Abstract
Austin introduces this paper by describing how marine surveyors undertake various functions, carry out inspections of quality, quantity, safety, and fitness for purpose, and investigate and determine the cause, nature, and extent of loss. In New Zealand, marine surveyors interpret policies and quantify and adjust claims for marine insurance, taking on the role of an adjuster to an extent.
Turning to the types of issues facing marine surveyors, Austin refers to changes in the market, changes in shipping, changes in insurance, challenges of giving expert evidence in court and preparing reports for one side or the other, issues with maintaining timelines, issues with construction methods for fast ferries and yachts, changes in survey equipment, issues with valuations and arrests, issues with instructing repairs, and issues with duplicated casualty investigation.