as face to face programmes. This presented an immediate challenge with no obvious solution. Whilst it is unlikely that IRMII will reactivate any time soon, progress is being made to transform the RMCI standard into a five day online only course, to include a timed online examination. I am expecting news on this development soon and hope we can roll it out to the superyacht coatings industry early in 2021 without any loss in value or integrity of the course.
The eCMID Accredited Vessel Inspector scheme, managed by MSA on behalf of the International Marine Contractors Association, has had a progressive year, despite the pandemic. It has certainly made the inspecting and auditing of offshore assets considerably harder. Enhanced PPE has been essential, a more stringent approach to risk assessments required and just the challenge of getting on board a vessel has exercised some. Over 600 inspectors have come forward to be accredited since the scheme began more than five years ago. It has been a great success and our partnership with IMCA continues to grow and flourish.
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW AND DEVELOPMENTS
My views and opinion on the continuing high level of incidents, accidents and deaths at sea are well known. Indeed, I have authored a short piece on this subject for this issue.
That so many
people lose their lives needlessly, much of it
caused by human error and machinery malfunction, rests
heavy with me.
The drive for greener technologies in the boating and shipping sectors has accelerated it seems this year and I applaud the innovation that is happening in all areas of the maritime sector.
At the end of each year I always take the opportunity to thank those at head office and the IIMS office holders for their work and support. This year I especially want to say a big thank you to the IIMS head office staff. They have done something
The Report • December 2020 • Issue 94 | 41
Having been involved in shows and exhibitions in a former career, I have been greatly saddened by the almost total wipe out of boat shows and shipping exhibitions. Whilst the attempts to recreate some of them as virtual events are to be praised, there is no comparison with the real thing. Seeing great events such as Seawork, METS, Posidonia - I could go on – falling by the wayside month after month has been depressing. Let’s home for a prompt resumption of live events.
Remote surveys have surged in popularity during COVID-19. I wrote a feature article on this subject in the last Report Magazine. DNV GL has just recorded its 20,000th remote survey, so they are steaming ahead, as are other classification societies. But there are surveyors for and against. The debate will continue for months to come. However, the matter is a bit clearer in the small boat arena. Insurers I have spoken with in the UK are highly nervous about a vessel owner connecting with a surveyor to show him/her around the boat using video – effectively a virtual survey – expecting the surveyor to write a report on what he/she has been shown. The best advice I can give you on this one would seem to be don’t!
We have played our part on the bigger stage this year, most notably in making a submission to the Australian Senate as part of their review into the performance of AMSA. IIMS’ evidence was heavily referred to in the final report. We are currently engaged in addressing the rules and regulations surrounding UK narrowboats, which leave a bit to be desired in our opinion. More on that soon.
And finally…
extraordinary in keeping the Institute afloat during the toughest of circumstances imaginable, proving to themselves and to the team as a whole what a solid and effect business unit we are.
I must also thank all those who have given freely of their time to manage the various IIMS committees, attending meetings as and when. The online AGM reached new heights with over 100 registering to take part, suggesting that members are engaged. And our tutors, authors and markers for the two Professional Qualifications who have been busier than ever. Thank you.
I also have a special mention also for all those who have presented material at online seminars and a few in person too before lockdown set in; plus, those who have written for The Report Magazine during 2020.
As we reach the end of the year, my abiding memories of 2020 are mixed and conflicted. Death, carnage and disruption all round us, the like of which most will not have seen, caused by the worst pandemic the world has witnessed since Spanish flu, the personal loss of my father in mid lockdown that hit me hard, coupled with a most satisfying business year for the Institute and a productive year for many surveyors. It really has been the strangest of strange years.
Mike Schwarz
Chief Executive Officer
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