The International Institute of


History of A Brief 1991


Marine Surveying Capt Allen Brink


(Past President 2007-2010)


CMMar, Hon FIIMS, FNI, FRIN, FCMS looks back over time...


The Seed is Sown


The first organised international gathering of marine surveyors was at a seminar entitled Marine Surveying – A Time for Self Appraisal, organised by the IBC Group, sponsored by the Institute of Marine Engineers and supported by the Nautical Institute.


This seminar was held aboard HQS Wellington, moored on the River Thames at Temple Stairs, Embankment in the City of London on Monday 22nd April 1991. The event was attended by 150 marine surveyors from over 30 countries.


Chairman, John Guy, who at that time was the Deputy Editor of Fairplay International and author of Marine Surveying & Consultancy, cleverly induced thought into the minds of delegates; and so, the seed was sown leading to the formation of an international professional body to represent marine surveyors.


How it started


Following on from the seminar and with the driving force of Capt Bill MacDonald, a formal meeting was arranged and held at the old Baltic Exchange in St. Marys Axe, London, during October 1991.


Change of CEO 2014


This meeting was attended by 31 marine surveyors from 18 countries. The International Institute of Marine Surveyors was born (the word Surveyors later changed to Surveying).


24 | The Report • June 2021 • Issue 96


Following the retirement of John Lawrence, Mike Schwarz was appointed as CEO in January 2014.


2021 First Base


The HQS Wellington (pictured above) was the first choice for a base and in 1992 an office was established onboard. It was manned once a week by the Institute’s first Honourable Secretary, Commander Terry Lillie.


In 1997, it was decided to set up a full time Secretariat and a founder member, Capt Ian Wilkins, became the Institute’s first full time Secretary. He was to become instrumental in the development of the Education Program.


The base and small office aboard HQS Wellington soon became inadequate. In 1998, the Administration Headquarters moved to Gosport, Hampshire and staff numbers increased to cope with the demands.


The distance learning Education Program was established in 2004. The Secretary’s role evolved into that of a CEO and John Lawrence took over the reins allowing Capt Ian Wilkins to concentrate on the Education Program with two other Course Directors, one of whom was the President at the time, Capt Ian Biles.


New Headquarters 2010


In 2009, it became clear that the Gosport Headquarters could not handle the Institute’s expansion. In February 2010, office space was rented at Murrills House in Porchester (pictured below). This facility also provided a venue for Board Meetings and training sessions.


The Institute was established to instil professionalism into the marine surveying industry and would be:


• Independent • Non-political


• Non-profit making • And with open membership


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