Zia Ul Haq began his maritime career in 1997 as a deck officer in the Merchant Navy. He quickly rose through the ranks to become a master, bringing with him extensive command experience.
In 2018, Zia joined the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) as a surveyor, inspecting vessels for safety and operational standards. Based in the Liverpool Marine Office, Zia's extensive maritime experience helps him build a strong rapport with seafarers.
Surveyors like Zia enforce international safety conventions such as the International Safety Management (ISM) Code and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), significantly improving safety and labour conditions in the shipping industry.
"When I first joined shipping, the International Safety Management (ISM) Code was just coming into force, marking a major shift in how ships operated. Today, both ISM and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) have significantly strengthened safety standards and improved crew welfare,” Zia said.
However, not all operators comply with these standards, sometimes jeopardising crew and vessel safety in the pursuit of lower costs or faster operations. “I’m proud to be part of the MCA, where we uphold the highest standards,” he adds.
“Having been a seafarer, I understand the seafarer’s background and mindset. Inspections can be a bit like doing exams, where you’re going through a process and you’re worried about whether you’re competent: you might be trying your best, but that still might not meet the standards,” Zia explained.
"There are also excellent operators who go beyond the minimum requirements to ensure safety. Our role is to provide reassurance and support, confirming that a vessel is safe before it departs.
“Of course, some operators attempt to conceal deficiencies, often relying on flag states with varying standards, but in most cases, crews genuinely want to cooperate. When they encounter issues they cannot resolve, an MCA surveyor can provide a written report that helps ensure the situation is rectified,” he said.
Zia’s work spans from large tankers and cargo ships to smaller commercial vessels, but it is fishing trawlers that test his investigative skills the most. “Fishing is statistically one of the most dangerous occupations, but new regulations and codes of practice have brought huge improvements,” he said.
"It’s not about making life difficult for the crew but about raising standards. Simple measures, like maintaining pyrotechnics and wearing life jackets, can prevent fatal consequences.”
Over his career, Zia has witnessed major advances in ship technology, transforming maritime operations. Electronic chart systems, GPS, and digital equipment have made the seas safer, but he stresses that training remains vital.
He warned: “Reliance on this equipment has increased and without proper training it can be dangerous and put a vessel at risk. That’s why we assess training, familiarisation, and understanding to ensure crews know how to use their equipment correctly.”
Zia encourages those considering a career as a surveyor to view the MCA as an excellent platform for professional development. He has also worked with police and law enforcement, providing maritime insight for complex incidents and investigations.
The daily work of a surveyor is unpredictable, ranging from routine inspections to extended surveys and emergency responses but ultimately, Zia enjoys a better work-life balance compared to sea-going positions.
He spends more time on shore now, playing cricket, enjoying his hobby as an amateur radio operator, and spending time with his wife and four children.
You can see Zia in action as he inspects vessels and ensures safety in the documentary series Coastguard, airing every Wednesday at 9 pm on Channel 5.
