Block and Brace or packing "Inspectors"

[Joe]

We have done block and brace jobs in 20' and 40' containers for large oilfield customers and we've met "inspectors" hired by our customer to sign off on our job. We didn't ask the gentleman how he became this "inspector" and have not seen him again. Does anyone know how one becomes one of these "inspectors"?

[Marcel]

Usually the inspectors are Marine Surveyors who have experience in shipping containers on large steamships or cargo ships. They know how contyainers should be packed as they are aware of the power of the ocean and what it can do to a shipment if not packed right. There are course in this but in order to take them you have to qualify with marine experience to do so.

[Joe]

Thanks Marcel. The inspector that was on our job lived in our small town and looked to be retired and doing these inspections as a suplement to his retirement income. We live on the coast in So. Louisiana, so he may have had a marine background. You mentioned there are courses on marine surveying. Can you provide any information on these courses?