Professional Qualifications FAQ’s
The qualification is a level 4/5, just one below degree level.
IIMS has a proven track record in helping hundreds of students to gain formal qualifications in marine surveying over many years. The course material is current and accurate – and is regarded as the most comprehensive study material of its kind at this level. Experienced authors, markers and assessors. Less expensive than other comparable courses. The only professional body to offer a formal marine surveying qualification.
Our course is on-demand, meaning you can begin your studies when it suits you.
You have two years in which to complete the course and a further one year if you choose to upgrade to an Advanced Professional qualification.
You need at least a Senior school education to include two or three A-levels in appropriate science subjects, a Level 3 Diploma qualification or an equivalent are necessary. Some experience of the marine environment either leisure or commercial would be an advantage. English is used throughout the course and you should be able to communicate both verbally and in writing in English. Each Unit has an assignment is technical in nature and must be submitted in English.
All course materials and student help are available in English only. If you do not have a good grasp of the English language you are likely to struggle and be unsuccessful with the course and should not apply.
The cost of the course is £2,950. If you wish to upgrade your qualification to an Advanced Professional qualification, the cost is an additional £1,000. Hard copies of the course unit incur an extra charge. There is a payment plan to help students spread the cost. Course fees are VAT exempt.
Your fees cover all course material, assessing, marking and access to the education support team if required. It may, however, suggest that you could benefit from additional reading and suggest research material at your own expense, but you may be able to get access to these from your local library.
Yes we understand that some people choose not to or are not in a position to pay in full for their course so we have payment plan options available for students. Please email for details.
The IIMS is recognised worldwide and the Institute has 1,000 members. The qualification is accepted by the maritime sector, insurance companies, the small craft and commercial shipping industry in most countries.
Our course is delivered online by distance learning and all students are given a website area to download the course material. As long as you are able to access the internet you can study the course.
Our Professional Qualifications courses are studied completely as a distance learning course, so wherever you are all the course material is online.
Yes, you can have your course material in hard copy but there is an additional charge for this.
There is NO examination in this course. You are assessed by your assignments in order to pass.
Once completed, assignments can be uploaded to the student portal. When it has been marked, your results will be uploaded to the portal and an automated email will inform you.
If you do not pass an assignment you are given the opportunity to resubmit. The marker will give you guidance as to where you have gone wrong.
Yes, there is support from the IIMS. The education team is always happy to give advice and information to students. They can also answer any questions you may have while completing the course. There is also a WhatsApp group especially for students that they are encouraged to join. Markers feedback comments to students to help them.
IIMS is very aware of the need for practical training and would recommend that students on the course get as much contact with the marine industry as they can. IIMS runs practical courses throughout the year. There could however be additional cost in gaining practical knowledge.
Yes you can. We realise that not everyone has the time or desire to study for the formal qualification; so it is possible to purchase individual course units. See the buy a unit page for further details.
To register your expression of interest in the course or for further information, please click here and we will be in touch.
