“We are responsible for the planning and execution of ships in operation surveys, shipboard ISM, ISPS and ISO audits, company audits, vessel conversions (combination of ships in operation and newbuildings work) and the execution of SSP plan approvals.

In addition, we ensure that our own personnel have the right competence level through the VQSC (Veritas Qualification, Safety and Certification Scheme). We are responsible for the monitoring of surveyors and verification of the ships in operation jobs. We are a super user of the Nauticus Production Platform (ship modelling and production system) and are responsible for the quality and training in Hamburg of our surveyors – after all our job is to deliver consistent and professional DNV services,” says Hagen Kruse, who is in charge of DNV’s maritime surveyors in Germany.

“On an annual basis, we perform some 300 to 350 ships in operation jobs and do about 100 ISM/ISPS audits and 50 SSP approvals. We are five active ships in operation surveyors. Two of us are qualified for ISM/ISPS audits while two are training to work on these. I’m a qualified surveyor as well, and we have one ISM/ISPS auditor who is also training to do ISO 9001/14001 work. Finally there is one ships in operation trainee who has just finished his basic VQSC. I’ve been head of ships in operation since 2003, but started to work in this field in DNV in 1996,” says Kruse.

“We work closely with the German Flag Authority and have all the same authorisations as GL. Since moving to our new office location, we have the advantage that the German Flag Authority is located literally around the corner. We are rather busy here and there will be even more to do soon as German-flagged vessels calling into German ports will receive DNV service in the future, as will DNV-classed vessels flying other flags. This means we will be adding another surveyor here very soon,” adds Kruse.