Kia Ora
I’ve spent most of my working life around boats, whether maintaining them, operating them or relying on them offshore.
From my time in the Royal New Zealand Navy through to engineering roles on large sailing yachts, managing large commercial projects and more recently living aboard with my family, I’ve seen vessels from every angle: as an operator, an engineer and an owner.
That experience shapes how I approach surveying today.
Boats aren’t just assets, they’re systems that need to be reliable, safe and properly understood. My aim is to give owners and buyers a clear, practical picture of what they’re dealing with, without drama or jargon.
Searad Marine grew naturally out of that background: applying structured thinking, technical depth and straightforward communication to independent marine surveys across New Zealand.
I look forward to working with you.
Conrad Fowler
Professional Background
Conrad served as an Officer of the Watch in the Royal New Zealand Navy, responsible for navigation, operational safety and disciplined decision-making at sea. This foundation developed a structured approach to risk, documentation and accountability.
Following his naval service, he worked as Chief Engineer aboard sailing and expedition yachts up to 45 metres, overseeing engineering departments, survey preparation and major refits in Europe and the Caribbean.
Operating in remote cruising environments strengthened his ability to assess systems comprehensively and prioritise safety-critical findings.
This combination of operational leadership and hands-on technical responsibility underpins his surveying work today.
Practical Perspective
As a long-term liveaboard sailor, Conrad understands the realities of vessel ownership — maintenance planning, system reliability, cost management and seaworthiness.
This practical experience ensures inspections focus not only on compliance, but on realistic maintenance priorities and long-term usability. Reports are written with the owner in mind: clear, structured and useful beyond the day of inspection.
Approach to Surveying
Searad Marine was established to provide thorough, practical and clearly written marine surveys that give vessel owners, brokers and insurers confidence in their decisions.
Every inspection is conducted methodically. Findings are documented with clarity and supported by photographic evidence. Reports are structured, prioritised and written in plain English.
Where appropriate, surveys can be aligned with scheduled haul-outs or maintenance periods to maximise efficiency and reduce unnecessary duplication of lifting costs.
The objective is simple: to make owning, maintaining and insuring a vessel more straightforward.
Values
1 / Item Title
Describe the item and include any relevant details. Click to edit the text.
2 / Item Title
Describe the item and include any relevant details. Click to edit the text.
3 / Item Title
Describe the item and include any relevant details. Click to edit the text.
About Me.
This is your About section. Every website has a story and users want to hear yours. This is a great opportunity to give a full background on who you are and what your site has to offer. Double click on the text box to edit the content and add all the information you want to share. You may like to talk about how you got started and share your professional journey. Explain your core values, your commitment to customers and how you stand out from the crowd. You can also add a photo, gallery or video for even more engagement.
Education
2015-2017
Degree
University Name
Briefly describe your degree and any other highlights about your studies you want to share. Be sure to include relevant skills you gained, accomplishments you achieved or milestones you reached during your education.
2011-2014
Degree
University Name
Briefly describe your degree and any other highlights about your studies you want to share. Be sure to include relevant skills you gained, accomplishments you achieved or milestones you reached during your education.
2007-2010
Degree
University Name
Briefly describe your degree and any other highlights about your studies you want to share. Be sure to include relevant skills you gained, accomplishments you achieved or milestones you reached during your education.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
123-456-7890