More herrings than you can throw a fish at

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.

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IIMS and eCMID Singapore seminars 2017

IIMS has planned and organised a three day programme of events taking place in Singapore from 31 July to 2 August 2017.

Venue: Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore by Shangri-la
1A Cuscaden Road, Orchard, 249716 Singapore
See hotel web site

The three day event provisional programme comprises in brief:
Monday 31 July: International Institute of Marine Surveying Seminar
Tuesday 1 August: eCMID AVI Seminar
Wednesday 2 August: eCMID AVI Accreditation Course Continue reading “IIMS and eCMID Singapore seminars 2017”

Report on LYSCWG Palma training

A group of 15 IIMS members and non-members came together for the two day IIMS Western Mediterranean LYSCWG training event – something of an annual gathering these days. Despite inclement weather on the first morning, the group followed a classroom session about NDT testing gauges by going under several vessels made of different materials to test the kit. Thanks to Jon Sharland from Tritex NDT for bringing his gear over from the UK.

Ian Lewis gave an insight into cold cure products manufactured and marketed by Wencon. Those present were genuinely impressed to see examples of applications that had been carried out to effect repairs. After lunch, the group were guests of the Global Yachting Group and Continue reading “Report on LYSCWG Palma training”

Small Craft Surveyors Forum programme at Seawork announced

The Small Craft Surveyors Forum, comprising of RINA, IMarEST, IIMS, SCMS, NI and YDSA, is pleased to announce its speaker programme for its annual Seawork Exhibition Seminar.

The seminar will be held within the show onboard the ‘Ocean Scene’ vessel in the marina from 13.15 to 16.15 on Wednesday 14 June.

The event is free to attend, but you are required to register your attendance so that the organisers can comply with health and safety requirements, catering and seating.

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New handy guide surveying metal craft published by IIMS

IIMS has added to its series of handy guides with the publication of what a marine surveyor needs to know about surveying metal craft
IIMS has added to its series of handy guides with the publication of what a marine surveyor needs to know about surveying metal craft

IIMS has released for publication a new handy guide entitled What a Marine Surveyor needs to know about surveying metal craft. This brings the total number of publications in the What a Marine Surveyor needs to know about handy guide series to thirteen. More manuscripts are in the pipeline too and will be published as the year goes by.

Steel boats may be made of a variety of metals. Very old vessels may be built of iron. Ordinary carbon steel, usually called mild steel, is commonly used. Shipbuilding quality steel is not used as much as it is not easy to source. Cor-Ten steel is sold as a low rust product, but there is no universal opinion about this special formula.

In this handy guide on surveying metal craft, written by the doyen of marine surveyors, Ian Nicolson draws on some comparisons:
Surveyors are detectives, looking for clues. When they find them, they have to deduce what caused such things as discolouration, dents or broken fastenings. Surveying is also like veterinary work, as both practitioners cannot get answers to questions asked. Good eyesight, excellent lighting and an enquiring mind which never falters on the job are what surveyors need.

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The month of April yields brighter skies and new optimism

As we emerge from winter and go full into Spring in the UK, I become fully energised at this time and the passing of the years does not diminish this. As we emerge from the gloom of winter, the weather improves, daylight hours get longer, I can cycle in the late evening sunshine and my life changes with the changing seasons.

Setting this new found optimism against a darkening international political backdrop slightly takes the edge off things for sure. These are worrying times. We are all watching what is happening in the world closely I am sure. It leads me to question if there are implications for the marine surveying sector specifically? I suspect not however.  Many surveyors already work in highly dangerous locations across the world and in difficult circumstances too, performing their important and challenging roles. But if I have one message it is to be safe in your work and to ensure you risk assess carefully.

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Discovering the inner workings of the Royal Huisman superyacht yard

Royal Huisman's recently launched Ngoni
Royal Huisman’s recently launched Ngoni

IIMS arranged a visit for a dozen members and non-members to the Royal Huisman superyacht yard in Vollenove, Netherlands on 6 and 7 April, followed by half a day’s training on day two.

The yard visit, which had been planned for some months, was hailed a great success by those who attended. To see and understand at first hand the challenges and high skills required to produce these iconic craft was a privilege indeed.

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Captain David (Dave) Green, Master Mariner, obituary

Sad news has reached IIMS that long standing member, Capt David (Dave) Green, who was recognised for his significant contribution to the Institute with Honorary Membership, has passed away.

Capt Ian Wilkins MM FNI HonMIIMS, pays tribute to his friend and has written this fitting obituary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Dave peacefully at home on Sunday 26th March.

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Special IIMS enclosed space entry course

Of all those who board ships and enter enclosed spaces, the surveyors are most at risk. In many cases the spaces they are about to enter are an unknown entity, therefore they are totally dependent on the ship’s management team having these spaces properly prepared with a trained rescue party adequately equipped and standing by.

It is now a matter of record that ships have more incidents, accidents and fatalities involving enclosed spaces than any other component of the marine sector. These accidents and subsequent fatalities are predominantly the result of people entering, working in, or ironically attempting rescue from those spaces.

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First announcement of the IIMS London Conference 2017 released

The splendid Regent's University in the heart of London awaits delegates for the IIMS London Conference 2017
The splendid Regent’s University in the heart of London awaits delegates for the IIMS London Conference 2017

The International Institute of Marine Surveying is delighted to announce that it will be returning to Regent’s University for its London Conference 2017. Organised specifically at the start of London Shipping week on 11 and 12 September, it gives delegates the chance to move on to participate in other events later that week.

Dinner will be held on Monday 11 September from 19.00 at the Churchill Cabinet War Rooms. IIMS has chosen what is a very special and iconic venue. The Churchill Cabinet War Rooms reveal the stories hidden beneath the streets of Westminster. Explore the underground bunker that protected the staff and secrets at the heart of Britain’s government during the Second World War as Churchill and his inner Continue reading “First announcement of the IIMS London Conference 2017 released”

March 2017 Report Magazine published

The March 2017 edition of the Report Magazine has been published and is now available to be read online.

The key features and articles include:

• Understanding the dangers of enclosed space entry
• Cathodic protection for small craft
• An insight into bulk carrier trimming
• New professional standards for marine surveyors
• An introduction to lubricant sampling, analysis and testing
• Megaprojects ensure buoyant activities for warranty surveyors
• The new IIMS continuing professional development app
• Business feature: Looking good on the web
• New feature: Round up of new marine products
• A day in the life of James ‘Randy’ Renn

Read The Report Magazine March 2017 issue in e-reader format
Or read the magazine in pdf format: The-Report-Magazine-March-2017

IIMS LYSCWG Western Mediterrannean section set to gather in Palma

Delegates at the 2016 IIMS Palma event doing some practical tonnage measurement work
Delegates at the 2016 IIMS Palma event doing some practical tonnage measurement work

Once again, the expanded IIMS Large Yacht & Small Craft Working Group has planned a two day training event to coincide with the Palma Superyacht Show, which will take place on 27/28 April 2017 mostly in and around the Puerto de Palma area.

This event has proved popular in recent years, not just with Palma based surveyors, but it has drawn members from all over Europe and further afield too. Non IIMS members are most welcome to come and join too. The IIMS team has worked hard to attract a great speaker line up and programme with what look like being interesting and informative presentations over the two days. Delegates will also have some time to walk the Palma Superyacht Show on the first day of opening (Friday 28 April).

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