§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if his Department will ensure that practising marine surveyors are professionally qualified and covered by professional indemnity insurance. [123006]
§ Mr. HillMarine surveyors are required to hold professional qualifications before they can apply to join the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA—an executive Agency of my Department). Their training needs are reviewed on an annual basis as part of the MCA's performance appraisal and development system to ensure they remain up to date and qualified for the jobs they are required to undertake.
Servants of the Crown are not covered by professional indemnity insurance. The Crown is its own insurer and does not effect insurance.