After some months of preparation and development, IIMS has launched a new four-module course dedicated to the subject of lithium batteries, one of the most talked about and misunderstood topics in the marine surveying profession right now.
The course has been authored by leading lithium-ion battery experts David and Magda O’Neill, who are based at akuPalma in Mallorca. The course digs deep into the chemistry, as well as assessing how to survey and inspect installations of lithium batteries.
IIMS CEO, Mike Schwarz said, “My inbox has been jammed with surveyors asking about lithium batteries all year. There is such a lack of understanding on this topic and no-one is sure where to turn for advice and training. As the months rolled by, I became more and more frustrated at the lack of specific training on lithium batteries.
“Turning to David and Magda, who have presented on lithium batteries at IIMS events before, and tapping into their expert knowledge, was a natural step and I am delighted with what they have created.
“The course is technical and I am not certain we can make a general marine surveyor an expert overnight. But those who choose to study this material will gain a significant insight into the technology, coupled with the confidence and knowledge to enable them to understand what they are inspecting to know if it is a good or a bad installation.
“Education is key for not only professional marine surveyors, but also for their clients. I am delighted that IIMS has been able to take a lead by delivering this important training.”
Here’s what the course entails.
Modules
Part 1: Lithium Battery Chemistry and Structure h3
An introduction to the products in the lithium battery family, including the chemistry, physical build and differences in their properties.
This module covers:
- Different battery chemistries, strengths and weaknesses.
- Fire risk and propagation explained.
- Introduction to BMS systems and different yacht battery formats.
- Introduction to low voltage and high voltage systems.
- C-ratings explained.
Part 2: Safety and Installation of Lithium Batteries h3
Lithium battery safety and important installation differences. This module looks into Battery Management System function and the architecture around the BMS. You will also learn how to design an installation to maximise function and minimize risk.
This module covers:
- Typical integrated lithium system solutions for differing vessels.
- What can the BMS control and how does it affect safety?
- Comparison between physical and Mosfet isolation systems. Pros and cons.
- Pre-charge explained, how and why.
- Fuses and AIC rating.
- Lithium batteries and the importance of safety control architecture.
- The difference between classic and modern vessel core electrical concept.
- Different battery packs styles and abilities.
- Marine vs residential products and their weaknesses.
- Importance of Alternator control systems.
- Various battery core installation logics.
- Cell balancing. Parallel and Series battery packs.
- The transition to `Redundant´ battery systems.
- Containment, IP ratings and firefighting.
Part 3: Maintenance and Electrical Installation h3
The vast majority of fires on vessels with lithium batteries originate from the installation around the batteries, not directly from the battery itself. This module aims to give you the knowledge on how to recognise a good, well installed system, when to call for guidance from expert installers, or when to just say no.
This module covers:
- Risk of electrical fire vs battery chemistry induced fire.
- Different cable terminals and crimping methods.
- Good, clean system vs bad installations and ‘red flags’.
- Torque ranges and torque settings.
- The importance of thermal camera checks.
- HV cabling and cable terminals PowerLok and SurLok Plus type.
- Wiring sizes, 300A rules and redundant systems.
- Ventilation faults causing faults and failures.
- Various wiring faults with case study.
Part 4: Surveying and Inspections h3
This module covers surveying and inspections of lithium installations, including fine detailing of the lithium system design and how to interact with regulations. It also summarises the vessel risk factors and failures in real life.
This module covers:
- Various regulations and certifications and what they cover.
- Battery/installation information useful to collect before inspection.
- What do we need to check on the vessel depending on size, battery voltage and battery chemistry. When can you feel comfortable and when help of professional marine electricians with Lithium knowledge is required.
- Comparison of various European marine battery manufacture guidance for LFP and NMC.
- Information regarding MGN550, ISO 23625 (small craft Lithium-ion Batteries) and MGN 681 (small craft storage).
- Basic inspection guidelines for LFP and NMC batteries.
- Various battery types and communication systems, and how to recognize them in real life.
- Balancing communication guidelines.
- Summary of 300A rule and useful crib sheets regarding cable sizes.
- More information regarding alternator control.
- Ventilation and environmental requirements of various equipment.
- Basic guidelines regarding use of thermal cameras during electrical inspections and possible issues of the vessel’s fixed installations.
- Case study: electrical canal boat explosion in August 2025 and photos from sister ship.
- Lithium fire.
- Toys on board.
Duration
This course will take between 10-12 hours to complete. The training material and content is provided in video, meaning you can study in your own time and at your own convenience. There is an assessment option available for each module too.
Fees
Each module costs £150 each, or the whole course (all four modules) is available to buy for just £500.
Find out more or sign up here