Well, it is not often that I find myself at the centre of the news, but so it seems this month. On my trip to Goa in September to participate in the IIMS Indian Conference, I met up with Nishit Doshi from Trader Magazine, who has closely followed the Institute’s progress over the past decade. We chatted, and I gave an exclusive interview to him. He was keen to know about my journey over the past decade, leadership ethos, and how IIMS continues to evolve and remain relevant amid sweeping changes across the maritime industry. Reading Nishit’s words of introduction to the interview was humbling (and much appreciated) indeed.
At the same event, Nishit also spoke earnestly with the current IIMS President, Capt Ruchin Dayal FIIMS, about leadership, technology, and his vision for a more connected, future-ready IIMS.
I hope you might choose to read the interviews and if so, just click here.
I recommend the latest Report Magazine, edition 114, which was published today. It is another fine blend of hard technical information, incident and accident reports, and a range of quality stories and feature articles. See elsewhere in this news bulletin for how to access and read the magazine. And if you are keen to read about the inside track of life at IIMS this year, do have a read of my Review of the Year article. 2025 has been a highly successful year for the Institute on many levels. In particular, I am delighted to have met so many members this past year on my travels. Impeccable hospitality and warm welcomes afforded me wherever I have been will live long in my memory.
Last month, on behalf of the Maritime Professional Council of the UK, we published ‘Lithium-ion batteries: What we know so far’, which my colleague Frances Birkett and I co -authored. It can be downloaded here. If there is one thing that has clogged up my inbox all year long, it is lithium-ion batteries! Many surveyors I speak with are so concerned about how little they know or understand. The aim of this publication was never to take a deep dive into the chemistry, although this is important. Nor was it designed to make a surveyor an instant expert in lithium-ion battery technology, for it is complex. It was more about sharing some high-profile case studies and giving people further information and links to guidance to enable them to learn more. The learning curve is a steep one.
Continuing on the same subject, you may recall that recently I hinted that IIMS had commissioned some extensive training on lithium-ion batteries. I am delighted to say that work is now complete, and the course material is ready for study. The four-module course runs for about 10/12 hours in total and can be studied at your convenience. It comprises the following:
– Module 1: Lithium Battery Chemistry & Structure
– Module 2: Safety & Installation of Lithium Batteries
– Module 3: Maintenance & Electrical Installation
– Module 4: Surveying & Inspections
There are very few specialists operating in this field, but David and Magda O’Neill are at the top of their game. It is they whom I turned to when putting this training together.
The modules are all available to study remotely in your own time and can be accessed directly via the IIMS On-Demand Training Portal.
In the past few weeks, I have announced a few important changes to the IIMS team structure. It is not a major restructure as such, rather a reflection that some of the team’s job titles did not reflect either their day-to-day work responsibilities, or their seniority within the organisation. So, in no particular order, Jen Argent becomes Head of Finance. Camella Robertson becomes General Manager. Rachel Moores is now Membership Secretary. I have also invited David Parsons, who heads up the IIMS Certifying Authority, to join our internal management team with effect from 1 January 2026.
And finally, given that the Christmas holidays are just around the corner, if you celebrate the festivities, may I be one of the first to wish you all the best for a safe and peaceful holiday period and good fortune in 2026.
Happy New Year : Frohes Neues Jahr : Bonne année : Feliz Año Nuevo : Buon Anno : Mutlu yıllar : Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku : Gelukkig Nieuwjaar : Godt nytt år : Eftikhisméno to néo étos : Selamat Tahun Baru.
Survey well.
Mike Schwarz