Description

Report Writing for Professional Marine Engineers 

A marine engineer or surveyor must be technically competent, but it is equally important to be able to present findings in a clear and well written report. 

This publication demonstrates best practice to help practitioners improve report writing skills and techniques. It advises on every stage of the reporting process, from receipt of instructions, assessing the purpose and type of the report, evidence gathering and interviewing, observing the correct protocols, structure of the report, writing style, use of terminology versus jargon, etc. 

The appendices present 11 completed sample reports, including pre-purchase condition surveys, damage reports, off-hire survey report, personal injury investigation report, speed and angle of blow assessment report, etc. 

 

 

Contents Listing: 

Chapter 1 – Introduction 

1.1 The many types of report 

1.2 Receiving your assignment 

1.3 Conformance 

1.4 The purpose of a report – for whom are you writing the report? 

1.5 Information required and sources 

1.6 Preparing for the survey 

Chapter 2 – The Basis of the Report 

2.1 The report as a legal document 

2.2 Discovery 

2.3 Evidence 

2.4 Protocols 

2.5 Terms and conditions of service 

2.6 Caveats and disclaimers 

2.7 Professional indemnity insurance 

2.8 Limiting liability 

2.9 Copyright issues 

Chapter 3 – Preparing for the Report 

3.1 Interviewing skills 

3.2 Facts and opinions 

3.3 Aide memoires and laptops 

3.4 File management 

3.5 Good written and spoken communication 

3.6 Tone of the report 

3.7 Terminology versus jargon 

3.8 Multiple consultants 

3.9 Delegating 

3.10 Signing the report 

3.11 References 

Chapter 4 – Report Types 

4.1 Vessel inspections 

4.2 Specific requests 

4.3 Pro forma reports, eg container surveys 

4.4 Pre-purchase condition surveys (PPCS) 

4.5 P&I Club surveys 

4.6 Machinery damage surveys 

4.7 Hull damage surveys 

4.8 Charterers’ inspections 

4.9 Cargo surveys 

4.10 Container damage surveys 

4.11 Collision damage reports 

4.12 Specialised reports, eg heavy lift, tow approvals, etc 

4.13 Personal injury and accident investigations 

4.14 Expert opinions 

Chapter 5 – Writing the Report 

5.1 Structure 

5.2 Abstracts and executive summaries 

5.3 Table of contents 

5.4 Spelling and grammar 

5.5 Some simple rules to follow 

5.6 Active and passive writing 

5.7 Voice recognition software 

5.8 Report writing software 

5.9 Typing 

5.10 Typography 

5.11 Typeface terminology 

5.12 Tracking and kerning 

5.13 The style sheet 

5.14 Headlines 

5.15 Numbering 

5.16 Units 

5.17 Use of brackets 

5.18 Lists 

5.19 Presentation and layout 

5.20 Balance 

5.21 Numerals and words 

5.22 Date and time formats 

5.23 Hooks 

5.24 Colons and semicolons 

5.25 Lack of colour 

5.26 Widows and orphans 

5.27 Paragraph spacing and indentation 

5.28 Diagrams 

5.29 Photographs 

5.30 Accurate descriptions 

5.31 Use of spreadsheets 

5.32 Notes 

5.33 Appendices and annexes 

5.34 Binding the report 

Chapter 6 – Touch Typing 

Some useful references 

Appendices 

Appendix 1 – Specimen Pre-purchase Condition Survey Report for a Merchant Vessel 

Appendix 2 – Specimen Pre-purchase Condition Survey Report for a Pleasure Craft 

Appendix 3 – Specimen Machinery Damage Report 

Appendix 4 – Specimen Hull Damage Survey Report 

Appendix 5 – Specimen Off-Hire Survey Report 

Appendix 6 – Specimen Collision Damage Survey Report 

Appendix 7 – Specimen Speed and Angle of Blow Assessment Report 

Appendix 8 – Specimen Tow Approval (Trip in Tow) Report 

Appendix 9 – Specimen Heavy Lift Survey Report 

Appendix 10 – Specimen Personal Injury Investigation Report 

Appendix 11 – Specimen Vessel Inspection Report