The International Institute of Marine Surveying worldwide membership is ably supported by a dedicated head office team of experienced professionals, located at the Institute’s Head Office in Portchester, Hampshire, United Kingdom.
MIKE SCHWARZ
Chief Executive Officer
Mike joined IIMS as CEO in January 2014. Although from neither a technical nor marine background originally, Mike brings a wealth of skills gained from senior roles in media, publishing, membership, and events organisations. He is a keen exponent of the internet, digital and social media. His fresh set of eyes meant he has been able to identify new opportunities and shape the Institute for the digital age. Mike chaired the MCA’s Certifying Authority Professional Standards Working Group for 5 years and has become increasingly passionate about driving up marine surveying standards in general. He is also a founding Council member of the Maritime Professional Council. In his spare time, Mike is a keen tennis player and passionate music fan, sighting the 1970s as the greatest musical decade.
CAMELLA ROBERTSON
Office Manager & Membership Secretary
Camella (Cam to her friends and members) joined IIMS in 2017. Cam is responsible for handling new membership applications and for dealing with membership correspondence. Her other responsibility is to be the confidential minute taker for executive and management board meetings that take place quarterly. Away from the office Cam enjoys spending time with her family and became a Grandmother in March 2023 and looks forward to Thursdays when she gets to spend the day going out and about with her Grandson making happy memories. Cam is also a volunteer member for a local charity, Rugby Against Cancer, and takes pride in being able to help their fundraising events. Email.
CRAIG WILLIAMS
Graphic Designer
Craig has been with IIMS in a full-time capacity since 2013 but was engaged on a temporary contract basis prior to that. Craig has a very busy workload and is responsible for designing the increasing amount of marketing and promotional material, The Report magazine, handy guides and member news bulletins, as well as handling the production and amending of over 30 Professional Qualification course modules. Originally from South Africa, Craig is now happily settled in the UK with his wife and two teenaged children. With a keen eye for detail, Craig is a talented designer. Email.
FRANCES BIRKETT
Marketing & Publishing Executive
Frances joined IIMS in 2024 in a brand-new marketing and PR role. She assist with compiling The Report Magazine and the monthly news bulletins and podcasts alongside Craig Williams. A recently qualified scuba diver, Frances is enjoying diving in UK waters looking at wrecks and local marine life. Her favourite ones to spot so far are cuttlefish and various feisty crabs. Otherwise, she enjoys spending time on land walking along the coastline and spending time with the family cats (despite being allergic to them). Email.
VICKI LOIZIDES
Education Co-ordinator
Vicki joined IIMS as Education Co-ordinator joined in 2021. It is her role to manage the couple of hundred students who are actively engaged in the Institute’s education programme of studying for professional qualifications. Living locally, Vicki is not entirely new to the shipping and cargo arena as she spent eight years in a project management role with NYK Group Europe Ltd. She took a leading role in developing the new student portal, launched in January 2022. Vicki lives with her husband and young family close to the sea. Away from work, she enjoys camping holidays, spending time dog walking, entertaining friends and pottering in the garden. Email.
JEN ARGENT
Management Accountant
Jen joined the Institute as Management Accountant in July 2018 having previously worked in finance for local charity and community interest companies, which has given her a good working knowledge of the not-for-profit sector. Jennifer is a member of the AAT. In her spare time, she enjoys working out and spending time with friends and family. Email.
ELLY BRYANT
eCMID AVI Scheme Administrator
Elly initially joined IIMS in 2015 to provide maternity cover and is now a long-standing member of the team. In her current role, she is overseeing the eCMID AVI scheme, handling inbound new applications, chasing up CPD and dealing with emails pertinent to the scheme. Elly is a keen traveller and loves to explore new countries especially in Europe. Email.
DAVE PARSONS
Certifying Authority Operations Executive
Dave joined IIMS in 2017. He has helped move the CA from paper to digital processes and increased its efficiency. With a wealth of knowledge in all areas of the certifying authority he quickly become our go to in the office for queries. He is a big football fan and is often found at Fratton Park supporting his beloved Portsmouth FC. At weekends and in his spare time Dave likes to spend time with his nieces and family. Email.
RACHEL MOORES
Membership Support Administrator
Rachel joined IIMS in 2022 as part of the MSA team, but on her return from maternity leave she now assists Camella Robertson in all aspects of IIMS Memberships. Email.
SHARON HOLLAND
MSA Course Controller
Sharon joined IIMS in December 2017, working for its subsidiary, the Marine Surveying Academy, co-ordinating training courses and events for the eCMID Accredited Vessel Inspectors programme. After taking a short break she returned in 2023 on a temporary maternity contract. The role then became permanent. In addition to her ongoing work on the eCMID courses, Sharon leads the planning and co-ordination of RMCI (Registered Marine Coatings Inspector) and YCTI (Yacht Coatings Technical Insight) courses for those working in the large yacht and superyacht sectors. During her spare time, Sharon is a doting mum to her young son and they enjoy visiting new places together. Sharon is also an avid music fan, especially live music and gigs, as well as enjoying the theatre and nights out. In fact, she is never one to miss out on a social event! Email.
ERIN KELSEY
Certifying Authority Support Administrator
Erin joined IIMS in 2024 to assist David Parsons with the administration needed for the Certifying Authority. While primarily focusing on processing Tonnage applications, Erin will soon be able to provide support on all aspects of the CA. When not at work Erin is a keen traveller both domestically and abroad with her boyfriend. She is also very creative and enjoys knitting and crochet. Email.
ALEX OCKENDEN
Web & Social Media Administrator
Alex joined IIMS in February 2025 and is the new person in charge of web content and social media. Focusing on curating and managing content across all social media platforms. Alex has two degrees one in digital media production and the other a master’s in digital marketing. Alex is an avid reader of fantasy and historical fiction and also enjoys gaming and writing. Email
