Last month, IIMS President, Capt Bertrand Apperry, met representatives from Les Sauvateurs en Mer at Ouistreham, Caen in France. The purpose of this ceremony was to present a cheque for £600 to the charity. This money was raised by IIMS members at the 2015 London Conference. Les Sauvateurs en Mer is Bertrand’s chosen charity. They are a volunteer force who do amazing work aiding and protecting seafarers and members of the public who hit trouble around the French coastline.

Here is an extract from Bertrand’s speech:

“Ladies and gentlemen.

The International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) of which I am President has a tradition every year during our gala dinner at the end of our conference where guests are invited to show their generosity for charity.

I proposed as the “President’s Charity donation”, the SNSM (Les Sauvateurs en Mer) and specifically the section of Calvados. A short message on the menu reminded the audience of your great work.

The result of their charitable impulse by our English friends (there were quite a few Scots and Welsh in the audience too) gave £600. As you know the sterling with the portrait of the Queen on all notes is not about to disappear! In this regard too it is also tradition for the President to toast the Queen on the occasion. I did it with respect and I admit that it’s pretty impressive when one hundred guests stand up and repeat after me together “to the Queen!

Before you present the cheque to a French bank, I should remind very quickly of the IIMS history. Founded in 1991 by a group of marine surveyors, including The Europeans Afexmar (French Association of Maritime experts), because they wanted their own professional body, the IIMS had from the start intended to bring together competent surveyors with a goal to be recognized and above all to ensure continuous training, necessary given the incredible evolution of the shipping industry including offshore oil and gas.

Today we are one of the largest expert associations of our kind and we are the premier trainer of maritime experts in the world. We work in English, but obviously we have branches all over India, Pakistan, UAE, Australia and New Zealand.

Good to be able to speak with you all. I wish long life to the SNSM and all that they do.”

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The first Small Craft Working Group training day of 2016 has been organised for Monday 8 February.

The day will focus solely on ultrasonic NDT equipment and its use in practice. This will be done by looking at how it works in theory in the morning and then in practice outside after lunch at P&S Marine. The location is Croxley Green, Watford.

The day’s agenda is as follows:

09.00: Meet at Brewers Fayre Rising Sun at Croxley Green, Watford. Full address: 2 Ascot Road, Croxley Green, Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 8AP.

09.45: Presentation on ultrasonic testing equipment, its uses, how to make the best use of it and the pitfalls to look out for by Jeffrey Casciani-Wood.
• Video introduction featuring a broker and a marine surveyor discussing pitting and the double plating on a narrow boat.
• Outline of The Scientific Method’s application to the UTS measurement of a hull.
• Thoughts on grinding off, the effect of plate curvature and couplants.
• Guidance on the number of readings that should be taken and the minimum allowable thicknesses for various parts of the boat.
• Examples of formulae and how to use them practically.

11.30: Jon Sharland, Tritex NDT, gives an over view of the equipment and how to use it.

12.30: Lunch

13.30: Be on site at P&S Marine (just a couple of minutes walk away from the pub) for an afternoon of hands on training on steel narrow boats.

Catering arrangements
Breakfast, lunch, tea and coffee are available at the Brewers Fayre restaurant where the morning’s training is taking place at a modest charge, but are at your own cost.

There is a Premier Inn adjacent to the pub if you require accommodation the night before.

You are recommended to bring the following items of clothing with you:
Warm outerwear and gloves
Overalls
Stout boots as the site is very muddy!
Hi-vis vest/jacket
Hard hat (optional)

Please also bring your ultrasonic equipment with (if you have your own)
A calculator and notebook

The cost for this one day’s training for which you also get 5 valuable CPD points is just £75 and £85 for non IIMS members.

To reserve your place please contact Tania Bernice by telephone on 023 9238 5223 or email her.

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As part of its training strategy for 2016, the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) has announced the launch of four specialised courses through its subsidiary the Marine Surveying Academy, which are open to members and non members alike.

All four courses will be held at the Novotel Hotel close to Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam and delivered by Ton Bos, the principal course lecturer. All attendees will receive a certificate of attendance and IIMS members will be awarded 5 valuable CPD points.

About Ton Bos
Ton is a Master of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, a Master in Business Administration and a Eur. Ing. Ton has over 30 years worldwide project experience and is a lecturer at the Delft University of Technology. He teaches and lectures all over the world.

22-23 February: An introduction to Naval Architecture
This course is all about learning and understanding the basic techniques and knowledge of naval architecture.
The main topics covered in the two day course include:
Ship and ship types
Hull form of a ship
Ship design
Stability
Ship resistance and propulsion
Ship constructions
Ship motions and vibrations
The yard process
Two day course fee: £795 (+ VAT)
To register your interest in this course, please email Hilary Excell.

17-19 May: New Generation AHTS & Rig Moves
Detailed course overview to follow.
Cost of this three day course: £1,195 + VAT

23-24 August: The Principals of Marine Warranty Surveying. Limited Scope of Warranty W1
Detailed course overview to follow.
Two day course fee: £795 (+ VAT)

13-14 September: The Principals of Transport Engineering Shipping and Towing. An Introduction to transport engineering.
Detailed course overview to follow.
Two day course fee: £795 (+ VAT)

What your course fees cover
The cost of each course covers your course material, certificate of attendance, tea, coffee and lunch each day. You are responsible for your own accommodation and other subsistence costs and your costs to travel to the course venue.
All fees must be pre-paid before the start of the course.

To register your interest in any of the above courses, please email Hilary Excell. Or telephone during normal UK business hours on +44 (0) 23 9238 5223.
Alternatively you may use the form below to reserve your place on any of the above courses.

Please note that there is a minimum number of 10 delegates required per course to make it viable and in the event this number is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel and or rearrange the course refunding all fees.

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Herringham Hall, Regent’s University, is one of several lovely venues IIMS has chosen for its 25th Anniversary London Conference 2016

The International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) is pleased to announce the locations it has chosen to celebrate its special 25^th Anniversary London Conference, Silver Jubilee Awards Ceremony, Gala Dinner and Annual General Meeting. They are Regent’s University, Museum of London Docklands and the Old Library at Lloyds of London.

The various events are taking place in London over two days on Wednesday 31 August and 1 September 2016 at various venues.

Full details of Conference speakers and technical workshop presenters are still being finalised and will be released soon. Bookings for the various events will open at the beginning of February.

Daytime: Wednesday 31 August 2016
Venue: Regent’s University
Address: Regent’s Park, Inner Circle, London NW1 4NS
Set in the heart of one of London’s most splendid parks and ‘green spaces’, Regent’s University London is one of the UK’s most respected independent universities and one of the most internationally diverse, with students from more than 140 different countries worldwide studying there. The venue offers three superb spaces that IIMS will be using during the day. They are the Herringham Hall that will be used for the exhibition, Awards ceremony and AGM. Technical workshops will take place in the two splendid break rooms, the Tuke Common Room and Knapp Gallery.

The Knapp Gallery

Regent’s Park was designed in 1811 by John Nash, the favoured architect of the Prince Regent, later King George IV. Surrounded by classical style terraces, Regent’s Park spans over 410 acres and includes a lake, canal and a number of villas. The land became “royal” following Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries. The royal connection is more gently remembered in Queen Mary’s gardens, which were developed in the centre of Regent’s Park in the 1930’s. More than 30,000 roses of 400 varieties can be found in these gardens and an early morning stroll in the park is thoroughly recommended.

Museum of London Docklands

Evening: Wednesday 31 August 2016
Venue: Museum of London, Docklands
Address:  No.1 Warehouse, West India Dock Road, London E14 4AL
This venue will host the IIMS Gala Dinner.
The Museum of London Dockland’s home, No 1 Warehouse, nestles adjacent to the giant Canary Wharf modern glass building. The museum is housed in one of only two remaining warehouses erected on the north quay by the West India Dock Company. Originally built in the 1800s by wealthy merchants, these magnificent buildings once held great cargoes of sugar, rum and coffee. Each storey of the building was originally a different height – dictated by the nature of the cargo to be stored. The ground floors were designed to store two tiers of hogsheads of ‘clayed’ sugar. The upper floors stored a single tier of the heavier hogsheads of muscovado sugar, while the top floors held the lighter cargoes such as coffee, cocoa, cotton and pimento. Before dinner guests will be able to see some of the museum exhibits and enjoy a drinks reception in ‘Sailor Town’, an area that has been made to recreate a London East End Victorian dockland town. The short video below gives you a flavour of the museum.

The magnificent Old Library, Lloyds of London

All day: Thursday 1 September 2016
Venue: The Old Library, Lloyds of London
Address:  Old Library, Lloyds of London, 1 Lime Street, London EC3M 7HA
Following the request of many members to hold this year’s special IIMS Conference at the Old Library, Lloyds of London once again, the Institute is pleased to announce it has secured the room for what will be a full on day’s conferencing! The Old Library, originally build in the 1920s, is one of the finest and most atmospheric spaces in which to meet in the City of London as well as being of significant historical interest. The modern Lloyds building at 1 Lime Street incorporates the Old Library into the more recent structure. The Lloyds building stands out as one of the most unique landmarks within the London skyline. The Old Library elegantly complements traditional architecture with more futuristic styling.

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Almost too small to be surveyed, but just an image I like!

As the Institute starts its twenty-fifth year of operation and prepares to celebrate its Silver Jubilee in 2016, I can report that things are busy at IIMS head office as we have hit the floor running.

Currently we are in the midst of migrating to a new server (finally replacing our 8 year old ‘ancient beast’). These things are never easy. We hit an unforeseen glitch last week, but the way is now clear and we expect to be fully operational on our new server environment imminently. At the same time, we have finally managed to find a solution to our appallingly slow internet connection that has dogged us for years. Simultaneously with the server migration, we are upgrading to a 30Mb broadband line. This is a very positive start to the year and will make us even more efficient!

Plans for our 25th Anniversary Conference are now well advanced. I still have the finishing touches to put to the speaker schedule, but hope that will be concluded in the coming days. The venues for both days have been carefully selected and the whole aim of the two days (31 August to 1 September) is to deliver a Conference to remember and to make it an experience for all who choose to come. This is your chance to be present at a history making event in the Institute’s lifetime. Bookings for the various events that make up the 25th Anniversary Conference open on 1 February.

As part of my planning for the Conference events, I have had the pleasure to engage with some of those founding fathers who worked so hard to establish the Institute back in 1991. I very much enjoyed speaking with the very first IIMS President last week, Capt William MacDonald, or Capt Bill to his friends. He called me from his office in Houston. Watch out for his interview in the Report magazine in March. Capt. Bill also told me he hopes to be present at the 25th anniversary conference too in the summer.

In other news, our first Small Craft Working Group Training Day is being well supported. Being held on Monday 8 February, our Ultrasonics training day has attracted over 20 members and there is still time to book!

The first intake of the IIMS’s new Professional Qualifications in January since the split with Pearson edexcel last year has been very encouraging. Nearly 20 new students have joined the programme and we wish them well.

Membership growth is strong and continues on from a very progressive year in 2015. Only last week, we had applications from Iran and Japan, both countries where we have no membership currently.

It was wonderful to see the first of our new handy guides published on to the Kindle platform last week, oriving what a forward thinking organisation IIMS is fast becoming! Working in Enclosed Spaces can nw be purchased to read in Kindle format and the other guides will follow into this format very shortly.

Our Certifying Authority is gearing up for their big annual meeting, which is held with other CA’s at the Maritime & Coast Guard Agency in Southampton. There are changes afoot with the CA programme as the sector seeks to enhance surveyor competency.

Talking about competency bring me neatly on to the activities of the Marine Surveying Academy MSA). The CMID Vessel Inspector scheme, being run on behalf of IMCA, continues to break new ground. There have been around 200 applications for accreditation with approximately 160 being formally approved. Later this week, there are the first two CMID AVI accreditation training days in Aberdeen and Houston. The scheme is really starting to flourish and some of the major offshore operators are now taking a very close eye on the scheme.

MSA has also announced the launch of four specialised courses to be run in Amsterdam during 2016. Watch out for further new training courses and initiatives being unveiled by MSA in the coming weeks too.

Happy surveying!

Mike Schwarz

The post An encouraging start to 2016 appeared first on The International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS).

Details have been announced for the next IIMS Western Med training event (28-29 April), which will take place in Palma, Majorca at the same time as the Palma Superyacht Show.

The event will take place over two days and follows a different theme to past events as it incorporates some Certifying Authority and tonnage education mixed with some small craft surveyor training.

Day One (Thursday 28 April) will be of interest to IIMS Certifying Authority members and any members wanting to become accredited to do tonnages. John Excell, IIMS Chairman of Small Craft Surveying and a member of the Certifying Authority committee, will lead the proceedings and training.

09.00 Meet at the venue by the Palma Superyacht Show
09.30 Certifying Authority training. How to complete an SCV2 to a satisfactory standard, the pitfalls to avoid and how to interpret the questions.
13.00 Lunch
14.00 Return to the classroom for training in tonnage theory.
15.30 It is planned to head out of the classroom to do some practical tonnage measuring on a nearby vessel.
All present will be invited to complete a tonnage form. These will be assessed after the event and those successfully completing the form can put themselves forward as an approved IIMS tonnage surveyor.

The cost of Day One training is 225 euros. Lunch is at your own cost and it is planned to head off as a group to a nearby restaurant.

Day 2 (Friday 29 April)
Free entry is offered to the Palma Superyacht Show as part of your training course fees. Meet at the show one hour before it opens at 11am. Mike Schwarz, IIMS CEO, will talk about head office activities and discuss the importance of surveyor standards and competency.

10.00 Meet at FOSH Restaurant inside the show
11.00 Free time to explore the show
14.00 Assemble at the venue by the show after your lunch for an afternoon of training relevant to small craft surveyors. Speakers and content to be confirmed.

The cost of Day Two is 100 euros.

If you reserve a place to come to both days training and events, the cost is reduced to 260 euros. You also pick up 5 valuable CPD points for attendance on either day.

To reserve your place at either or both days of this IIMS event please email Tania Bernice or call her on +44 (0) 23 9238 5223.

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Some of the group pictured who met at Watford for the IIMS small craft ultrasonics training day

A group of 20 plus IIMS members and non members braved the worst that storm Imogen, which was blanketing the south of the UK on Monday 8 February, could throw up for the first small craft training day of the year.

The group met at a hotel in Watford just a stone’s throw from Ralph Kitts’s yard, P&S Marine, where the afternoon’s practical use of ultrasonics testing equipment took place.

John Excell, IIMS Chairman of Small Craft Surveying, welcomed guests and scoped out the day ahead. He introduced veteran marine surveyor, Jeffrey Casciani-Wood, who put his many years of experience to good use as he gave a detailed and invaluable presentation about the theory of ultrasonics, what to do and what to avoid. The most important point Jeffrey made was to remind surveyors that an ultrasonics test must never take the place of a hammer test and the two should go hand in hand with each other for the best and most accurate results.

Jeffrey’s presentation was followed one from Jon Sharland from Tritex NDT Ltd. In his talk, Jon spoke about how to use the ultrasonics equipment, the types of couplants that can be used and some of the pitfalls to avoid.

After lunch, the group headed over the road to P&S Marine. They spent a couple of hours playing with and using Jon’s testing kit as well as their own. Jeffrey was on hand to give an overview of the various vessels and their condition that were available in the yard.

IIMS would like to thank the following for helping to make the day a great success:
Ralph Kitts of P&S Marine for allowing IIMS to use his yard and facilities;
also to Jeffrery Casciani-Wood for delivering the morning’s theory presentation;
Alan Broomfield for providing the equipment and;
Jon Sharland of Tritex for giving a demonstration and then allowing all present to play with his gauges.

SCWG Training Watford 2016

Slideshow

View 16 photos

Don’t forget to keep 24 October 2016 free for the small craft ‘super training’ day to be held at a venue on the south coast. More details nearer the time.

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Sir Alan Massey will present the 2016 IIMS Silver Jubilee Award for Excellence

Sir Alan Massey, Chief Executive Officer of the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), has agreed to present the IIMS Silver Jubilee Awards for excellence at the IIMS 25th Anniversary Conference on Wednesday 31 August 2016 at Regent’s University, London.

Sir Alan became the Chief Executive of MCA in July 2010. Prior to that appointment he was in the British Royal Navy, where he was Second Sea Lord and Commander-in-Chief, Naval Home Command, in the rank of Vice Admiral. During his seagoing years, he commanded four warships, including the aircraft carriers HMS Illustrious and Ark Royal. He was appointed a CBE in 2003 and a KCB in 2009.

The IIMS Silver Jubilee Awards for Excellence have been created to specifically celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Institute by recognising excellence in marine surveying around the globe. There are nine awards categories and direct nominations are being accepted from IIMS members for five of the categories. Nominations will close on 30 June 2016.

More information here about how to nominate.

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Anchor handling requires special equipment and skills, not only in performance of the anchor handling operations, but also in preparing the projects. In this three day AHTS & Rig Moves course from 17-19 May 2016 delegates will study and learn all they need to know about this specialist field. The location is Amsterdam, The Netherlands. IIMS members and non members are welcome to apply.

The course gives an overview of the necessary skills, technology and requirements. Hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, hydrography, naval architecture, nautical engineering and safety engineering are the sciences that play an important role in Anchor Handling operations and design of the AHT’s, the procedures and connections.
The course will give a practical knowledge of the technologies especially pertaining to Anchor Handling:
• Technical basis of Ocean towing and Anchor Handling
• Safety of towing during tow out, ocean transit, positioning and installation engineering
• Warranty, safety and contingency planning

Day 1:
Introduction
• HMC & Mr A.J. Bos • Course outline • Maritime industry • History • Ocean towing • Anchor handling
Principles of Naval Architecture
• Hydrostatics • Stability • Hydrodynamics • Ships motions • Propulsion • Manoeuvrability • Wave slamming • Strength • Vibrations • Fatigue • Special design aspect for Anchor Handling Tugs (AHT)

Day 2:
Hydrography
• Positioning, and tools for positioning • DGPS • Seabed surveying
Safety of towing during tow out, ocean transit, positioning and installation engineering
• Bollard pull calculations to meet the international guidelines • Statistics to estimate the most probable downtime • Mooring and station keeping • PSO’s • GBS • Stability especially related to the combined • Practical Engineering tools • SafeTrans • MS-Tool • Case of tow out and positioning • FPSO • GBS

Day 3:
Ocean towing and anchor handling
• Introduction into ocean towing and anchor handling
• How to prepare the necessary manuals for towing, installation and positioning including contingency planning
• Anchor handling operation and requirements for the winches and position of winches and tuggers on:
• AHT • FPSO • GBS • Connection methods • Modes of towing • International rules and regulations • Towing equipment • Rules and regulations • IMO criteria • Rules for marine operations • Failure and effects • Function of the warranty surveyor • HAZID / HAZOP • Contingency planning

Rig Moves
• JU Rigs • Positioning • Holding capacity of tugs and station keeping • Preloading • Rules for moving and preloading • Semi’s • Positioning • Holding capacity of tugs and station keeping • Anchor handling and running of anchors • Rules and regulations • Gravity Base Structures (GBS) • Refloating of the GBS in the construction dock • Tow out • Tow to location • Positioning • Set down, ballast operation

The cost of the three day course is £1,195 + VAT at 20%.

To reserve your place on this course please complete this simple form. We will invoice you before the course for payment together with your joining instructions.

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Michael Grey is set to speak at the IIMS 25th Anniversary London Conference Gala Dinner on 31 August 2016

Michael Grey has accepted an invitation as guest after dinner speaker at the forthcoming IIMS 25th Anniversary London Conference Gala Dinner. He will address dinner guests on the evening of 31 August 2016. The venue for this special occasion is the wonderful and atmospheric Museum of London Docklands, located at West India Dock Road in east London (by Canary Wharf).

Michael Grey will be well known to many already and is a competent and knowledgeable speaker. He is a columnist and correspondent and has been associated with the maritime industry for the whole of his working life. At sea for twelve years with the Port Line of London and the holder of a British Foreign Going Master’s certificate, Michael came ashore to work in the safety and technical department of the UK Chamber of Shipping, before moving into maritime journalism.

Michael has been Technical Editor of Shipbuilding and Shipping Record, Editor of both Fairplay International Shipping Weekly and Lloyd’s List, where he continues to write a weekly column. He is the London Correspondent of BIMCO and contributes to a large number of maritime publications in the UK and around the world. He is the author of a number of maritime books and broadcasts on shipping matters.

Michael Grey is also a Fellow of the Nautical Institute, an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology and a Companion of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects. He is an Honorary Member of IFSMA. He lectures at the World Maritime University where he is an Honorary Fellow and the General Stevedoring Council. He was made MBE in the Millennium Honours for services to maritime safety and was awarded the Merchant Navy Medal in 2008.

Make sure you reserve your place at the IIMS 25th Anniversary London Conference Gala Dinner in good time.

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Photo taken at the small craft training day in Watford last month

Officially it is now Spring in the UK, although with night time temperatures still sub zero and snow around, we could be forgiven for arguing this point!

Life at IIMS is rarely dull. There have been some significant changes to report on since my last blog. Due to the increased work flow from the CMID Accreditation Scheme we are running for IMCA, we have run out of office space! This is actually a pleasant problem to have. So, after some negotiation, I am grateful to our tenants, Supported Living Ltd, who have agreed to release half of their space for our use. Hilary and Sam will move into that area to establish a Marine Surveying Academy nerve centre. Some slight modifications are required to the space and the builders are heading in this week to do their bit. We take up occupancy on 1 April.

The recent committee meeting of the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s Certifying Authorities was interesting. The arrival of the IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code) – an intense read indeed – means that we all need to change the way we co-operate and interact as a group to comply. As a result, Fraser Noble (Chairman of the IIMS CA) and Mark Towl (Lloyd’s Register) will work jointly to consider and assess how best to standardise how the various MCA codes are interpreted to ensure all coding surveyors are working to a common set of guidelines to avoid future confusion.

I have also agreed to take up the role as Chairman of the Certifying Authorities Professional Standards Working Group (CAPSWG). As part of this role, I will lead the project to assess how surveyor standards and competency are harmonised to ensure a level playing field and am under way with a blueprint for discussion and debate amongst all UK certifying authorities.

It was good to meet members at the recent, well attended, small craft ultrasonics training day in Watford. Storm Imogen did her best to spoil the party, but we worked on despite her might! I hope to meet many more at future training days this year, which includes the Western Med small craft training days in Palma (28/29 April), our CA training days and later in the year at our small craft ‘super’ training day in October. More details are available on the web site.

On the subject of meeting members, we are now well advanced with our plans for the 25th Anniversay London Conference, Awards and Gala Dinner. I have promised surprises at the Dinner and keep getting pressed as to what they might be. Of course my lips are firmly sealed. The only way to find out is to come and be part of what promises to be a thoroughly memorable and educational couple of days. And we need your nominations for the IIMS Silver Jubilee awards, especially in the surveying project of the year in both small craft and commercial ship categories. So, don’t be shy. Put in a nomination now.

I was especially pleased with the Report Magazine March edition, which published last week. My thanks to those who contributed to it. In my opinion, it is one of the best issues we have published and many members think so too. Thanks for your most positive feedback. We appreciate it.

Finally, just a plug for our social media activity. We currently have 762 followers on Twitter and this is growing fast. Come and join the party! And our LinkedIn group grows almost daily too. We are closer to 400 members of the group than 300 now. Following IIMS on either (or both) platforms is simple and is a great way of getting regular updates about surveyor related matters and regulation changes.

Time to get back to the day job now. The next management board meeting is looming and I have a report to write for it.

Good surveying.

Mike Schwarz

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The Small Craft Surveyors Forum, member organisations of which are RINA, IMarEST, IIMS, SCMS, NI, YDSA, has announced plans for its annual seminar taking place at the Seawork show on Wednesday 15 June.

Seawork has a new location in Mayflower Park, Southampton and the seminar will be held onboard the Ocean Scene, which is moored inside the confines of the event itself.

The afternoon programme of events starts at 13.00 and runs until 16.30. The event is free to attend, but you are asked to reserve your place so that we have numbers for health and safety, seating and catering.

Click here to reserve your place online, or you can book at Stand SB7 (YDSA) during Seawork up until noon on Wednesday 15th June.

Detailed programme of presentations

13.00 Assemble onboard Ocean Scene

13.10 Introduction and welcome by Mike Schwarz, CEO IIMS followed by:

The need to enhance surveyor standards
The IIMS accreditation programme for CMID inspections (Common Marine Inspection Document).

13.40 IMCA’s Marine Inspection for Small Workboats. Adding value not cost to small vessel safety management system inspections. Chris Baldwin, IMCA Technical Adviser

14.20 Tea/coffee break

14.40 Workboat Cranes and Stability. Chris Baker from Marine Data, Isle of Man will talk about his experience with cranes on workboats – both installing and moving lifting devices, as well as including them in stability calculations; and he will present a couple of case histories.

15.30 The importance of surveying workboat coatings. Heather Morton, Production Co-ordinator at Jeremy Rogers Design Ltd, will look at the different materials and coatings a surveyor will encounter.

1630 Conclusion and close

The post Small Craft Surveyors Forum announces its Seawork seminar schedule appeared first on The International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS).

‘What a marine surveyor needs to know about dynamically positioned vessels’ is one of ten IIMS handy guides now available

The recent publication of ‘What a marine surveyor needs to know about dynamically positioned vessels’ by Hugh Raynor brings the number of IIMS handy guides in the series published since last September to ten. There are a further six IIMS handy guides in the early stages of production, being prepared for launch later this year. They include the following topics: inclining experiments, GRP/FRP, small craft engines, moisture metres, riveting, arc welding and using computers in marine surveying.

Additionally, four of the IIMS handy guides have recently been released for publication on Amazon Kindle as eBooks and available to purchase and download now. The rest will follow soon. To find and browse them go to your local Amazon site and search for ‘what a marine surveyor needs to know about’.

In ‘What a marine surveyor needs to know about dynamically positioned vessels’, author Hugh Raynor sets out to explore the subject and explain in simple terms what dynamic positioning is and why it is needed. He says that DP has evolved into a highly complex beast, and in many ways the systems now in place on modern vessels are every bit as sophisticated and safe as can be found on any new jet airliner.

More than 50 years ago, Shell built a 400T core drilling vessel with automatic heading and position control; the Eureka. Heading and position was maintained by two 200 horse power steerable thrusters. Control was by analogue computer. Since then, of course, things have changed beyond recognition and dynamic positioning is now an essential part of the modern day maritime world and a subject many marine surveyors embrace in a routine fashion, although to some it remains a mystery.

To fully describe and explain DP within a few pages is not possible; however, through this guide Hugh offers an insight into the mysterious world of DP, explaining its uses and functions.

Click for details of this and other IIMS handy guides.

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The whole point of a blog I was taught was that it should be updated regularly. My apologies. The reason it has not been is testament to the sheer amount of activity that is going on in this, our 25th anniversary and Silver Jubilee year.

On that subject, much of my time in the first quarter of 2016 has been devoted to our celebrations and ensuring the special IIMS London Conference on 31 August and 1 September will be a success and memorable occasion. The result is, I believe, a very different and exciting two day event, which incorporates the Annual General Meeting and all at a very reasonable cost too. The morning of day one (31 August) offers delegates a small exhibition to enjoy and five high quality, technical workshops. At lunchtime we move seamlessly into the Silver Jubilee Awards for Excellence to be presented by Sir Alan Massey, CEO of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency. More nominations are required please to keep the judging panel busy – and who would not want to be in the running for such a special award and recognition? You can make nominations here until 30 June and I encourage you to do so.

The second day (1 September) has been great fun to put together. Given the theme of the Conference, ‘Marine Surveying: The Next 25 Years’, it has been a real challenge to find speakers who reflect this. The result is a mix of not only quality speakers, but fascinating subject material that will make marine surveyors of all persuasions think.

The Gala Dinner at the Museum of London, Docklands promises to be a highlight as celebrations reach their culmination! Will someone be kidnapped or even worse in haunted ‘Olde Sailor Town’? Whatever happens that night I guarantee you will see things that will deceive your very eyes. But enough said!

I have a number of opportunities to speak this year at various IIMS and non Institute meetings, training days, conferences and seminars. This year there is one subject that I have chosen to discuss whenever I can, which is quite simply surveyor standards. In an increasingly litigious and safety conscious world, I plan to encourage surveyors to ramp up their responsibility for their continuing self development and to invest in themselves. It will be a recurring theme this year, partly because it is abundantly clear that there are many surveyors (not members of the IIMS) throughout the world who bring the profession down through a  lack of competency. So by investing in yourself, developing new skills and knowledge, I will argue that you can set yourself apart from these people and give yourself a competitive edge. I hope that IIMS can play a big part in helping you achieve this goal.

Small craft surveyors are particularly spoilt this year with training opportunities. Next week the Western Mediterranean Small Craft Working Group meets in Palma, Majorca, for a two day training event, which is being well attended. In late May we have arranged a joint training day at the RNLI’s headquarters in Poole, Dorset, UK. This will bring together 16 RNLI surveyors and 30 IIMS small craft surveyors for what promises to be a fascinating and educational day. There are plans for a training event in Athens late this year too. And in late October, we will be holding our second annual Small Craft ‘Super’ Training day at the Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth. There will be a great line up of speakers to entertain you.

Survey well.

Mike Schwarz

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One of the things I enjoy most is getting out and meeting marine surveyors face to face and not just those who are members of the Institute. Because I work in a bubble at the IIMS head office for periods of time, it only by face to face meetings that I can learn more about the role of a surveyor and better understand the challenges surveyors are facing in their day to day roles. I also delight in being able to pass on news about the progress of the Institute too.

This was never truer than the recent two day Western Mediterranean Small Craft Working Group, held in Palma – click for a full report. To spend a couple of days with over 20 surveyors was a privilege. It gave us the opportunity to introduce a new group to the work of a coding surveyors, as conducted through the IIMS Certifying Authority. And as a result of the training, we are able to authorise a new bunch of surveyors to conduct tonnage measurements. My thanks to John Excell and John Walker for all they did to ensure the event was such a success. My thanks also to those who attended coming as they did from as far afield as The Cook Islands and all parts of Europe.

The birth of the IIMS Canada Branch following the amalgamation with the Association of Marine Surveyors British Columbia has presented some challenges, which have been overcome. So it is pleasing to report that the branch held its inaugural meeting at the weekend under the chairmanship of Regional Director, Drew Korek, who conducted proceedings and oversay the election of officers. The new committee is made up of:
Chairman: Ed O’Connor
Secretary: Alistair Beaton
Treasurer: Jostein Hoddevik
Committee member (West): Ian Hopkinson
Committee member (East): Said Nassif
The Regional Director, which is a non elected position, is held by Capt Andrew Korek
On behalf of the IIMS family worldwide, I wish them strength and courage as they set out their plans to move the Branch forward.

Whilst on the subject of IIMS overseas branches, it was pleasing to hear this morning that the IIMS India Branch Conference has confirmed its Conference to celebrate the IIMS Silver Jubilee. It will be held in Mumbai on Wednesday 5 October. Full details will be announced nearer the time as the programme is developed and put together.

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Pictured is the group of surveyors who met for training in Palma

A large and enthusiastic group of 20 plus IIMS member surveyors and non members arrived on the island of Mallorca for a two day training event in Palma on 28 and 29 April organised by the Western Mediterranean Small Craft Working Group under the leadership of John Walker. The event was once more timed to coincide with the rapidly growing and increasingly important Palma Superyacht Show.

The opening day was run by John Excell, IIMS Chairman of Yacht & Small Craft surveying, and was given over to an introduction to the IIMS Certifying Authority with advice and guidance as to what is required to become an MCA coding surveyor in the morning. After a splendid lunch at one of the show’s many nearby restaurants, the group reassembled for training in the afternoon on how to conduct tonnage measurements. Commencing with theory, John ran through the newly produced tonnage guidance manual on screen. Then despite inclement weather (most unusual for Palma at this time of the year), the group split in to three working groups and headed into the neighbouring STP yard to carry out some practical tonnage measurement training. John Walker had lined up three vessels for measurement. Measurements were taken and calculations made before the group headed back to the classroom to complete the exercise.

The following day dawned rather brighter and warmer. Mike Schwarz, IIMS CEO, gave an outdoor presentation within the show to delegates and other invited guests. In his talk, Mike spoke about the changing face of the Institute and, in particular, the importance of its 25th anniversary and Silver Jubilee year. In the second part of his presentation, he tackled the issue of surveyor standards and the constant need for IIMS members to continue to invest in themselves.

The afternoon was dedicated to small craft surveyor training. Andy Ridyard gave a fascinating presentation on lightning protection systems, how they work and why they are necessary. He followed this up by speaking about the mysteries and myths surrounding earth leaks.

It fell to Paul Hamill of Tides Marine to bring this absorbing training event to a conclusion. He spoke about the company’s well known range of products and their installation.

According to the feedback received from delegates, the event was clearly a success and one which is sure to be repeated again next year.

Don’t forget the date for the UK Small Craft Working Group ‘Super’ Training day which will be taking place in Portsmouth on 24 October. More details to follow.

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On Wednesday 25 May, a group of nearly 30 IIMS members met at the impressive Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) headquarters and training facility at Poole in Dorset, UK. Their mission? Firstly to have a close look first hand at the RNLI All-weather Lifeboat Centre and the various workshops to see and understand the activities going on. Then after lunch, the group combined with the RNLI surveyors at their conference for an invaluable afternoon of training and knowledge sharing.

RNLI Director, Angus Watson, welcomed the group and said how much he hoped the group could work together more closely going forward.

During the tour around the All-Weather Lifeboat Centre, IIMS members saw:
• Two boat halls with flexible bays for manufacturing and maintaining lifeboats
• Component manufacturing area
• Launch, recovery and boat storage area
• Paint preparation area and paint spray booths with built in extraction system and heat curing facility
• Workshop for supporting the RNLI inshore training fleet

IIMS CEO, Mike Schwarz, kicked off the afternoon session when he spoke about the latest news from the Institute and the importance of surveyor standards. Iain Walbridge from RNLI followed him and covered the topic of how the RNLI analyses and monitors ALB stability. Next to speak was John Excell, who gave a refresher on report writing including key components, tips, advice and layouts. After a short break for coffee, Dave Steel and Gary Venning from RNLI talked about a general understanding into the background and lessons learnt practicing Condition Based Maintenance. And finally, IIMS stalwart, Capt John Noble rounded the day off with advice on accident investigations.

The IIMS wishes to pass on its gratitude to all those at RNLI who helped to make the day such a special and memorable one, in particular Richard Morris for his considerable efforts to arrange the day.

As a mark of respect for the fantastic work RNLI does and to thank them for their hospitality, John Excell, IIMS Chairman of Yacht & Small Craft Surveying presented a donation cheque for £500 on behalf of the Institute.

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Something very special took place last week. Like many millions of people in the UK, I grew up with deep respect for the RNLI, the world renowned, charitable organisation that keeps the coast of this country safe and saves the lives of those who get into trouble at sea. The brave and exceptional work they do through volunteers who crew their fleet is legendary.

So having admired the work of the RNLI it was rather humbling to be able to take a group of nearly 30 IIMS members to visit their head office and build/refit facility at Poole in Dorset last week. Several things took me by surprise. The sheer size of the RNLI operation is impressive, spread over a large area. The cleanliness and efficieny of the boatbuilding and workshop areas is extraordinary. This is a thoroughly modern, state-of-the-art facility and one that any similar organisation could learn a great deal from. As RNLI Director, Angus Watson said, the RNLI facility is light years away from the boat yards he worked in not so many years ago.

Once we had concluded our extensive tour of the facility, we enjoyed a light lunch and then ‘gate crashed’ the RNLI’s surveyor conference for the afternoon. There were five presentations given covering everything from surveyor standards to report writing. It really was a great day and my thanks to those who helped to stage the event.

The June issue of the Report Magazine published on 1 June – click to read it in e-reader or pdf format. It is a thoroughly thought provoking issue and no matter if you are a small craft or commercial surveyor, much of the content will interest you. I am grateful to those who have prepared specially commissioned articles for your enjoyment and benefit. The future of shipping and in particular autonomous shipping is a challenging subject. But as Rolls-Royce say, it is when and not if. So how will a surveyor survey an autonomous ship and what does it mean for your profession? The sad loss of the CHEEKI RAFIKI and its crew in the Atlantic has inspired Hugo DuPlessis to write about GRP as a material and as you will read, he articulates that there are issues to consider.

Planning for the IIMS 25th Anniversary Conference, Awards and Gala Dinner is escalating as the event approaches. My immediate concern is to chase in as many nominations for the Awards for Excellence as possible prior to the 30 June deadline. I encourage you to make a nomination or to self nominate. What is the worst things that could happen? The judging panel might choose your submission as a winner!

The Gala Dinner is all set for 31 August. The entertainment is booked. It will be a fun and memorable evening.

The second day Conference programme, ‘Marine Surveying: The Next 25 Years’, taking place in The Old Library at Lloyd’s of London is also finalised. A range of excellent presentations and presenters have been brought together. Many of those presenting will be tackling topics that will look at the events and activities that are likely to shape the future of your industry.

If you only come to one IIMS Conference, make sure it is the 25th Anniversary one this year!

Survey well.

Mike Schwarz
IIMS CEO

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The inauguration meeting to formalise the IIMS Nigeria Branch, the seventh international such venture undertaken by the Institute, took place on 31 May 2016.

The meeting started at 11.10 am, a little later than advertised. The minor delay was to accommodate late comers and members who had delayed flights in from far locations. The meeting started with a prayer as is the normal Nigerian cultural way of doing things. An attendance record was taken. Monday Ogadina, Regional Director, introduced himself and it fell to him to open proceedings by giving a speech on the significance of the meeting and to run the process of the election of officers.

A short, specially prepared video from the IIMS CEO was played to delegates. In his address, Mike Schwarz welcomed everyone to the meeting and spoke about the process that had taken place to make the branch a reality. He wished delegates well and wished the new Committee strength and wisdom in their new venture.

The newly elected Chairman (centre) flanked by the Secretary and Treasurer

Monday then ran through the newly constructed constitution on screen, before it was adopted by the group. The aim of reading the constitution was to allow branch members to understand the obligations, rights and what is expected from every member. There was an airing of views at that point and some questions raised by delegates and answered.

Mr Ogadina commenced the election of officers and announced to the members that every position was vacant for any member to stand for. He introduced the self nomination, open voting, open counting and open declaration of any member with highest number of cast votes to be declared as the winner.

After the voluntary self nomination by members there were seven candidates nominating themselves for the six committee positions. In addition, two members nominated themselves for the one vacant post of secretary. One member nominated himself for the post of secretary and one member nominated himself for the vacant post of chairman.

Each candidate introduced himself and explained why members should trust and vote for him to serve the branch. Their response and campaign statements were very interesting.

Members voted for each candidate separately for the Committee positions. The candidate with the lowest vote was declared as the loser and the other six members were declared as members of the committee. For the post of Treasurer there were two nominations. Each candidate spoke for two minutes to introduce themselves. Members voted for the two candidates and the one with the highest votes cast was duly elected as the Treasurer. For the post of Secretary with only one candidate, the same process was followed. The same process was used to elect the chairman. Members were instructed to either vote for or against him. The candidate scored 98% of members’ votes, indicating their overwhelming acceptance of him by those present.

After a break for lunch, the newly elected branch officers made their individual pledges. The chairman gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the committee members and closed the meeting. The new committee then took the opportunity to hold their first meeting.

Newly elected Chairman, Engr. Emeraku Ijioma

The newly elected IIMS Nigeria Branch Committee is as follows:
Chairman
Engr. Emeraku Ijioma

Secretary
Capt. Peter Onwordi

Treasurer
Mr Peter Enerichekor

Committee members
Mr Benson Aja- Ukpabi
Capt. A Olopoena
Mr Raph Opara
Engr. Ndudi Kusi Onyibe
Capt. Tajudeen Alao
Capt. Oladipupo A Olubowale

Monday Ogadina continues in his role as non elected Regional Director for Nigeria and West Africa

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The IIMS ‘Muddy Rudders’ from left Sam Owen, Sam Legg, Tania Bernice, Elle Hardham and Vicky Lawrence – all set to get muddy for charity

It’s a sad fact that we all know, or have heard of someone who has been affected by cancer, whether it is a close family member or a colleague. In some cases people can make a full recovery, but by no means all. This is why the girls from the IIMS head Office have come together to take on a ‘muddy’ challenge to raise funds to combat this terrible disease on Saturday 9 July at a special event in Portsmouth.

The Pretty Muddy event is an organised race over 5km (3 miles) with all proceeds going to Cancer Research. As part of the course, the girls will have to tackle a range of different obstacles as well as enduring a lot of mud too! The team name that that the IIMS has chosen is ‘The Muddy Rudders’, taking inspiration from their work in the maritime world.

The aim of the event quite simply is to raise money to support the work of the world renowned Cancer Research charity.

The IIMS girls may start the race looking clean and pretty, but it remains to be seen what they look like at the end of their ordeal. Photographs after the event will be available!

The team would really welcome and appreciate your support no matter how little you feel you can donate. Making donations is easy. Just click through to the Muddy Rudders Just Giving Page to make your donation online – it is simple.

Please support the team and donate what you can afford to help to fight cancer and to beat this awful illness for good.

Thank you from the IIMS Muddy Rudders.

About Cancer Research
Cancer Research UK is a cancer research and awareness charity in the United Kingdom, formed on 4 February 2002 by the merger of The Cancer Research Campaign and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund. Its aim is to reduce the number of deaths from cancer. As the world’s largest independent cancer research charity it conducts research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Research activities are carried out in institutes, universities and hospitals across the UK, both by the charity’s own employees and by its grant-funded researchers. It also provides information about cancer and runs campaigns aimed at raising awareness of the disease and influencing public policy.Cancer Research UK’s work is almost entirely funded by the public. It raises money through donations, legacies, community fundraising, events, retail and corporate partnerships. Over 40,000 people are regular volunteers.

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