Editor’s Letter Dear Colleague


Welcome to the March 2020 Report Magazine, the first of a bright new decade. I wanted to reflect on the 2010s before we confine that period to the archives and was inspired to write an article which surprised and shocked me as I researched the content. Perhaps you will have similar emotions? See page 29.


Often one forgets that marine surveyors have an entirely different life when they stop inspecting vessels at the end of a busy day. It was a pleasure to track down Capt. Bill MacDonald once again, the Institute’s founding father and, in his case, this is certainly true. This time finding out about his passion for marine surveying was the last thing on my mind. Rather, I wanted to know more about the Catriona MacDonald Foundation which he started in South America. It is a fascinating human-interest story to warm the heart on page 34.


The first marine surveying conference of this decade took place in Baltimore back in January. We had a record attendance at the event and all present were treated to some fascinating and valuable content. There is a full report in this edition and make sure to track down the videos on the IIMS YouTube channel.


President: Capt Zarir Irani (FIIMS) Immediate Past President: Mr Adam Brancher (FIIMS)


Charlie Bartlett has authored a thought-provoking article about the number of container ship fires, now common place it seems, and gives an overview of some recent tragedies and asks what can be done to stop this unwelcome trend. The feature, entitled Hell on High Water is on page 47.


The opinion piece on page 42 - Maritime Training 2020 and Beyond - is interesting. It questions whether the training model currently used for seafarers is fit for purpose, and if not, how it needs to change.


Smart technology surrounds us all these days. You know it? We have Smart Phones, Smart Vehicles, Smart Glasses, even Smart Motorways in the UK (currently the subject of much debate)! So why not Smart Containers? Dr. Hanane Becha is a key member of TRAXENS, defining the Standards Strategy enabling Smart Containers and in her article on page 69 she gives the low down on this project.


Sticking with new technology for a moment, drones continue to make their mark on the surveying profession. This issue carries two articles on the role of drones, including one about the drone thickness gauge device from Tritex.


Chief Executive Officer: Mr Mike Schwarz Head Office Team


Mrs Camella Robertson ....Membership Secretary & Office Manager Mr David Parsons .............Certifying Authority Administrator Miss Holly Trinder .............Office Administrator Miss Lorna Robinson ........Education, Training & Events Co-ordinator Mr Craig Williams.............Graphic Designer


From something new to something much older - the art of report writing. Ah yes, that old nugget I hear you say. There is always something new to learn about writing reports, a skill every successful surveyor must master. I have given a couple of presentations on this topic recently from a non-technical perspective, the content of which seems to have surprised some surveyors. In this issue (see page 64) I have incorporated my presentation and thoughts on this subject into an article which I hope will give new impetus and inspiration to those who read it.


At the time of writing, Coronavirus is taking hold and the maritime industry is trying to respond to this latest pandemic. Sometimes it seems that for all our efforts and developments with modern technology, it matters not one jot. I leave you on that sombre note and ask that if you survey internationally, please take the necessary precautions.


Survey well


Mike Schwarz Chief Executive Officer International Institute of Marine Surveying


Vice President: Mr Geoff Waddington (FIIMS) Deputy Vice President: Mr Peter Broad (FIIMS)


Miss Jen Argent ................Management Accountant Miss Elly Bryant ................Accounts Support Administrator Mrs Hilary Excell ...............Marine Surveying Academy Business Manager Mrs Pui Si Chung ..............MSA Accreditation Scheme Administrator Mrs Sharon Holland .........MSA Events & Course Co-ordinator


Tel: +44 (0) 23 9238 5223 | Email: info@iims.org.uk | IIMS, Murrills House, 48 East Street, Portchester, Hampshire, PO16 9XS, UK | www.iims.org.uk © The International Institute of Marine Surveying 2020 - The Institute and authors accept no responsibility for any opinions, statements or errors made in any article, feature or letter published in this Magazine.


4 | The Report • March 2020 • Issue 91


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