Jobs · Full-time

Marine Surveyor I at ABS - Port of Spain Field Role — Columbus

LocationColumbus
CompanyAmerican Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
Sourceremoteok
Posted2026-08-12 16:00:12

Traveler-Friendly Insight

This role is not suitable for digital nomads or location-independent workers. The Surveyor I position at ABS is a fully on-site, field-based role stationed at a specific assigned port — in this case, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Daily duties require physical presence aboard vessels, on docks, and inside confined spaces, making remote or async work impossible.

That said, the role does offer a form of travel lifestyle: marine surveyors regularly board ships, visit shipyards, and may be assigned to different port locations over their career with ABS, which is a global organization operating in over 50 countries. This could appeal to those who enjoy location variety within a structured employment framework rather than true location independence.

Visa considerations: For non-citizens interested in this role, Trinidad and Tobago does not currently offer a formal digital nomad visa. CARICOM nationals may have freedom of movement advantages. Non-CARICOM applicants would typically require a work permit sponsored by ABS.

If you are a digital nomad seeking a flexible, async-friendly role, this position is not a match. Instead, look for remote marine consulting, online maritime training, or classification society desk-based roles (e.g., plan review, technical advisory) that can be performed from anywhere with a stable internet connection.

Job Description

The Surveyor I is an entry or junior-level position for new graduates and/or those candidates with less than five (5) years of experience in an applicable industry. Under a direct supervisor, the Surveyor I performs work involving conventional surveying practices. The primary function is to develop the ability to effectively examine and report on vessels and other marine structures during and after construction, relative to compliance with applicable requirements for maintaining the vessel in Classification with ABS and meeting associated statutory and special service requirements related to Safety of Life at Sea, Loadline, Tonnage, Cargo Gear, and Pollution Prevention Certification.

What You Will Do (with the assistance and guidance of an experienced ABS Surveyor):
  • Acts as a professional specialist for the organization in the application of related rules, regulations, requirements, concepts, principles, and processes.
  • Performs routine surveys on classed vessels, platforms, or other marine structures and at manufacturers for classification and compliance with statutory requirements.
  • Prepares technically accurate and timely reports of inspections and surveys performed.
  • Engages in contact with clients to resolve problems within areas of expertise.
  • Maintains survey files in an orderly and up-to-date manner in the area of responsibility.
  • Develops the skills necessary for the administration of office procedures and monitoring of business performance at an assigned port.
  • Through broader and more technically challenging work assignments, develops a thorough understanding of field operations, policies, methods, and procedures.
What You Will Need:

Education and Experience

  • Qualifications from a tertiary institution within a relevant field of engineering or physical science (minimum two (2) years program); or
  • Qualifications from a marine or nautical institution and relevant seagoing experience as a certificated ship officer; and
  • Proficiency in the English language commensurate with the scope of statutory certification and services and, before assignment, with their future work.
  • Appropriate certification and/or licenses in areas of specialization may be required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Ability to develop a working knowledge of ABS Rules, Guides, statutory regulations, and related instructions, as well as the ABS Employee Safety Policy.
  • Ability to read engineering plans and have a basic understanding of shipbuilding practices and vessel operations.
  • Ability to perform surveys in the prescribed format.
  • Knowledge of computer programs or software packages related to job responsibilities.
  • Knowledge of related technical interfaces required for group project work.
  • Knowledge of ships' engineering systems and machinery.
  • Ability to communicate, orally and in writing, pertinent information relative to assigned area of technical expertise.
  • Ability to analyze problems and propose solutions.
  • Responsiveness to customers and the ability to work well with others.
  • Ability to become familiar with the ABS Health, Safety, Quality, and Environmental Management Systems.
Physical Requirements:
  • Where allowed by local laws, a pre-employment physical examination is mandatory.
  • The role requires sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, and both visual and auditory acuity to perform the listed duties effectively.
  • The ability to climb vertical ladders up to nine meters and navigate steep steps is essential.
  • Shall be capable of working at heights on various staging and lifting equipment.
  • Shall be able to maneuver in tight spaces and work inside confined areas for extended periods, including kneeling and crawling.
  • The role may involve exposure to industrial environments, potential injury risks, extreme weather conditions, and demanding physical activities.
  • Shall be able to lift at least 25 lbs. / 11.34 kgs.
  • The use of small tools and the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), in accordance with ABS safety procedures, may be required.
  • Where allowed by local laws, the surveyor will be required to successfully complete an annual physical that will recertify the individual can perform the physical actions required.
Reporting Relationships:

Will report to the Principal, Senior, or Surveyor-in-Charge of the assigned port. This position does not have any direct reports.

About Us

We set out more than 160 years ago to promote the security of life and property at sea and preserve the natural environment. Today, we remain true to our mission and continue to support organizations facing a rapidly evolving seascape of challenging regulations and new technologies. Through it all, we are anchored by a vision and mission that help our clients find clarity in uncertain times.

ABS is a global leader in marine and offshore classification and other innovative safety, quality, and environmental services. We're at the forefront of supporting the global energy transition at sea, the application of remote and autonomous marine systems, cutting-edge technical solutions, and many more exciting advancements. Our commitment to safety, reliability, and efficiency is ever-present, guiding our clients to safer and more efficient operations.

Equal Opportunity

ABS Bureau is committed to the equal employment opportunity of its employees and prohibits discrimination against any employee or qualified applicant based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status or veteran status, or other non-work-related characteristics that may be protected under the law of the Federal Government or specific state employment laws.

Notice

ABS and Affiliated Companies (ABS) will not pay a fee to any third-party agency without a valid ABS Master Service Agreement (MSA) authorized and signed by Human Resources. Any resume, CV, application, or other forms of candidate submission provided to any employee of ABS without a valid MSA on file will be considered property of ABS, and no fee will be paid.

Other

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job of the incumbent. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the principal job elements essential for making a fair decision regarding the pay structure of the job. #ogjs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Surveyor I role at ABS a remote or hybrid position?
No, this is a fully on-site, field-based role. Surveyors must be physically present at the assigned port, aboard vessels, and at shipyards to perform inspections and surveys. Remote work is not possible in this position.
What educational background is required to apply for the ABS Surveyor I position?
Candidates need either a tertiary qualification (minimum 2-year program) in engineering or physical science, or a marine/nautical qualification combined with seagoing experience as a certificated ship officer. English language proficiency is also required.
What are the physical demands of this role?
The role is physically demanding — it requires climbing vertical ladders up to nine meters, working at heights, navigating confined spaces, lifting at least 25 lbs., and operating in industrial and extreme weather environments. A pre-employment physical examination is mandatory where permitted by law.
What career progression is available after the Surveyor I role at ABS?
ABS has a defined career ladder for surveyors. After gaining experience as a Surveyor I, employees can progress to Senior Surveyor and Principal Surveyor levels, with opportunities for global assignments across ABS's worldwide port network.
Who does the Surveyor I report to at ABS?
The Surveyor I reports directly to the Principal, Senior, or Surveyor-in-Charge at the assigned port. This is a supervised role with no direct reports of its own.
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