North Queensland Marine Surveys & Engineering Consultancy.

Accredited Professional Marine Surveys

Accredited by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), the Australasian Institute of Marine Surveyors (AIMS) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) we epitomise precision and passion in marine assessments.

David Higgins, Principal Surveyor and Marine Engineer

AMSA Accredited Marine Surveyor | Foreign-Going Chief Engineer (STCW 2010 Regulation III/2)

With over 15 years of international seafaring experience, David is a seasoned Marine Engineer and AMSA Accredited Surveyor, bringing expertise across marine surveying, marine engineering, loss adjusting, vessel operations, and project management. His career spans cruise ships, superyachts, offshore oil & gas, and Australian commercial vessels, including tugboats and expedition vessels.

David has worked extensively in dry docks, refits, and major vessel maintenance projects, overseeing engineering operations, compliance inspections, and system overhauls. His background as a Marine Loss Adjuster and Marine Investigator has equipped him with the skills to assess and document complex maritime incidents, working with insurers, owners, and regulatory bodies to ensure accurate and thorough reporting.

A passionate mariner beyond his professional career, David has also been a dinghy sailing instructor, fostering a lifelong dedication to the maritime industry.

Qualifications & Training:

David is a graduate of the following Australian and international maritime institutions:

• Australasian Institute of Marine Surveyors (AIMS) – Diploma in Marine Surveying
• Manukau Institute of Technology (New Zealand) – Associate Degree (level 7) of Foreign Going Marine Engineering
• Australian Maritime College (University of Tasmania - Australia) – Advanced maritime training
• The Faraday Centre (United Kingdom) – High-voltage training
• The Arison Maritime Center (Netherlands) – Cruise ship operational training
• HAL Academy - Holland America Line (USA) – Engineering leadership & vessel management
• TAFE NSW - Newcastle Hunter Institute (NSW) –Trade qualifications
   

With extensive hands-on experience in vessel operations, compliance, and maintenance, David brings a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to marine surveying. His expertise ensures thorough, reliable, and professional survey services for commercial and private vessel owners alike.

ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System

At DMCH Marine, we adhere to Australian maritime standards and operate under an ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System. With comprehensive Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance, your peace of mind is our priority.

Request an example survey report
Curious about the level of detail in our work? Contact us via email to request an example survey report. We're happy to provide a preview of the quality and depth of our assessments.

 ABN: 98 944 168 903