News Bulletins

View the August news bulletin in full: IIMS News Bulletin August 2022 (pdf format) or click to read it in eReader format.

I had the pleasure of going on survey with Chairman of Standards, Paul Homer, last month. We were joined by some of the more recent recruits to the IIMS head office team – Vicki Loizides, Rachel Moores and Rosie Webb – at a yard on the River Hamble in Hampshire. Over the years, we have found it has been beneficial to take new members of the team, especially those with limited marine knowledge, on a dummy survey to give them a flavour of the life of a marine surveyor and the challenges they face in their day-to-day work. Whenever I find myself in such circumstances, my respect is always heightened for the surveying profession and those who are engaged in it.

I am often invited to get involved with a myriad of events and activities associated with the marine world. Some I politely decline whilst others I engage with. So, I am pleased to inform you that on 30 September, I am cochairing and hosting the first session of a closed event entitled “Advancing Ship Technology Autonomy – moving the discourse from ‘disruption’ to ‘enablement’ and the upgrade of human capabilities in the digital era.” Watch for more details.

View the July news bulletin in full: IIMS News Bulletin July 2022 (pdf format) or click to read it in eReader format.

Have you ever wondered why incidents seem to come in clusters and often by type? I have. It is a strange phenomenon and one that I have no idea how to explain. Recently there were several enclosed space accidents hitting the news in quick succession with deaths to report. Then there was a spate of incidents within days of each other involving containers flying from ships into the seas. In some cases, it was just a handful, but in others, much larger numbers were reported. And now, there has been a cluster of devastating fires, both at sea and on shore that have hit the headlines in recent weeks resulting in multiple deaths. Those who know me well know I find maritime-related tragedies on an industrial scale both shocking and hard to understand at times. As ever, my sympathies lie with the families of those who have lost loved ones.

On a lighter note, I am delighted to welcome South Korean based Peter Broad FIIMS as your new President. He formally took up his post during the AGM on 7th June following the changing of the guard as Geoff Waddington came to the end of his two-year term. You can read more about the AGM and see some photos elsewhere in the bulletin.

View the June news bulletin in full: IIMS News Bulletin June 2022 (pdf format) or click to read it in eReader format.

It is that time of the year when my mind concentrates fully on the Annual General Meeting, being held on Tuesday 7th June. At this event we will be formally saying goodbye to current President, Geoff Waddington, and welcoming Peter Broad for his two-year term. The most challenging backdrop imaginable called Covid has not overshadowed Geoff’s presidency, nor has he let it. He has done a great job and has even dubbed himself the ‘President of Zoom’ due to his inability to appear at face-to-face events. My Chief Executive Officer’s report is available and can be read on the AGM page on the website and reports from Directors and others will appear there in the coming days.

The Report Magazine has officially turned 100 today with the publication of the hundredth edition, June 2022. This is a significant milestone in the history of the title and one I am proud to be associated with. I am delighted at how the publication has developed since I have been editor. I am grateful to all those who have contributed willingly over the years which has helped to make the magazine what it is today. Follow the link and choose to read the Report Magazine in either pdf or eReader format.

View the May news bulletin in full: IIMS News Bulletin May 2022 (pdf format) or click to read it in eReader format.

Two of our own have hit the news headlines over the past month. I call Albert Weatherill ‘one of our own’, for he is one of the longest-standing IIMS members. These days he is Managing Director of Van Ameyde McAuslands. A couple of weeks ago Albert wrote an article that was instantly picked up by the shipping and boating press. He rightly argues that seized maritime assets could pose a “significant risk” to ports, harbours and marinas if there is no requirement to ensure mega yachts detained under sanction rules are not properly maintained, made safe, or deactivated and exposes the safety concerns. One wonders why no-one had thought to question what would happen when over 100 mega yachts are effectively impounded, seemingly in the blink of an eye.

The Institute’s 2022 Annual General Meeting is fast approaching. The online meeting will be broadcast live from Murrills House, Portchester at 14.00 on Tuesday 7th June. The meeting will be recorded and made available on the IIMS YouTube channel for viewing at a later date for those who are interested but cannot make the date.

View the news bulletin in full to continue reading: IIMS News Bulletin April 2022 (pdf format) or click to read it in eReader format.

Rarely am I lost for words, but I have found this month’s news bulletin introduction harder to compose than usual. You know full well why this is of course. My colleagues and I have been appalled at the situation developing in Ukraine, along with many other people around the world. The invasion has dominated the marine headlines, as well as the general news, for several weeks now – and rightly so, for it is the only news in town that matters currently.

On a different but related note, I have read some concerning articles about the likely impact on the superyacht sector, which experts are predicting is in for a gloomy period. Before war broke out the superyacht sector was a vibrant and hugely successful industry employing an estimated 250,000 in Europe alone. With economic sanctions now starting to bite, this is a trying time for those companies for whom superyacht new build and refit is their source of income.

View the news bulletin in full to continue reading: IIMS News Bulletin March 2022 (pdf format) or click to read it in eReader format.

The shipping and boating business is constantly evolving to meet new challenges and rarely sleeps for long, but changes happen quicker in some areas than others, yet sometimes not fast enough it appears. If you are wondering what I am going on about, you will read in this bulletin about the looming crisis facing the offshore wind sector.

The March Report Magazine – edition 99 – is published and available to read today in both pdf and/or eReader format. It is another edition packed with thought provoking features and articles that offer the reader not only a diverse mix of informative reading material, but some practical information and advice too.

I am pleased to welcome Rosie Webb to the IIMS head office team as Office & Web Administrator. You can read more about her in this bulletin. If you are reading this and are based in Australia, I should draw your attention to the public consultation of Australia’s Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety legislation which is now open.