Editor’s Letter Dear Colleague


The publication of this edition of The Report Magazine comes just a few days before the 2023 AGM and Southampton Conference. If you are a member of the Institute, there is still time to get involved in either or both events which take place on Wednesday 7th


June. To find out more go to pages 38 and 39.


This edition is a blend of the old, the new and the future. The old comes in the form of a fascinating article penned by veteran surveyor, Des Kearns MIIMS, about the restoration of the Cariad in Thailand (page 86). It has proved to be something of a major challenge but the renovated vessel which was first commissioned in 1895 is soon to be launched. The new and future come in the form of two articles about ChatGPT, the AI technology (pages 48 to 59) that has been sweeping the world. And before you dismiss ChatGPT as irrelevant, I would urge you to read the lengthy article by Nick Parkyn AssocMIIMS. It is thought provoking and this new technology offers some interesting and potentially helpful opportunities to marine surveyors, but it comes with a safety warning too.


‘Trust in tomorrow – the evolution of underwriting’ is another article with one eye firmly on the future. The maritime industry is manoeuvring towards the destination of decarbonisation, but the unpredictable route, and


4 | The Report • June 2023 • Issue 104


ever-increasing complexity of the journey, creates major challenges for all ocean stakeholders, not least the underwriting sector.


Des Kearns, a published author in his own right, is also the subject of the ‘Day in the Life of’ feature and I am grateful to him for sharing his many years’ experience for your benefit and enjoyment.


Since the last Report Magazine, IIMS has hit the road delivering some excellent training for yacht and small craft surveyors which has been well attended. The pandemic changed so much, one of those things being the ability to offer training both in-person and online. There are several pages devoted to some of the training initiatives to be found elsewhere with supporting photos.


The article entitled ‘Boats of the future’ gives readers an insight into what lies around the corner. The onslaught and proliferation of next-generation technology has opened the door to unprecedented advances in marine electronics and engineering. See page 95.


Of interest to those with a fascination for maritime history will be the lifestyle story on page 130 entitled ‘A unique international maritime collection goes online’. The article explains how over one million maritime archival records, documenting nearly 100,000 ships, are now available online


for the first time following a five- year digitisation programme by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation Heritage and Education Centre.


‘The Rise of the Super RIB ‘ (page 108) takes a look at how the humble rigid inflatable has developed over the past 40 years. Kim Kavin brings the picture up-to- date in her review of this sector and as you will see this vessel has been vastly transformed from those basic early designs.


The carriage of electric vehicles on ships remains a hot topic and Taslim Imad, Manager Loss Prevention Department, Steamship Mutual gave a presentation on this subject which has been translated into a feature story. His thoughtful article on page 114 is worth a read to understand how the industry is adapting and coping.


As well as members’ and marine news, plus the latest safety briefings, there are a series of other informative articles covering a wide variety of topics relevant to the surveying profession.


Enjoy this edition of the Report Magazine and I hope to see you online at the AGM and/or the 2023 Southampton Conference next week.


Regards Mike Schwarz, Chief Executive Officer


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