Armaments Corporation of South Africa (ARMSCOR) Ship Surveyor Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

Armscor, the Armaments Corporation of South Africa, plays a crucial role in supporting the South African Navy's mission readiness and maritime defence capabilities. This opportunity calls for a dedicated Ship Surveyor to join their team at the Dockyard in Simon's Town, Cape Town.

The successful candidate will be instrumental in ensuring the operational readiness, safety, and compliance of all South African Navy ships through expert surveys. This role directly contributes to upholding naval standards and the long-term sustainability of naval assets.

Minimum Requirements

• Qualifications:
• A Trade Test Certificate in Shipbuilding/Shipwright or any relevant trade, OR
• 7 years of relevant shipbuilding, ship maintenance, or maritime engineering experience.
• Experience:
• 7 years of relevant shipbuilding, ship maintenance, or maritime engineering experience.
• Prior service in a navy, defence sector, or maritime environment is highly valued.
• Special Requirements:
• Shipbuilding knowledge.
• Special Proficiency/Skills:
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings.
• Analytical thinking.
• Strong interpersonal relations.
• Knowledge of legal compliance.
• Technical report writing.
• Problem-solving and analysis skills.
• Decision-making abilities.
• Customer focus.
• Planning skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform detailed inspections of hull integrity, propulsion systems, electrical installations, and auxiliary systems.
• Issue recommendations and certifications to confirm vessels meet safety and combat readiness standards.
• Compile and submit detailed technical reports on survey findings, including effective repair solutions.
• Coordinate with repair teams to ensure identified issues are resolved according to approved procedures.
• Mark and/or supervise the marking of draught markings, pennant numbers, and sheer lines on vessels.
• Conduct Incline tests to determine a vessel’s correct state of stability.
• Review and update technical drawings, survey manuals, inspection checklists, and repair standards.
• Regularly review and update work instructions and procedures to align with safety standards.
• Train and guide personnel on revised or new procedures.
• Evaluate vessels against unique military specifications and defence-related regulations.
• Collaborate with naval technical officers, ship commanders, and dockyard project teams.
• Supervise and validate work during refits and maintenance periods, especially for specialised naval systems.
• Provide technical input during readiness reviews for mission deployment schedules.
• Track and assess structural and system aging specific to naval operational stressors.
• Deliver technical reports and expert advice to naval command hierarchies.
• Engage in ongoing professional development in survey techniques, NDT technologies, and corrosion detection.
• Conduct literature reviews and technical studies to enhance survey practices.
• Liaise with stakeholders, including classification societies and naval authorities, on standards and policy updates.

What the Work Involves

As a Ship Surveyor at Armscor, you will primarily work within the Dockyard in Simon's Town, Cape Town. Your day-to-day work will involve conducting meticulous inspections of various ship components, from hull integrity to advanced electrical and propulsion systems. You will be responsible for ensuring that these vessels meet the stringent safety and combat readiness standards specific to the South African Navy and its military missions.

A significant part of your role will involve documenting your findings through detailed technical reports, often recommending repair solutions. You'll coordinate closely with repair teams to ensure these issues are addressed correctly. You will also be involved in practical tasks such as supervising the marking of draught lines and conducting stability tests. Collaborating with naval technical officers and project teams is key, as you will provide expert technical advice that directly influences decisions on ship deployment and repair prioritisation. The working environment demands a high degree of precision, attention to detail, and adherence to military-specific specifications rather than general commercial standards.

How to Apply

To apply for this opportunity, please email your application to: careersdy@armscor.co.za

The closing date for applications is 25 September 2026.