Poor services provided by onboard MWS can be detrimental to both the assured (client) and the underwriters objectives. Has your Marine Warranty Surveyor the correct credentials and accreditations to do his job…… if in doubt, read on.
Conveniently for the assured (client), the underwriters have already stipulated the credentials required of a MWS. The Joint Natural Resources Committee (previously the Joint Rig Committee) which represents the interests of insurers writing offshore energy risks in London, comprising offshore energy underwriters, drawn from the membership of both the Lloyd’s Market Association and the International Underwriting Association have written clauses, detailing the fundamental objectives of the Marine warranty Surveyor and Guidelines for the Minimum standards for the pre-qualification of a MWS.
The fundamental objective of the MWS is to make reasonable endeavours, to ensure that the risks associated with the warranted operations; to which a Marine Warranty Surveyor is appointed, are reduced to an acceptable level, in accordance with best industry practice. The MWS appointed to sign a COA in accordance with the Scheme of Works (SOW) is appropriately accredited by the Society of Offshore Marine Warranty Surveyors (SOMWS) or can demonstrate competence by completing document a JRC MWS Information form.
The guidelines for the minimum standards for the pre-qualification of a MWS, provided by the MWS company, are also detailed; The pre-qualification of a MWS should ideally have formal professional qualifications in accordance with the following standards, appropriately accredited by the Society of Offshore Marine Warranty Surveyors (SOMWS) or equivalent:
- Master Mariners should have previously held foreign going tickets and had command experience.
- Naval Architects should be qualified to an appropriate professional qualification commensurate with the work they are performing, with 5 years relevant industry experience.
- Structural Engineers, geotechnical and meteorological specialists should be similarly qualified to an appropriate professional level.
So far, the SOMWS has been referenced twice regarding appropriate accreditation, who are the SOMWS?
The SOMWS was established when underwriters expressed concern that MWS companies should work to a minimum set of standards, establish guidelines for communication with underwriters, clarify the role of the MWS, and have an agreed approval criteria for MWS activities, and provide accreditation of individual marine warranty surveyors, after verifying evidence of qualifications and experience.
REF: Society of Offshore Marine Warranty Surveyors (somws.org)
Both the assured (client) and the underwriters should not be in any doubt of a MWS credentials, if they are any doubt, the surveyor’s number can be readily checked in the SOMWs members online database. You can’t buy or fabricate experience, you earn it.
Kraken Offshore 