Report on IIMS 2018 Baltimore Conference


Entitled “Tools & Rules”, the IIMS 2018 Baltimore Conference took place on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th March at The Marine Conference Center, MITAGS (Maritime Institute of Technology and Advanced Graduate Studies) in Baltimore. Heavy snow in the north east of America took its toll on the delegate numbers, much to organiser, James Renn’s disappointment. But those who got to the event were treated to a couple of days of first class presentations given by some highly knowledgeable and capable individuals on a broad range of topics.


Mike Schwarz, IIMS CEO opened up the first day when he spoke about ‘An Introduction and Explanation of the eCMID-Common Marine Inspection Document and Accreditation Scheme’. He was followed by Joseph De Remer, Beacon Marine Service, who spoke on the topic of corrosion and its causes and prevention. Brook Stevens from Sea Keeper talked about the eye-opening subject of the latest technology in gyroscopic stabilization, a fascinating topic. Just prior to lunch, the group headed for a visit to the ship bridge simulator, which made for an extraordinary 20 minutes as a real live scenario was created as the ship came into Baltimore docks with the added challenges of inclement weather and even an iceberg looming large to navigate through and around.


Lloyd E. Griffin III, fresh from a challenging 30 hour survey assignment, presented ‘Metal vessel damage investigation and repairs by the numbers – NVIC’s, NAVSEA codes and standards’. Next to talk was James Renn. His subject? Propulsion emissions and the “Tier” system and the potential for Surveyor profit. The day was brought to an end by David DiQuinzio. He spoke about the work that Annapolis Hybrid Marine is doing installing electric propulsion systems and alternate new build and repower solutions.


Day two was opened by John Cavenner, who spoke about estimating by general rule canvas losses, top fame costs and the types of clear enclosures material and lifespans. Erich Black returned for the second year with an update on infrared technology and the Flir photo camera and moisture meter combination. Fredric Wise joined the meeting and talked about his project to rebuild from frames up of a 1965 43’ wooden sailing vessel.


After lunch, experienced rigger, James (Tripp) Ewers III, delivered a presentation entitled ‘An explanation and understanding of commercial and recreational sailing vessel rigging per NVIC 0216. Explanation of cited maintenance and inspection procedures’. It fell to Richard Parks, (ex US Navy) to introduce his salt meter gauge as he talked about the state of the art soluble salt and conductivity with regards to ISO 8502-6 and 8502-9 and how the procedures relate to standards and NAVSEA.


IIMS is grateful to James Renn for his considerable efforts in putting together such a valuable two day programme.


IIMS has recorded 11 videos made of the presentations at the Baltimore conference. These can be viewed free on the IIMS YouTube channel. https://bit.ly/2c7Vpuz


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