AMSA Accredited Surveyor - Guy Howard

Whitsunday Coast

Thanks for visiting Big Sea Marine. I'm an AMSA Accredited Surveyor based in Airlie Beach in the Mackay Whitsundays region of Queensland. I conduct Commercial Marine Surveys and provide marine consultancy services across Mackay and the Whitsundays. Our main geographical focus is Airlie Beach, Bowen and Mackay.

If I'm not available to assist at the time of your inquiry, professional services may be available by prior arrangement with alternate accredited surveyors in regions such as Yeppoon in the South to Bowen or Townsville in the North.

Domestic Commercial Vessel Out-of-Water Survey

Maritime Experience

My career experience includes private, commercial, and government vessel sea service throughout Australia, the West Pacific and abroad. From Chief Engineer roles aboard commercial ocean-going superyachts to managing new build projects for private recreational and Domestic Commercial Vessels.

40 years hands-on technical trade and diesel engineering expertise, of which 26 years has been in the Australian Marine Industry. Roles include Chief Eng, Mate, Master and Refit Project Manager. Regulatory roles include Government Shipping Inspector, and Marine Incident Investigator with MSQ.

AMSA Accredited Surveyor conducting initial, periodic and renewals surveys Airlie Beach

Key Marine Credentials

AMSA Accredited Surveyor; Initial, Periodic, Renewal.
Certified Marine Engineer.
AMSA Certified Marine Master.
Trade-qualified Diesel Fitter / Engineer.
Trade-qualified Air-Conditioning.
Trade-qualified Heat Exchanger Repairer.
Government Marine Incident Investigator.
Diploma of International Marine Surveying.
Certified Marine Expert Witness.

AMSA DCV Surveyor undertaking a survey on a DCV Commercial vessel in Queensland Australia

National Law Accreditations

d - Initial - ELV Electrical.
g - Initial - Construction & Alteration Hull.
h - Construction & Alteration - Machinery.
i - Initial - Load line conditions and markings.
j - Initial - Equipment.
k - Initial - Commissioning.
l - Periodic Survey.
n - Periodic Survey - Load line.
o - Survey of Safety Equipment.
p - Communication Equipment.
All hull construction materials: Timber, Steel, Aluminium, Fibreglass & Composite, and Polyethylene.

My Mission - Professional Vision - and Core Values

Safe Operations - Trusted Outcomes.

At Big Sea Marine, my work is guided by a commitment to technical excellence, independent assessment, and the advancement of professional marine surveying standards across Queensland and Australia.

My Mission

To uphold, promote, and advance the specialised discipline of marine surveying through independent, evidence-based inspections that support vessel safety, regulatory compliance, and informed decision-making.

As a Full Member of the Australasian Institute of Marine Surveyors (AIMS), and Accredited under the National Law, my business activities align with the highest professional and ethical standards recognised within the Australian marine industry.

Core Professional Values

My surveying practice is built on three essential pillars that protect clients, vessels, and the integrity of the profession:

EXPERTISE

I maintain advanced technical competence across recreational, commercial, and government vessels through continual professional development, technical training, and industry engagement.

INTEGRITY

All inspections and reports are conducted independently and without influence from brokers, repairers, insurers, or third parties. Findings are factual, defensible, and clearly separated from opinion or recommendation.

QUALITY

My reports are structured, image-rich, and prepared to industry-accepted standards, suitable for insurance, legal, regulatory commercial compliance, and decision-making.

My Commitment to Professional Excellence

Building and Maintaining Expertise

Ongoing participation in professional development, technical presentations, and industry publications.
Continuous upskilling aligned with evolving vessel construction standards, compliance frameworks, and survey methodologies.
Active engagement with peer surveyors through national and state-based professional forums.

Promoting Integrity

Alignment with the AIMS Code of Professional Conduct.
Clear declaration of scope, limitations, and inspection methodology.
Transparent reporting that withstands insurer, regulatory, and legal scrutiny.

Delivering Quality Outcomes

Consistent use of structured inspection frameworks and reporting templates.
Adoption of industry best practice benchmarks.
Professional documentation suitable for insurers, regulators, boat owners, boat pre-purchase, and the courts.

I strive to achieve 100% client satisfaction and a positive safety outcome with every engagement and inspection undertaken by Big Sea Marine Consultants.

Guy Howard - Reviewed 18th January 2026