IMCA Reveals Launch Date for IIMS Accredited Vessel Inspectors

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) and the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) announced, on the final day of Ocean Business, the start date for the IIMS accredited vessel inspectors (AVIs) scheme, for CMID work on a worldwide basis as 1 June. 

Those wishing to apply to become IIMS AVIs will be able to register their interest from the beginning of May in order to allow for processing of applications from 1 June, IMCA informed.

“The accreditation process for CMID vessel inspectors, to be known as accredited vessel inspectors or AVIs for short, will be explained on a new website devoted to the CMID AVI community,” says Chris Baldwin IMCA’s Technical Adviser. “This initiative is being collaboratively delivered by IMCA and the IIMS and will radically alter the vessel inspection expectations of all stakeholders as the AVI badge will become the ‘industry standard’ symbol of quality for CMID reports.

“We wanted to announce the launch date where the industry was, for the evolution of the CMID has so much to do with us listening to the needs of the industry that we want to be able to answer questions on it at a public forum, and publicly thank so many who have helped steer us towards this important step in our efforts to continuously improve the CMID system which includes the Marine Inspection for Small Workboat (MISW) equivalent.

“Now we have recognised the critical element of inspector competency and IMCA and IIMS will be working together to deliver CMID/MISW training and workshops for the benefit of the marine vessel inspector community.”

Chris Baldwin added: “The changes to IMCA’s MISW itself in the shortly to be released version 3 are significant and extensive.”

“The new version is designed to be more useful than ever as an audit tool, and will see the introduction of a discrete number of vessel type supplements for DP, Towing, Anchor Handling and DSV.  These are designed to be added to the general section of the document. The ability to add more photographs to the document will be included and we intend to ensure that the inappropriate generation of findings is reduced. We are planning to introduce the new version in July and will let the users get familiar with the new version before we commence the international workshop programme in September.”

The AVI scheme, being run and managed by MSA, a subsidiary of the accrediting body IIMS on behalf of IMCA, will be established on a worldwide basis with initial and refresher training courses being made available in all major regions where IMCA members operate. Having gained accredited status, vessel inspectors/auditors will be issued with an identify card embossed with both an IIMS logo and a declaration that the accreditation is recognised by IMCA. They will be able to get free download of the App and a comprehensive Vessel Inspectors’ manual, IMCA said in a press release.

Commenting on the launch of the AVI scheme, Mike Schwarz, IIMS Chief Executive Officer said: “We are thrilled to have been appointed to run the accreditation scheme for IMCA’s CMID Vessel Inspectors. The scheme is the result of more than 12 months discussion and careful planning with IMCA.

“It is an important and challenging piece of work that will resolve a clearly defined industry need. Furthermore, it will put IIMS firmly at the heart of the international marine and maritime industry. We have already put in a great deal of effort behind the scenes and I look forward to our hard work bearing positive results for all involved as the scheme is unveiled and develops.”

The next step for those eager to become AVIs is to download an application from the IMCA CMID Vessel Inspector website and complete their application. IMCA’s partners at IIMS will be able to offer regional support hubs to provide applicants with advice and guidance on completing the application form.

A programme of workshops will be held around the world to explain the new features, IMCA added.