The History of K M Howes and Associates.

We have one exclusive surveyor, Thomas Milne, but can call on the (retired) former owner of the company, Keith Howes, if needed.
Both have many marine engineering backgrounds. We can also call on a retired master mariner for draft surveys.

Until very recently Thom was sailing as a Chief Engineer Officer on large Australian bulk ships and, being an accredited DNV Chief Engineer Surveyor to carry out class surveys on board vessels, he is conversant with and has the many skills necessary to effectively manage the total operations of large vessels in the complicated marine environment.

Originally born in Scotland Thom completed his schooling to GCE level 4th year before emigrating to Whyalla, South Australia.

As an indentured apprentice to BHP in their shipyard and steel making plant it was almost inevitable that he would go to sea at the conclusion of that training.

With BHP he gained his early experience with steam reciprocating engines and turbines on large bulk carriers before joining E&A Steamship Co on their passenger vessels.

Further experience on the same company’s container vessels enabled him to complete sea time to gain his steam certificate and he then joined R W Miller, sailing on product and crude tankers to gain sufficient sea time to sit his 1st class motor certificate.

Subsequent service sailing as Chief Engineer on Ro/Ro vessels with Holymans and ASP Ship Management – where he sailed on Ro/Ro’s, acid carriers, container ships and self discharging bulk vessels – added to his knowledge in the management and operation of these vessels and their cargoes.

A period ashore followed the last stint of sea going action when Thom spent some years with Allied Marine Consultants, Hong Kong as a Surveyor/Consultant.

In this capacity he travelled to ports in China to undertake P&I condition and follow up surveys, surveys and reporting for engine damages, typhoon damage, collision damage, cargo, container and contents damage, tanker outturns for fuel and edible oils, damages to harbour constructions, ferries and the like.

Thom then took up the position as Engineer Superintendent for a large Hobart based tug company, overseeing the maintenance and operation of the floating plant comprising 15 tugs, 7 barges, 5 work boats, 2 pilot vessels and a vehicular ferry.

During the tenure of this position he supervised the slipping of 12 of the company tugs, 4 barges and the vehicular ferry – which was of particular interest because it incorporated Voith Schneider propulsion units at each end of the vessel.

His other duties also included managing the marine engineering company servicing the tugs, foreign vessels (ice research and cargo ships) and visiting and local fishing boats and pleasure craft.

When the company restructured Thom moved to Gove (North East Arnhem Land) where he was the maintenance coordinator for the tugs, pilot boat, barge and harbour/ waterways equipment.

Thom then returned to sea as Chief Engineer in the large bulk ships of the company for whom he was working at the time he decided to relocate to New Zealand.

Together with his extensive experience afloat and ashore with a variety of vessel types, propulsion machinery and plant and cargoes carried, Thom has also engaged in the skills of auditing and has substantially completed the ISM Lead Auditors course requirements.

Thom is also the Class non-exclusive surveyor for both ABS and BV for the South Island of New Zealand.