Much of the ship's time seems to be taken up with inspections and surveys of some

type or another. Surveys are a part of our life in port and they must be taken in your
stride. Some are essential, such as cargo and P&l, while others such as the standard
classification surveys have a time window.

I am pleased to say that there is a growing realisation of the problems facing ships with
constraints on time and manning. With this realisation have begun efforts to endeavour,
where possible, to schedule the visits.

With all surveys it helps to ensure that any required documentation is ready for viewing
and inspection. In addition, if you know any areas of the ship that are going to be
surveyed, these can be prepared by having tanks opened and vented ready for entry
and hatches battened down ready for hose testing.

Over the years, I learnt a great deal from listening and working with surveyors and
rarely did I have any problems, except the standard ones of time and work pressures.
If you meet them with a friendly professional approach in most cases this will be
reciprocated and the survey will go better and be over faster, which is what everyone
wants. By all means ask questions when you do not understand something; don't be
worried about displaying any lack of knowledge, this is part of your learning process.

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