IIMS News

ClassNK launches new AI assistant Survey Compass

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ClassNK launches new AI assistant Survey Compass
ClassNK launches new AI assistant Survey Compass

ClassNK has launched Survey Compass—an AI assistant that supports shipowners and ship management companies in their survey-related operations.

The new tool is an AI assistant that responds in natural language to questions on classification survey matters faced by shipowners and ship management companies. Users can quickly confirm the information they need together with its supporting sources, thereby improving the efficiency of survey preparation and response work and reducing their workload.

This initial release marks the first step toward ClassNK’s vision of a digital service platform for ships in service. ClassNK said it will continue to expand and enhance Survey Compass together with our customers, incorporating feedback and requests gathered through its practical use. Continue reading “ClassNK launches new AI assistant Survey Compass”

RMI concludes investigation into accommodation fire on board AHTS vessel

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AM Pride. Source: RMI Maritime Administrator.
AM Pride. Source: RMI Maritime Administrator.

An investigation launched by the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator into an accommodation fire on board an AHTS vessel has been closed. The Administration published a report on the incident, which forced the ship’s crew to evacuate by helicopter.

What happened

On the morning of 12 September 2024, the fire alarm on board the Republic of the Marshall Islands-registered AHTS vessel AM Pride activated. The vessel was engaged in helicopter stand-by duty, approximately 1.5 NM away from the FA Platform south of Mossel Bay, Republic of South Africa. AM Pride was managed by V.Ships Offshore (Asia) PTE LTD and had recently undergone a change of 80% of its crew. Continue reading “RMI concludes investigation into accommodation fire on board AHTS vessel”

Your invitation to join IIMS at Bodrum, Türkiye in November 2026

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View of the setting sun over Bodrum Marina
View of the setting sun over Bodrum Marina

IIMS is the leading worldwide professional body for the marine surveying profession. Our membership is increasing steadily in Türkiye, in keeping with the country’s growing marine industry, and we have seen an uplift in the number of students studying for a Professional Qualification in marine surveying with IIMS.

For our first time in Türkiye, we are planning two training events to take place back-to-back. The first one is on 3-4 November, the other on 5 November. We have yet to finalise a central Bodrum hotel where both training events will take place. Continue reading “Your invitation to join IIMS at Bodrum, Türkiye in November 2026”

MCA updates MGN 381 (M+F) Air pollution: Survey and certification requirements

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MCA updates MGN 381 (M+F) Air pollution: Survey and certification requirements
MCA updates MGN 381 (M+F) Air pollution: Survey and certification requirements

The UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has published an amendment to MGN 381 (M+F): Survey and Certification Requirements for Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships) Regulations 2008

The updated Marine Guidance Note covers the survey and certification requirements for the 2008 Regulations (as amended), and the special circumstances in which a new certificate need not be dated from the date of expiry of the existing appropriate certificate, but from the date of completion of the survey. Continue reading “MCA updates MGN 381 (M+F) Air pollution: Survey and certification requirements”

Chief officer dies after enclosed space entry on board tanker

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No.2 Ocean Pioneer. Source: RMI Maritime Administrator
No.2 Ocean Pioneer. Source: RMI Maritime Administrator

The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator has released an investigation report into the death of a Chief Officer (C/O) aboard a tanker last year.

What happened

On the morning of 25 August 2025, the C/O on board the Republic of the Marshall Islands-registered oil/chemical tanker No.2 Ocean Pioneer was entering Nos. 1–3 port/starboard cargo tanks to inspect them after they had been washed and gas freed following the carriage of benzene as cargo.

Deck ratings then entered the cargo tanks to rinse them with de-ionized water after they had been inspected by the C/O. The C/O had reportedly tested the atmosphere inside these cargo tanks earlier that morning and had determined they were safe for entry. Neither the C/O nor the other crewmembers were wearing a personal gas detector while entering the cargo tanks. Continue reading “Chief officer dies after enclosed space entry on board tanker”

AMSA issues updated GMDSS Handbook

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AMSA issues updated GMDSS Handbook
AMSA issues updated GMDSS Handbook

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued an updated edition of its Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Handbook, providing revised operational guidance for vessels operating within Australia’s maritime area of responsibility.

The new handbook has been substantially revised to focus on the practical information required for GMDSS operations in Australian waters, rather than serving as a textbook for GMDSS training courses. It replaces the previous, 11th edition published in January 2018. Continue reading “AMSA issues updated GMDSS Handbook”

New UK maritime syllabus review to keep pace with modern technologies and practices

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New UK maritime syllabus review to keep pace with modern technologies and practices
New UK maritime syllabus review to keep pace with modern technologies and practices

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has launched a new rolling review of the UK maritime syllabus to ensure high-quality and up-to-date training.

Backing has been secured for five-yearly revisions of the UK syllabus that training centres must teach students to learn up-to-date skills for safe and successful employment at sea.

Future changes to the syllabus, which has been taught in a newly revised version since September 2025, will be reflected in the recently launched electronic Training Record Books (eTRBs) and digital assessments. Continue reading “New UK maritime syllabus review to keep pace with modern technologies and practices”

IIMS extends its ISO 9001:2015 certification

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IIMS extends its ISO 9001:2015 certification
IIMS extends its ISO 9001:2015 certification

ISO 9001 is the world’s leading standard for a Quality Management System (QMS). Created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), it gives businesses a framework to consistently meet customer expectations, follow rules, and improve their work over time. Millions of organisations around the world have met the standard and have been certified.

In 2025 following a lengthy period of preparing the business for an ISO 9001 external audit by DNV, IIMS gained ISO 9001:2015 certification with a scope of ‘Training services in marine surveying’. There were no major and no minor findings recorded at that initial audit. Continue reading “IIMS extends its ISO 9001:2015 certification”

Cargo fire initiative examines technology for earlier detection

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Cargo fire initiative examines technology for earlier detection
Cargo fire initiative examines technology for earlier detection

Cargo fires and cargo loss remain major safety challenges for the maritime industry. Although vessel design, onboard safety systems and cargo-handling practices have improved, detecting a fire inside a container at an early stage remains difficult.

Fires can develop unnoticed within individual containers before conventional detection systems are able to identify them, potentially allowing an incident to escalate. The consequences can include loss of life, serious vessel damage, pollution, cargo losses and disruption to maritime trade. Continue reading “Cargo fire initiative examines technology for earlier detection”

Report into the Impacts of GNSS Interference on Maritime Safety published

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Report into the Impacts of GNSS Interference on Maritime Safety published
Report into the Impacts of GNSS Interference on Maritime Safety published

The Impacts of GNSS Interference on Maritime Safety Report is a special report by the Royal Institute of Navigation (RIN) Maritime GNSS Interference Working Group revealing the impacts of GNSS Interference in the Maritime sector. Survey data was compiled from over 100 sector experts and 300 vessel Captains, supported by interviews with dozens of people involved in the operations and supply chain of vessels that regularly encounter GNSS interference.

GNSS interference refers to anything that disrupts a ship’s satellite-based positioning signals usually caused by: Jamming: blocking or overwhelming the satellite signals with noise so the receiver can’t get a position at all; or spoofing: feeding the receiver false satellite signals so it reports a wrong position that looks legitimate. Continue reading “Report into the Impacts of GNSS Interference on Maritime Safety published”

Guidance published on installing lithium-ion batteries to assist boaters

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New guidance for boaters about installing lithium-ion batteries
New guidance for boaters about installing lithium-ion batteries

The Cruising Association (CA) and the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) have jointly released new guidance to assist boaters in evaluating lithium-ion phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) service batteries.

Drafted by the CA’s Regulatory & Technical Services Group (RATS) and the IWA’s Sustainable Boat Group, the advice addresses the shift from traditional lead-acid units to LiFePO4 chemistry. The guidance stresses that switching to LiFePO4 and safe integration requires precise system design, comprehensive planning, and potential upgrades to onboard electrical infrastructure as well as a detailed understanding of the technology. Continue reading “Guidance published on installing lithium-ion batteries to assist boaters”

DNV on IMO III 12

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DNV on IMO III 12
DNV on IMO III 12

The 12th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III 12) took place in July.

The Sub-Committee initiated the comprehensive revision of the guidelines on the implementation of the ISM Code by Administrations and companies, continued updates to the “Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC)”, advanced work on harmonization of Port State Control (PSC) activities, and reviewed lessons learned from marine casualty investigations and DNV has shared a summary of this meeting. Continue reading “DNV on IMO III 12”

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