Marine Surveying

[colinwcolclough]

I'l throw this one wide open to anybody that can offer useful comments.
I'm planning to return to study this year as a mature student to complete a diploma in Marine Surveying. Although this course is aimed mainly at big metal boats and my interests are in the leisure market, particularly GRP and engines, there are modules in smallcraft and other interests.

Assuming that no company is going to offer to sponsor my studies, given that I live in Scotland, not the South Coast, here's where you can help.

Would anyone like to give their top 5 tips to help me on my way?
What pitfalls should I be aware of?
Any really good or bad surveying experience?

What I would really like is to find a mentor. Someone who I can meet every so often to discuss problems with my studies and help me on my way. I can't aford to pay much for the help, but I can take you for lunch etc! Not wanting to step on the toes of people on my own patch, don't worry if you can help but you live and work miles away. All help would be most graciously received.

Thank you very much, one and all.
Yours,

Colin W Colclough

colinwcolclough@madasafish.com

 

[Rob_Webb]

Colin

Unfortunately I am several steps behind you and not able to offer you the help you have asked for - instead I would like to ask you a question!

I am a management consultant considering a career change into marine surveying, like you around the leisure market. I am at stage 1 and don't even know anything about what qualifications are required? I graduated over 10 yrs ago with a science-based degree but I've no idea whether this would count for anything.

Could you possibly give me some really basic advice on how I get started and where to go for further inforamtion - I haven't even found a useful website yet.

Sorry not to be replying with the help you requested - but I would appreciate any information you can give me!

Regards
Rob Webb

 

[Guest]

Try contacting Plymouth University. They have (or use to have) a pretty good maritime studies department, and maybe able to put you on the right track. Good luck.

 

[colinwcolclough]

Several courses of action you could take.

1) Southhampton Institute offers various courses. I think it is now afiliated to So'ton Uni so try that in any search engine. Sorry I don't have their details any more.

2)National Sea Training Centre at North West Kent College. This is the course I am doing by distance learning and is the Diploma in Marine Surveying. The course seems to be affiliated to everyman and his dog including Lloyds and Informa Maritime group. Try www.lloydslistevents.com/lm416 or 01932 893886

Let me know how you get on!
Good luck,

Colin W Colclough