The basic principles of the International Institute of Marine Surveying Code of Conduct
Professionalism
A member must have a sound foundation in the general knowledge of their profession, in addition to appropriate and adequate experience. They must keep up to date with their technical training and knowledge.
Objectivity
A member must adopt an impartial and objective approach in all aspects of their marine surveying work.
Independence
A marine surveyor will always be independent of the client commissioning the survey.
Integrity
A marine surveyor who is an IIMS member will:
• not be influenced by outside pressures;
• seek to reach agreements based on objective conclusions;
• not make personal or illegal profit from the sale of damaged goods or materials.
Client Relations
A marine surveyor who is an IIMS member will:
• never bias or modify their professional opinions for personal gain or in response to any form of pressure from whatever source;
• will obtain from a principal clear Terms of Reference and confine their report to the agreed Terms;
• only undertake to carry out assignments for which they are properly qualified for a particular assignment;
• accept arbitration when all parties involved agree to this method of solving disputes;
• recognise that their first duty is to their clients’ instructions and endeavour to sustain an open relationship with them whilst, at all times, observing professional integrity.
Professional Relations
A marine surveyor who is an IIMS member will:
• co-operate with colleagues to achieve a complete and objective survey based on facts;
• not allow agreements reached by a surveyor in charge of a case to be modified by the direction of any organisation to which they belong;
• not criticise a fellow surveyor or colleague to third parties;
• ensure strict confidentiality of information received from third parties who are not involved with the case in hand;
• not carry out free surveys but negotiate fees which seek to achieve full cost recovery;
• discuss with other attending surveyors any contradictory statements or differences of opinion before issuing a final report.
Standards
Where recognised international, national or local authority standards exist for any type of survey, then these standards shall always be observed. Any variance from these standards, together with the surveyor’s reasons for such variance, is to be fully recorded in the survey and the principal’s agreement obtained.
Non Compliance
A marine surveyor will bring to the attention of the Institute instances where members of the Institute are not observing this Code of Conduct.
Personal Conduct
A marine surveyor will not practice during a period when their judgement is, or might be impaired through any cause and will endeavour to avoid actions that lead to the discredit of the Institute, marine surveyors and their own professional reputation.
Relationship Between the Code and Membership of the Institute
When the Institute is informed of a member’s non-compliance with the Code of Conduct, this will be investigated and the member given the opportunity to offer a defence or appeal. Depending on the extent of non-compliance, a member may have their membership suspended or permanently withdrawn. Minor failures may be dealt with by written warnings. However, repeated minor non-compliances can be considered grounds for suspension or expulsion from the Institute.
Click to view the Institute’s formal disciplinary procedure: IIMS Disciplinary Procedure 2022
