Formed in 1991, the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) is an award-winning, independent, non-political organisation promoting the professionalism, recognition and training of marine surveyors worldwide. The Institute is widely regarded as the leading worldwide professional body for the marine surveying profession.
The IIMS defines marine surveying as: “The service provided to maritime and transport organisations in general and the production of guidance reports for all other bodies connected with maritime operations or maritime trade”.
The IIMS boasts a membership of more than 1,000 professionals in over 100 countries. It is the largest organisation of its kind and seeks to represent its industry to government and non-governmental organisations such as the International Marine Organisation (IMO), Coastguards, P&I Clubs, insurance companies and underwriters, brokers, vessel and ship owners. IIMS is not frightened to call national maritime regulators to account either.
The IIMS provides a range of services and benefits to its members, allied organisations and to the wider shipping, yachting and boating world, including:
- Maintaining a comprehensive searchable database of member marine surveyors both on this site and also via the highly acclaimed Marine Surveyor Search App, the only one of its kind
- Professional training courses and online seminars for marine surveyors
- A distance learning Professional Qualifications education programme in yacht and small craft and cargo and commercial ship marine surveying and in marine corrosion too
- The Report Magazine, a well-produced, editorially rich quarterly publication highlighting key marine surveying topics, opinions and news which catches the eye of all who read it
- A comprehensive monthly news bulletin in pdf and e-Reader formats and also an occasional mid-month marine communiqué distributed electronically
- Conferences and meetings internationally providing a place for the marine surveying industry to meet and network
- Acting as an MCA approved vessel coding Certifying Authority duly authorised by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency to code vessels up to 24 metres for commercial use
The IIMS is headed by a President, who serves a two-year term, and is supported by a Vice President and a Management Board. This structure is supported by a Chief Executive Officer and head office team based at Murrills House, Portchester in the UK. In addition, there are several branches and also overseas representatives in various regions worldwide.
The Management Board is made up of members from around the world who cover all aspects of the profession, all with many years experience in the marine surveying industry.
In 2016 IIMS came of age when it celebrated its 25th Anniversary and then its 30th birthday in 2021.
The global regions covered by IIMS board members and overseas representatives are: Asia, Australasia, Bangladesh, Cameroon, China, Croatia/Adriatic, Dubai, East Africa, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Reunion Island & Mauritius, Sweden, Turkey, Trinidad, Tunisia, UK and USA.
The Institute holds conferences each year in many of these regions and a Conference and Annual General Meeting in the UK. In non-Covid times, members travel from all over the world to network with peers, learn about marine industry developments and get updates on the wider work of the IIMS.
Branches of the Institute are located in Canada, India, Nigeria and UAE. Each branch has a Chairman and full working committee.
Click to read the Institute Information V3
Equality, diversion and inclusion statement
The International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) recognises and values the diversity and variety of perspectives that people of all backgrounds, experiences and aspirations bring to their work and to the surveying profession at large. IIMS fully embraces diversity and commits to promoting equal opportunity and inclusion. IIMS does not discriminate on any grounds, including sex, age, race, national origin, religion or belief, disability, political or economic views, marital status, pregnancy and parental status, gender reassignment or sexual orientation. IIMS provides equal opportunity and inclusion in every aspect of its activities. All current and future employees, members, and participants in IIMS activities will be accorded equal opportunity regardless of sex, age, race, national origin, religion or belief, disability, political or economic views, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, gender reassignment or sexual orientation and any other form of discrimination, unless specifically prevented or exempt from doing so by national or international legislation. IMS promotes equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion in the profession and wider maritime community. IIMS encourages all those associated with the Institute and its activities, including individuals, companies, education providers and organisations alike, to provide equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion to all.