MEMB NewsER
Could you represent IIMS on the BSI SME/32
committee? IIMS is seeking a member to represent the Institute on the British Standards Institute (BSI) SME/32 committee on a voluntary basis.
The sun sets on a progressive IIMS Baltimore
Conference 2026 Despite one of the most severe winter storms for many years and heavy snowfall blanketing the Baltimore area, it did little to dampen the spirits of the delegates who managed to get to the venue, nor those who joined virtually from the warmth of their own accommodation, of course.
The annual IIMS Baltimore Conference, co-hosted by James ‘Randy’ Renn HonFIIMS, Ray Bracken MIIMS and Mike Schwarz, took place on 30/31 January at the MITAGS facility on the outskirts of Baltimore and drew an audience of around 50 delegates, including a number of non-members.
Bill Weyant tackled the thorny subject of surveyor ethics, delivering a reminder of the values and high standards to be met by all professional marine surveyors at all times. Craig Norton, Inspect X, gave delegates a deep dive into the world of AI and some of the GPTs that are available – their strengths and weaknesses, and how surveyors can take advantage of them in a controlled fashion to aid their work. Cat Pat Durham displayed his extensive knowledge to highlight and bring to the attention of those present, the dangers and challenges of lithium-ion batteries. John Malool gave an in-depth update on health and safety issues affecting all surveyors with a sharp reminder that things can and do go wrong. Chase Eshelman spoke eloquently about giving expert witness and mentioned an increasing shortage of those coming forward to do this work. Andrew Kinsey presented on the relationship between surveyor and underwriter and explained what is expected. The organisers are most grateful to those who gave up their time for the benefit of the delegates.
Other topics that featured over the two days included dealing with mould and termite attack on boats, and water sampling.
The event was brought to a close by Lloyd Griffin with his ever popular, ‘you can’t make this up’ review with photographs of some of the crazy things he has seen on survey in recent weeks.
It is pleasing to hear that some of the non-members who attended have subsequently expressed an interest in joining IIMS and we look forward to welcoming them into the Institute.
James ‘Randy’ Renn (left), Mike Schwarz and Ray Bracken (right)
The idea of relocating the 2027 Conference to a Florida venue next January was mooted and all agreed this was a good plan worthy of further exploration.
Under the direction of the Standards Policy and Strategy Committee, SME/32 is responsible for formulating policy and providing guidance to committees concerned with shipbuilding and marine technology. Preparing and maintaining standards concerned with shipbuilding and marine technology and assisting in the preparation of standards in the same field emanating from ISO/TC8 and CEN/TC15 and implementing them as British Standards.
SME/32 mirrors most of the ISO/ TC 8 work, and so most committee members are involved with working groups over at ISO/TC 8. The ISO/TC 8 - Ships and marine technology scope is engaged with standardization of design, construction, training, structural elements, outfitting parts, equipment, methods and technology, and marine environmental matters, used in shipbuilding, comprising sea-going ships, vessels for inland navigation, offshore structures, ship-to-shore interface, the operation of ships, marine structures subject to IMO requirements, and the observation and exploration of the sea.
The SME/32 committee also covers some European work in CEN/TC 15 Inland Navigation Vessels. CEN/ TC 15 is a Technical Committee within the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). It is named “Inland navigation vessels” and is responsible for: Standardization in the field of shipbuilding for inland waterway vessels and of inland waterway navigation. This committee has published 79 standards.
If you are interested in becoming involved in BSI committee work, please complete the online contact form and we will send you more information. Go to
https://bit.ly/4adBmX6 or email your interest to
info@iims.org.uk for more details.
THE REPORT | MAR 2026 | ISSUE 115 | 41
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