Surveyors' days - Valuable days

The idea behind the event is primarily to share experience between surveyors and claims handlers. To discuss current important and difficult issues, and also - to socialize.

Key Correspondents

At 1400 hours on Wednesday we met with the "key correspondents". NHC `s key correspondents are companies and individuals that have worked with NHC for many years. In order to be competitive we all need surveyors who are able to assist shipowners/managers when needed. These surveyors and their local correspondents must be capable of assisting owners in order to:
- Asses the extent of the damage
- Ensure that the right considerations are made in order to repair the damage to the owner`s full satisfaction.
- Assist owners in getting their vessel back trading as soon as possible.(consider an early estimate of the cost of the damage)
- assist locally when third party claims arise
- Consider and discuss matters that may have relevance to the owner`s insurance policies.

Highly engaged audience

According to the agenda, the key factors to be discussed were the role of the key correspondents and qualifications NHC expect the surveyor to hold. Several participants pointed out the importance of following up the attending surveyor - not only with regard to reading the report - but also when the surveyor is "in action". It was also discussed and suggestions made for how work procedures can be simplified, and - of course - how one should develop and improve. Without doubt, the participants from both the surveyors and the claims handlers, discussed with enthusiasm.

Cross Border Solutions

NHC`s Managing Director Mr. John Wiik focused on the importance of having the right surveyor in the right place in order to secure co-operation with owners, making sure that NHC has a competitive edge in the market Mr. John Wiik also pointed out that the dynamics in the business we are in, are huge. What is true today, may not be valid tomorrow - therefore it is very important that we and the surveyors cooperate in order to always find the best solutions. The feedback from the surveyors was that they are seeking advice from each other - and that they are cooperating. Still - it is entirely possible to focus more on this topic. The shipping industry is global and very often we see need for a follow up survey in a port far from the port where the initial survey was held. As a consequence of this, the best solution is when there is information flow between surveyor's organizations and across borders so that we can provide the best service possible for the insured.

The meal served

The social event on Wednesday evening took place at the restaurant Bryggen Tracteursted - a restaurant located on historical ground on Bryggen. On the menu was - to many people`s surprise - both "Lutefisk" (dried whitefish, normally cod, prepared with lye) and "Smalahove" (sheep`s head), both considered delicacies. The food was served by the Master Chef & Master of Verbal Gastronomy, Pablo Iglesias - (Francois Sibbald - hired in for the day - and very entertaining).
Most probably not everyone agreed with the delicacy - part of it maybe, but for all the evening was a social enrichment.

Joint event, joining colleagues

This year it was Gard`s turn to host the joint evening event, which took place at the Aquarium Thursday evening. After being entertained by the local seals and a guided tour at the Aquarium - it was time for food - seafood, obviously enough! It is always nice to meet colleagues and associates within the industry - even from the competing side.

And last but not least

The agenda for the day was mostly reserved for LOH insurance and it was emphasized the importance of a good surveyor who is able to seek solutions in order to minimize time of repairs.
Claims Director Mr. Jostein Egeland closed the event with a presentation regarding the art of communication. Thousands of emails are sent and received every year - very often under pressure of time. This may lead to misunderstandings and sometimes misdirection. A good advice may be: Read what you wrote before you send it!

Conclusion:

Thanks to the very engaged and enthusiastic surveyors. We had three very constructive days in Bergen. NHC directs a big thank you to all for their valuable time, and we are already looking forward to next time.