NEWS & ARTICLES

Surveyor Spotlight: David Wise Mann

David Wise Mann - Marine Surveyor and Naval Architect

10 Questions For David Wise-Mann

David discusses his maritime career, exciting projects he’s worked on and becoming a fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects.

You started as a naval architect. What about it interested you?

I have always had a love of the sea and grew up messing around with boats. At school I became interested in design and engineering and decided I wanted to go to University to study an engineering discipline, which led me into completing an Engineering degree in Marine Technology, and then later finding employment as a hydrodynamicist and a Naval Architect.

I wasn’t 100% sure what path I wanted to follow when I left school, and I didn’t know a great deal about Naval Architecture when I started my degree, but looking back I think I made a good choice!

How did you get into marine surveying?

I initially started surveying vessels whilst I was working as a Marine Warranty surveyor in the oil and gas industry, mainly construction, heavy lift and dive vessels. When the DCV survey scheme was transitioned from a state surveyor to a private surveyor model in NSW, I started surveying domestic commercial vessels. I now enjoy the variety I get by spending my time working as both a Marine Surveyor and Naval Architect.

What attracts you to marine surveying?

Marine surveying is a good opportunity to interact directly with vessel operators and spend time working aboard a large variety of vessel sizes and types.

What was the process like getting AMSA accredited?

The AMSA accreditation process was relatively straightforward and consisted of submitting evidence of qualifications, experience and CPD to AMSA for review and then sitting a panel interview. My initial interview was a relatively lengthy process and I have since completed further interviews to gain additional accreditation categories.

What do you most like about your role as a marine surveyor and which aspects of the job do you find most challenging?

I enjoy being able to use the knowledge and experience I have gained working across the maritime sector to help vessel operators navigate the wide range of technical and regulatory challenges that come with operating a commercial vessel. In my role as a marine surveyor I also need to continue to learn and develop my knowledge and skills, and whilst this is challenging, it also keeps things interesting!

What is one interesting thing you’ve been involved with during your career?

That’s a tough one! I’ve been lucky enough to work across a variety of sectors in the marine industry and during my career to date.

I’ve been involved with many exciting projects, from working on Top Secret defence research to installing offshore platforms weighing thousands of tons.

More recently, MSA have partnered with Glosten (a US based Naval Architect company) and One2Three (an Australian based Naval Architect company) to design a new research vessel for the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). I am excited to be part of the design team for this project and am looking forward to the experience of designing a relatively complex vessel.

How did you first get involved with RINA?

I was introduced to the Royal Institution of Naval Architects whilst I was an under-graduate at Plymouth University. RINA is a highly respected international professional institution whose members are involved at all levels in the design, construction, maintenance and operation of all marine vessels and structures.

I initially joined RINA as a student and I have maintained my membership throughout my career in the marine industry.

What opportunities has your involvement in RINA led to?

During my career I have been based in England, Scotland and now Australia. With RINA divisions and branches across the world I have benefited from being a member of a number of local branches and this network of Naval Architects has been invaluable to me. Membership of RINA also gave me a pathway to becoming a chartered engineer.

You’ve recently been elected to the class of Fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects. What was the process to get that and how has your role in the organisation changed?

There are classes of RINA membership for all those who are directly involved or who have an interest in the design, construction, maintenance and operation of marine vessels and structures.

Recently being elected as a Fellow of RINA was a significant achievement for me.

The process involved submitting a professional review report that demonstrated I had achieved the required professional standing in the maritime community, and had held positions of superior responsibility for a period of at least five years.

What is some advice you would give to the next generation of marine surveyors and naval architects?

Although Naval Architecture and Marine Surveying are relatively niche qualifications, the opportunities in the marine industry are wide and hugely varied, and the skills you learn as a Naval Architect are applicable to a range of roles.