qualifications of the Examiner/Surveyor dictate the level of authorisation awarded by the SCMS. To apply to become an SCMS Examiner/Surveyor an application must be completed along with evidence of continual professional development, suitable P & I insurance and a CV. Once this application and supporting documents have been scrutinised for knowledge and experience, individuals will be required to demonstrate their knowledge of the current regulations and codes by completing an online assessment.
