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How to Become a Marine Surveyor: Australian Careers in Environmental

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What is a Marine Surveyor?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Marine Surveyor?

A Marine Surveyor checks ships, vessels, and marine structures to make sure they meet Australian safety rules. This is a technical, outdoor job at the heart of maritime safety.

Surveyors check vessels at every stage of their life. They look at design plans, inspect construction, and run ongoing checks throughout a ship’s working life. They also look into marine accidents and give expert evidence in legal cases.

Most work takes place at ports, slipways, and shipyards. The job suits people with a maritime or engineering background who enjoy practical, hands-on work. Hours can be long, and weekend work is common.

Marine survey work in Australia is governed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Qualified workers can seek AMSA approval and join the Australasian Institute of Marine Surveyors (AIMS), the peak industry body.

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Career snapshots For Marine Surveyors

Marine Surveyors are in steady demand in Australia, driven by a busy shipping, fishing, and offshore resources sector. Most jobs are full-time. Some roles are contract-based, mainly in ports and offshore projects.

The average pay is around $107,000 per year, with a range from $70,000 to $130,000 (SEEK, June 2026). Pay is higher for surveyors with AMSA approval and specialist skills in cargo, insurance, or offshore work.

Most Marine Surveyors work around 50-55 hours per week (AIMS, 2025). Travel is common and can be extensive. Surveyors often visit multiple ports and sites across the country, and some work overseas.

What will I do?

Marine Surveyors make sure ships and other vessels meet Australian safety rules. They cover the full life of a vessel, from design sign-off to ongoing checks and accident review. This role keeps lives, cargo, and the marine environment safe.

  • Check and approve vessel design plans against safety and legal rules.
  • Inspect build quality to confirm that work meets Australian standards.
  • Coordinate or witness tests of build materials to confirm they meet required specs.
  • Survey vessels during construction, checking hulls, machinery, and equipment.
  • Run ongoing surveys throughout a ship’s working life to track condition and compliance.
  • Witness tests of emergency and safety gear to confirm they work correctly.
  • Measure ships for tonnage and load line limits to set safe load rules.
  • Look into marine accidents and record findings for reports and legal cases.
  • Give expert evidence in court, including at coronial inquests, when asked.

What skills do I need?

A career as a Marine Surveyor calls for a mix of technical skill and hands-on maritime knowledge. Strong attention to detail is vital. Surveyors must spot faults in hulls, machinery, and safety systems that others might miss.

Good communication is just as key. Surveyors write detailed reports and must explain their findings clearly to ship owners, insurers, and regulators. Skill in AutoCAD helps with reading and checking design plans. GPS tools and survey gear are used on site.

The role also calls for physical fitness and a willingness to work outdoors. Surveyors climb ladders, enter confined spaces, and work on vessel decks in all conditions. A sound knowledge of Australian maritime law, AMSA standards, and the National Standard for Commercial Vessels underpins every survey task.

Skills/attributes

  • Attention to detail
  • Knowledge of maritime safety rules and regulations
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather
  • Skill with surveying tools and software
  • Understanding of marine engineering principles
  • Problem-solving ability
  • Skill in conducting thorough vessel inspections
  • Strong analytical thinking
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Time management and organisation
  • Knowledge of Australian maritime law and standards
  • Report writing and documentation
  • Adaptability to different sites and conditions
  • Proficiency in software such as AutoCAD

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.