Top 12 Marine Surveyor Skills to Put on Your Resume

In the specialized field of marine surveying, showcasing the right skills on your resume can significantly elevate your chances of landing your desired role. This article outlines the top 12 marine surveyor skills that employers value, helping you craft a resume that stands out in the competitive maritime industry.

Marine Surveyor Skills

1. AutoCAD
2. Rhino
3. HydroComp NavCad
4. Stability Analysis
5. Ultrasonic Testing
6. Magnetic Particle Inspection
7. Radiographic Testing
8. Dye Penetrant Inspection
9. Infrared Thermography
10. 3D Scanning
11. GPS Navigation
12. AIS Monitoring

1. AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software used for creating precise 2D and 3D drawings and models, widely used by marine surveyors for designing, analyzing, and modifying ships, boats, and other marine structures.

Why It's Important

AutoCAD matters for a Marine Surveyor because it enables precise creation and modification of vessel drawings, tight measurement control, and clean documentation for inspections, repair planning, and regulatory compliance.

How to Improve AutoCAD Skills

To enhance AutoCAD skills for marine surveying, focus on the following:

1. Custom Tool Palettes: Build palettes tailored to hull details, scantlings, weld symbols, and survey markups. AutoCAD Customization Guide.

2. AutoCAD Map 3D Toolset: Integrate geographic and bathymetric layers to support site plans, yard layouts, and port mapping.

3. Master 3D Modeling: Model hull forms, frames, and outfitting in 3D to visualize defects and plan repairs. 3D Modeling Workspace.

4. AutoLISP or Scripts: Automate repetitive annotations, layer setups, and report exports. AutoLISP Developer’s Guide.

5. Plug-ins: Leverage vetted extensions for marine workflows. Autodesk App Store.

6. Training and Certification: Structured courses sharpen speed and accuracy. Autodesk Training & Certification.

These areas tighten your drafting workflow and make survey deliverables clearer and faster.

How to Display AutoCAD Skills on Your Resume

2. Rhino

Rhino is a 3D modeling platform used by marine surveyors to design, analyze, and visualize ships and structures with accuracy and flexibility.

Why It's Important

Rhino empowers precise 3D modeling, quick geometry edits, and hull form analysis, which boosts survey accuracy and communication with shipyards and owners.

How to Improve Rhino Skills

Level up Rhino for marine work with targeted practice:

1. Deep 3D Fundamentals: Surfaces, solids, NURBS—build clean hulls and fairing that hold up under close measurement. Rhinoceros 3D Tutorials.

2. Marine Plug-ins: Tools like Orca3D speed hydrostatics, resistance, and stability checks. Orca3D resources.

3. Rendering: Use Rhino render or V-Ray to create clear visuals for owners and classification bodies. V-Ray for Rhino.

4. CAM Awareness: If fabrication intersects your scope, RhinoCAM streamlines part machining. RhinoCAM.

5. Workshops and Webinars: Attend focused sessions to sharpen marine workflows. Rhino Events.

6. Community: Troubleshoot and learn from peers. Rhino Forum.

7. Relentless Practice: Rebuild real-world components—keels, bulkheads, skegs—to cement skills.

How to Display Rhino Skills on Your Resume

3. HydroComp NavCad

HydroComp NavCad is a tool for predicting and analyzing vessel propulsion performance, supporting assessments of efficiency, power requirements, and operating profiles.

Why It's Important

NavCad helps Marine Surveyors estimate resistance, power, and propulsor match, informing fuel consumption expectations, compliance discussions, and retrofit feasibility.

How to Improve HydroComp NavCad Skills

1. Stay Current: Run the latest version to benefit from refined methods and corrected datasets. HydroComp official updates.

2. Precise Inputs: Enter reliable hull, appendage, and propeller data. Calibrate with yard drawings and verified dimensions.

3. Training: Short, focused instruction accelerates confidence and accuracy. HydroComp Training Services.

4. Support and Community: Tap into user guidance for tricky hull forms or hybrid propulsion scenarios. HydroComp Support.

5. Field Data Feedback: Compare sea trial results and onboard logs to tighten your prediction models.

How to Display HydroComp NavCad Skills on Your Resume

4. Stability Analysis

Stability analysis evaluates a vessel’s capacity to remain upright and recover from heeling in varied loading and environmental conditions, against mandatory criteria.

Why It's Important

It safeguards life and property by verifying compliance, seaworthiness, and predictable behavior during operations and emergencies.

How to Improve Stability Analysis Skills

1. Accurate Measurements: Nail lightship data, tank calibrations, and LCG/VCG estimates. Precision in basics pays dividends.

2. Advanced Software: Use trusted tools for intact/damage stability and scenario modeling. NAPA or AVEVA Marine are common in industry.

3. Rules Mastery: Keep current with IMO instruments, flag requirements, and class rules.

4. Continuous Education: Courses and workshops sharpen judgment for edge cases. The Nautical Institute provides resources.

5. Hands-On Testing: Participate in inclining experiments and damage control drills to ground your analysis in reality.

6. Peer Exchange: Discuss unusual load cases and borderline results with experienced colleagues.

How to Display Stability Analysis Skills on Your Resume

5. Ultrasonic Testing

Ultrasonic Testing (UT) is a non-destructive technique that detects internal flaws and measures thickness in hulls and structural components using high-frequency sound waves.

Why It's Important

UT reveals corrosion loss, cracking, and lamination without cutting or dismantling, keeping vessels safe and compliant while minimizing downtime.

How to Improve Ultrasonic Testing Skills

1. Modern Instruments: Select flaw detectors with high resolution, A-scan clarity, and data logging.

2. Training and Certification: Pursue method-specific training for welds, castings, and marine structures through recognized bodies.

3. Data Software: Use analysis tools for sizing and trending wall loss across large survey areas.

4. Calibration & Care: Regularly calibrate and maintain probes, couplants, and cables to keep readings trustworthy.

5. Right Probes: Angle beam for welds, dual-element for corrosion mapping—match probe to task.

6. Follow Standards: Align with ASTM/ISO and class guidance for procedures and acceptance criteria.

How to Display Ultrasonic Testing Skills on Your Resume

6. Magnetic Particle Inspection

Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) is a non-destructive method for finding surface and near-surface flaws in ferromagnetic materials by magnetizing the part and applying particles that gather at discontinuities.

Why It's Important

It exposes cracks, laps, and seams on critical components like rudders, shafts, and welded structures, supporting safe operation.

How to Improve Magnetic Particle Inspection Skills

1. Calibrate Regularly: Verify equipment output and field strength against current standards.

2. Surface Prep: Clean surfaces thoroughly—scale and coatings can mask indications.

3. Correct Magnetization: Choose longitudinal or circular techniques to capture defects aligned in different directions. Different magnetization methods influence detection.

4. Choose the Right Media: Fluorescent for low light and fine cracks; visible for quick checks in well-lit spaces.

5. Keep Learning: Refresh qualifications and stay aligned with current techniques via recognized certification bodies.

6. Document Everything: Record method, materials, sensitivity checks, and findings for traceability.

How to Display Magnetic Particle Inspection Skills on Your Resume

7. Radiographic Testing

Radiographic Testing (RT) uses X-rays or gamma rays to reveal internal flaws and assess weld integrity in ship structures without disassembly.

Why It's Important

RT detects porosity, slag, lack of fusion, and corrosion hidden from view, preserving components while verifying quality.

How to Improve Radiographic Testing Skills

1. Adopt Digital Systems: Digital radiography enhances image quality, speeds workflow, and can reduce dose.

2. Image Optimization: Apply proper exposure, filtration, and image processing to sharpen contrast and detail.

3. Ongoing Training: Update technique knowledge and safety practices through accredited programs.

4. Safety Discipline: Enforce strict radiation protection measures and area controls at all times.

5. Stronger Interpretation: Practice reading varied weld geometries and materials; peer reviews improve consistency.

6. Maintain Equipment: Regular checks on sources, detectors, and shielding protect people and image quality.

How to Display Radiographic Testing Skills on Your Resume

8. Dye Penetrant Inspection

Dye Penetrant Inspection (DPI) is a non-destructive method for finding surface-breaking defects in non-porous materials by applying dye, allowing dwell, removing excess, and developing to make indications visible.

Why It's Important

DPI is quick, sensitive, and cost-effective for detecting cracks on deck fittings, castings, and weld surfaces that must remain intact.

How to Improve Dye Penetrant Inspection Skills

1. Clean Thoroughly: Use proper solvents or approved cleaning steps to avoid masking flaws. Relevant standards outline procedures.

2. Select the Right Penetrant: Match penetrant type and sensitivity to the material and environment; follow manufacturer specs.

3. Respect Dwell Time: Adhere to recommended dwell to reveal tight, shallow cracks.

4. Careful Removal: Remove excess penetrant without flushing out indications.

5. Developer Matters: Choose the correct developer (dry, wet, non-aqueous) and apply evenly.

6. Inspect Properly: Use UV for fluorescent systems and adequate white light for visible systems; verify intensity.

7. Post-Clean: Remove residues to prevent interference with coatings or subsequent tests.

8. Record Results: Note materials, parameters, and findings to track trends and repair quality.

How to Display Dye Penetrant Inspection Skills on Your Resume

9. Infrared Thermography

Infrared thermography uses IR cameras to detect temperature patterns on marine structures and equipment without contact, revealing moisture intrusion, insulation failures, electrical hot spots, and more.

Why It's Important

It’s fast and non-invasive, catching faults early while systems stay online—perfect for predictive maintenance and safety checks.

How to Improve Infrared Thermography Skills

1. Higher-Resolution Cameras: Choose sensors with fine pixel pitch and good thermal sensitivity from reputable makers like FLIR or FLUKE.

2. Specialized Training: Learn to distinguish emissivity issues from true anomalies; industry-focused courses help.

3. Calibrate and Maintain: Regular calibration keeps temperature readings honest.

4. Mind the Environment: Account for wind, humidity, reflections off water, and sun loading; schedule inspections smartly.

5. Robust Analysis Software: Use tools that support trending, reporting, and precise spot/area measurements.

6. Peer Review: Share tricky images with qualified colleagues to avoid misinterpretation.

How to Display Infrared Thermography Skills on Your Resume

10. 3D Scanning

3D scanning captures dense geometry of ships and structures with lasers or structured light, producing accurate digital models for assessments, retrofits, and clash checks.

Why It's Important

It delivers precise measurements fast, even in tight spaces, supporting reliable damage assessment, fit-out planning, and documentation.

How to Improve 3D Scanning Skills

1. Use Capable Scanners: Select instruments with suitable range, accuracy, and speed from proven manufacturers such as FARO or Leica Geosystems.

2. Train on Workflows: Practice targets, registration methods, and scanning paths that reduce occlusions and rework.

3. Optimize Processing: Employ software like Autodesk ReCap or Rhino 3D for cleaning, meshing, and modeling large datasets efficiently.

4. Standardize SOPs: Define capture density, control points, and QA checks to ensure consistent quality.

5. Regular Calibration: Follow manufacturer guidance to maintain accuracy and repeatability.

6. Stay Connected: Engage with professional groups to track emerging methods and hardware.

How to Display 3D Scanning Skills on Your Resume

11. GPS Navigation

GPS Navigation provides precise position and timing for marine survey operations, enabling accurate mapping, track-keeping, and hazard identification. Today, multi-constellation GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou) is standard.

Why It's Important

Accurate positioning underpins everything from route surveys to berth clearances and cable or pipeline inspections.

How to Improve GPS Navigation Skills

1. Adopt Multi-GNSS: Use receivers that track multiple constellations for better coverage and integrity.

2. Use SBAS/RTK/PPP: DGPS networks have been retired in many regions; rely on SBAS (e.g., WAAS/EGNOS), RTK for centimeter-level work, or PPP where base stations are unavailable.

3. Multi-Frequency: L1/L2 (and L5 where available) reduces ionospheric error and strengthens solutions.

4. Quality Antennas and Mounting: Proper choke-ring or survey-grade antennas and rigid mounts cut multipath and drift.

5. Integrate with GIS: Combine GNSS with charting and GIS for context-rich deliverables.

6. Keep Firmware and Charts Current: Update devices and datasets to prevent stale or incorrect positions.

7. Training and Procedures: Standardize checks—PDOP thresholds, base-line tests, redundancy plans.

How to Display GPS Navigation Skills on Your Resume

12. AIS Monitoring

AIS Monitoring uses the Automatic Identification System to track vessel identity, position, speed, and course for safety, compliance, and traffic assessment.

Why It's Important

It improves situational awareness, supports incident reviews, and helps verify operational compliance during surveys.

How to Improve AIS Monitoring Skills

1. Modern Hardware: Ensure vessels and shore setups use current AIS transponders/receivers for reliable range and accuracy. Maritime Safety Information outlines equipment standards.

2. Smart Software: Use platforms with filters, alerts, and playback to analyze movements quickly.

3. Satellite AIS: Add satellite feeds for bluewater coverage beyond coastal stations.

4. Cross-Verification: Compare AIS against radar, ECDIS, and visual observations to catch spoofing or signal dropouts.

5. Port/Authority Integration: Coordinate with VTS and port systems for aligned data and event logs.

6. Ongoing Training: Keep pace with AIS message types, security considerations, and regulatory updates via professional institutes.

How to Display AIS Monitoring Skills on Your Resume