Summary

Marine surveying is a fascinating part of the surveying profession that many people never hear about.

In this episode, Nina Young speaks with David Pestridge, marine surveyor and owner of White Hat Marine Surveying. David shares what life is really like inspecting yachts, narrowboats, and barges across the UK.

From pre-purchase inspections to identifying serious structural defects, David explains the realities of marine surveying and how the role shares many similarities with property surveying.

They also discuss the importance of inspection routines, report writing, communication skills, and professional judgement.

Along the way, David shares some memorable stories from the field and explains why he is passionate about helping people understand boats and the marine surveying profession.

What We Cover

• David’s journey from army engineer to marine surveyor
• What marine surveyors inspect on boats and yachts
• The process of a pre-purchase boat survey
• Why routine and consistency matter in inspections
• Common defects include corrosion and fatigue
• Writing clear and defensible survey reports
• Managing difficult conversations with clients and sellers
• The realities of working outdoors and travelling for surveys
• Advice for people interested in marine surveying careers
• Educating boat buyers through guides and YouTube

Guest Links

David Pestridge LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidpestridge

Useful Links

• International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) - https://www.iims.org.uk
• Free ebook: How to Buy Your First Boat https://boatchat.beehiiv.com/products/how-to-buy-your-first-boat

Guest Bio

David Pestridge is a marine surveyor and the owner of White Hat Marine Surveying. He specialises in surveys of yachts, motorboats, narrowboats, and barges across the UK.

Before becoming a surveyor, David served for 17 years in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as an engineering officer. After leaving the army in 2008, he retrained as a marine surveyor and has since built a successful practice inspecting boats for buyers, owners, and insurers.

David is also Deputy Vice President of the International Institute of Marine Surveyors and is passionate about improving standards across the profession. Through his writing, YouTube channel, and educational resources, he helps boat owners and aspiring surveyors better understand marine surveying and boat inspection.

If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room

Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Summary

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the property industry.

In this episode of This Is Surveying, Nina Young speaks with Christopher De Gruben, chartered surveyor and Head of AI and Property at Artefact. Chris works at the forefront of AI adoption in real estate, helping major property owners and investors implement data and AI strategies across Europe and the Middle East.

They explore what AI actually means for surveyors, where the real opportunities are, and why parts of the surveying profession may face major disruption.

Chris also shares insights from co-chairing the working group behind the new RICS Responsible Use of AI standard. The discussion covers disclosure, materiality, and how surveyors can safely integrate AI into their workflows.

The episode also tackles the debate around AI and the APC process, and why discouraging candidates from using AI may risk pushing the next generation away from the profession.

If you want to understand how AI is reshaping surveying, property valuation, and the built environment, this is a conversation you do not want to miss.

What We Cover

• Chris’s international career and how he moved into AI and property
• Real-world examples of AI being used in property companies today
• The difference between AI assistants and AI analysts
• Over 300 potential AI use cases in property businesses
• The RICS Responsible Use of AI standard
• Understanding materiality when using AI in surveying work
• Why AI should not replace the surveyor’s professional judgement
• Concerns about AI restrictions for APC candidates
• The impact of AI on junior roles and surveying careers
• How the UK property industry compares to Saudi Arabia

Guest Links

Christopher De Gruben on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/degruben

Useful Links

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – https://www.rics.org

Surveyors UK – https://www.surveyors-uk.com

Guest Bio

Christopher De Gruben is a chartered surveyor and Senior Director and Head of AI and Property at Artefact. He advises major property investors and developers across Europe and the Middle East on large-scale data and artificial intelligence programmes. His work focuses on modernising property operating models and embedding AI into real estate businesses in practical ways.

Chris also plays an active role in shaping the surveying profession. He serves as Vice Chair of the RICS Professional Group Panel Board and co-chaired the working group responsible for the new RICS Responsible Use of AI standard. He is also co-authoring new guidance on AI in valuation.

If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room

Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Summary

In this episode of This Is Surveying, Nina Young speaks with Jordan Turner, senior lecturer at the University of the Built Environment. Jordan shares his career journey from residential property to commercial surveying and academia, and explains why sustainability and EPC reform are central to the profession's future.

They also explore skills shortages, education pathways, and the need to make surveying more visible to young people.

What We Cover

• Career journey from residential agency into commercial estate management
• Why industry experience strengthens surveying education
• EPC reform challenges and inconsistencies
• Retrofit pressures and Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
• Behavioural impacts and policy gaps
• Home buying reform and upfront information
• Skills shortages and attracting new surveyors
• Residential surveying education pathways
• Knowledge transfer from experienced professionals
• Collaboration across the surveying profession

Guest Links

Jordan Turner LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/jordan-turner-50748a17b

Useful Links
University of the Built Environment – https://www.ube.ac.uk

Guest Bio

Jordan Turner is a senior lecturer at the University of the Built Environment with a professional background spanning residential property, estate agency, property management, and commercial estate management. He is currently undertaking a PhD focused on sustainability and energy performance in the built environment. Jordan is passionate about improving EPC frameworks, strengthening educational pathways, and bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world surveying practice.

If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room

Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn