Perspectives
A marine consultant's life in inspections
Harbours & ports, MaritimeThe sheer volume of inspections Donna carries out demonstrates the demand for Marex's marine assurance services.
Our senior marine consultant Donna Van Damme spends a significant portion of her time on the front lines of marine assurance, inspecting vessels. A recent snapshot of Donna's work reveals the sheer number of vessels she inspects, and the meticulous nature of her assessments.
We get a glimpse of this through her regular updates with images and observations on Marex’s LinkedIn feed which give an intriguing look behind the scenes.
Her expertise is crucial for ensuring the safety and operational efficiency of a wide variety of boats, from crew transfer vessels (CTVs) supporting offshore wind farms to other specialised craft.
A recent snapshot of Donna's work reveals the sheer number of vessels she inspects, and the meticulous nature of her assessments.
Donna's inspections usually take the form of Vessel Entry Procedures (VEPs) which are a vital part of Marex's marine assurance services.
She acts as the eyes and ears for clients like ScottishPower Renewables, verifying that vessels meet stringent standards before they go into service.
Her work takes her to ports and harbours across East Anglia and the past few months alone have seen Donna aboard numerous CTVs, the workhorses of the offshore wind industry.
These include multiple vessels for NR Marine Services: the NR Jaguar, the NR Cougar and the brand-new NR Predator, whose naming ceremony she attended. She's also inspected vessels for Turner Iceni, such as the Iceni Defiant and the Iceni Revenge.
Each vessel presents unique characteristics and requires a tailored approach to the inspection process.
Donna's inspections aren't just cursory glances. She delves into the details, checking everything from the vessel's documentation and safety equipment to its overall condition and maintenance records. She observes the vessel's operation first-hand when possible, as she did with the Iceni Defiant recently as it manoeuvered within Waveney Dock in Lowestoft.
Her work even extends to vessels undergoing maintenance, as demonstrated by her inspection of the NR Cougar while it was out of the water for engine overhauls. This provided a unique opportunity to assess aspects of the vessel that are normally submerged.
And of course no Donna Van Damme update would be complete without a weather report. From rain in Lowestoft to sunny skies and blustery conditions, Donna braves it all. Even a double rainbow sighting couldn’t distract her from her duties (though she admits checking for that elusive pot of gold).
The sheer volume of inspections Donna carries out demonstrates the demand for Marex's marine assurance services. Her expertise is highly valued by clients who rely on her assessments to mitigate risks and ensure the smooth operation of their maritime activities.
From small CTVs to larger, more specialised vessels, Donna's meticulous approach to inspections plays a critical role in maintaining safety and compliance within the maritime industry. She's not just checking boxes; she's providing peace of mind to clients and contributing to the overall safety of the marine environment.
- Interested in keeping up with Donna’s dockside adventures? They appear first on our LinkedIn page at so head over and give us a follow to be first to see the updates - and East Anglian weather updates. And of course if you need vessel inspections, you know who to get in touch with at Marex.
Donna Van Damme Marine consultant
Company Registration 00793999
MAREX
Neo House
Riverside Drive
Aberdeen, AB11 7LH
