Gard Guidance to Masters

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Gard Guidance Masters

2.8.7.3 SURVEYORS

A. General
If a surveyor is attending the vessel, he must duly identify himself, clearly stating

by whom he was instructed

for whose interest he is acting, and

the scope of his instructions.

If a surveyor is not acting on behalf of the vessel, he should not be allowed to communicate with any member of the crew or be given access to the vessel’s documents. The Company and/or the P&I and/or the Hull and Machinery insurer should be contacted immediately for further instructions.

The Master and his/her officers should closely co-operate with the surveyor instructed to act for the vessel. Unwillingness or a dismissive attitude of the Master or his/her officers makes the surveyor’s task more difficult. If the Master or his/her officers have doubts about the surveyor’s professionalism, the Company or the insurer’s correspondent should be contacted.

Surveyors acting on behalf of national or local authorities may have a legal right to board the vessel and conduct an investigation. The Master and his/her officers should ascertain the legitimacy of such surveyors and inform the Company and the insurer’s local correspondent accordingly.

In addition to the security records under the ISPS Code, the Master is advised to record visits of surveyors in the respective log listing the name and full address, task and duration of the visit.

B. Surveyor’s safety
For further details please refer to Gard Loss Prevention Circular 04-02: Master’s responsibility for the safety of surveyors.

Surveyors should be familiar with the general layout and construction of a vessel, but it may be dangerous to assume that they have any seagoing experience and may consequently require a high level of supervision whilst on board. Accidents may therefore occur, mainly because the surveyor is unaware of any existing dangers. The surveyor may also be under time pressure or may be fatigued.

Surveys often involve inspections in some of the most hazardous places on the vessel, e.g. engine rooms, cargo holds, enclosed spaces etc. In such instances, the same principles should be applied as if a crew member is working in these locations, i.e. safe access must be provided and the area must be properly lit, please see section 2.8.5.1.E Safe working in unlit or dark stores, holds and rooms.

When a surveyor attends on board the vessel the Master and/or his/her officers should

seek information on the surveyor’s experience from vessels

ensure that he is wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including suitable protective working gear, please see section 2.8.4.1 Safe working clothes – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

ascertain that his equipment is in an approved safe condition for use

a suitable officer or crew member should be assigned to accompany the surveyor.

2.8.7.3 Surveyors