Surveying Marine Damage - Third Edition

This handbook sets out the fundamental principles of surveying, from receiving initial instructions and attending a survey to reporting and preparing for litigation. It also discusses extension of the traditional role into adjustments and recoveries. The principles of this book are applicable to all types of marine damage encountered in cargo, commercial hull and pleasure craft claims.

Although the fundamental principles of marine surveying change little with time, the methods by which they are applied do change. This is particularly apparent with the progress of electronic communications and equipment. In revising this book, I have tried to take into account these changes and how they affect the surveyor.

Although the insurance of what they survey is not usually an important matter with surveyors, those carrying out hull and cargo surveys should be aware that the new Insurance Act 2015 impacts on parts of the Marine Insurance Act 1906, significantly altering some of its provisions. These surveyors will benefit from an understanding of this Act even if its detailed application rarely forms a major part of their involvement.

Part 1 General Principles

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Surveys and Surveyors

Chapter 3 Principles of Surveying and Reporting

Part 2 Surveys and Reports in Marine Insurance Claims

Chapter 4 Marine Insurance Claims (Hull and Cargo)
Chapter 5 Cargo Claims (Surveys and Reports)
Chapter 6 Commercial Hull Claims (Surveys and Reports)
Chapter 7 Pleasure Craft Claims (Surveys and Reports)

Part 3 Adjustments and Recoveries in Marine Insurance Claims
Chapter 8 Adjustments and Recoveries (General – Hull and Cargo Claims)
Chapter 9 Small Cargo Claims (Adjustments and Recoveries)

Chapter 10 Pleasure Craft Claims (Adjustments and Recoveries)

Part 4 Miscellaneous

Chapter 11 The Surveyor as an Investigator

Chapter 12 Litigation and Arbitration

Appendices

Captain C. B. Thompson

The late Captain C. B. Thompson RD FNI Hon FIIMS began his career serving P&O in cargo and passenger ships. On coming ashore, he became Deputy Chairman of the New Zealand Committee of Lloyd’s Register of Shipping and a Consultant Surveyor appointed by the Salvage Association. He was a widely respected practitioner of marine surveying.

Captain M. Austin

A Master Mariner, Captain M. Austin served at sea with the New Zealand Shipping Company. Before retiring in 2020, he was Auckland’s Lloyd’s Agent and a Fellow of the Arbitration and Mediation Institute of New Zealand. He is a Member of the International Institute of Marine Surveying.