The civil & building engineering industry addresses the problem thus: It makes someone personally responsible / liable. In
Hong Kong, this person is called the Authorised Person (AP). Other countries have a different name, but the
concept is largely the same:
The AP gives his endorsement that the design meets the appropriate design standards & codes.
The contractor builds the works
The AP gives his endorsement that the works comply to the design.
Any structural problems in the future, the AP's
head is on the block. Any structural modifications also require an AP's endosement
Surely a similar system exists in the boatbuilding industry? If it does not, is to the detriment of both the industry and the end user.
Surely, it is up to the
boating industry to set standards and ensure compliance.
Surely it is up to the boat building industry to bring charges against those who endanger life by endorsing substandard work or operating outside the endorsement process.