Sometimes in my role as CEO, I find myself in the unlikeliest of places doing the strangest things. This was true just a couple of week ago and I am grateful to IIMS member, Jacek Goszczynski, who is based in Poland for inviting me to visit Szczecin to participate in the annual ‘Herring Gathering’. This event attracts over 2,000 people for an evening of celebration in the city of Szczecin in the north of the country. I found myself interacting with shipowners, hull insurance brokers, underwriters, educationalists and London P&I Club representatives. What a night and of course all in celebration of the humble herring – indeed I have never seen so many herrings in one place before, but I have acquired the taste.
Planning has been the name of the game recently at IIMS. We have a Large Yacht & Small Craft Super Training day coming up in November and the final finishing touches are being put to that. But more of that in the coming weeks. I am thrilled to announce that we have arranged a three day seminar in Singapore and I very much look forward to welcoming members, eCMID accredited vessel inspectors and anyone involved in the marine sector who would like to participate from 31 July to 2 August. We have a cracking couple of days lined up. For full details click here.
The annual London Conference and AGM are now starting to loom large, taking place as they do on 11 and 12 September at Regent’s University. Have you reserved your place at what promises to be an outstanding couple of days at the start of the prestigious London Shipping Week? A couple of new speakers have been announced. ‘Simulation technology for the investigation of navigation incidents’ by Phil Thompson, BMT Ship & Coastal Dynamics will be presented on the first day. On the second day, Richard Jennings from AkzoNobel will present ‘From GA to finished coating and what is the responsibility of the inspector’.
I hope I shall have the pleasure of seeing and meeting you at one of these events in the coming months.
I have also been persuaded to present an online seminar on Tuesday 20 June. These are proving to be popular and nearly 100 surveyors have now taken part since we launched them back in January. Clearly I cannot speak about marine surveying in great depth, but I can and do intend to talk about the importance of taking care of aspects of business management. I know this is an area many members struggle with, so I plan to give three short presentations in my 90 minute slot as follows:
– Looking good on the web.
– Basic marketing tips.
– 19 tips for business success.
Perhaps I will see you online?
Survey well.
Mike Schwarz
Chief Executive Officer
