How to become a Marine Surveyor
Surveys the machinery, equipment and hulls of vessels to ensure they are constructed, equipped and maintained according to safety standards, rules and regulations laid down by marine authorities.
Main tasks
- Inspects and examines vessels and equipment to ensure compliance with international and national regulations, and identifies any damage or defects
- Reviews and interprets technical drawings, plans and specifications related to ship construction
- Conducts surveys and inspections during construction, repair or maintenance
- Assesses damage to vessels on behalf of insurance companies for insurance claims
- Tests and evaluates ship systems such as navigation and communication
- Documents survey findings and recommendations, evaluating the vessel's overall condition
- Advises ship owners, operators and builders on compliance issues
Ways in
- University: Architecture & Built Environment degrees, Offered by 24 universities in Australia
- University: Agriculture & Environment degrees, Offered by 27 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Surveying (CPP60121); Diploma of Surveying (CPP50121)
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $174,980 a year
- About 10,500 people work in this job group now, and about 11,800 are projected by 2035. (+12%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Marine Surveyor?
Ways in include: Architecture & Built Environment degrees; Agriculture & Environment degrees; Advanced Diploma of Surveying; Diploma of Surveying.
How much does a Marine Surveyor earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $174,980 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Marine Surveyor a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2035, from about 10,500 to about 11,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Marine Surveyor?
Not always. 44% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Architecture & Built Environment degrees; Agriculture & Environment degrees; Advanced Diploma of Surveying; Diploma of Surveying.
Will AI change the work of a Marine Surveyor?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04