Registered Marine Coatings Inspector Classification
In September 2014, a new classification was launched with the birth of the Registered Marine Coatings Inspector (RMCI) Classification. A small group of superyacht coatings industry experts and practitioners came together on the UK South Coast to pilot and test the new RMCI course. The project, originally the brainchild of Tony Rice (ICOMIA Secretary-General at the time) and the late Peter Morgan (a corrosion expert and past President of the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS)), has grown substantially. And so the qualification and new standard were born. Since its launch, well over 200 inspectors have successfully achieved the standard, many of whom have revalidated their qualifications at five-yearly intervals.
The programme was instigated by the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), working with the IIMS (the awarding body), which manages the programme. The SuperYacht Builders Association (SYBAss) and paint heavyweights, AkzoNobel, became stakeholders. The course, the qualification and the certification system were developed in response to the request from these bodies and the industry sector at large, all of whom perceived problems relating to the coatings projects in this multi-million dollar niche sector.
Until the RMCI qualification was developed and launched, there were no specific qualifications or recognition for marine coatings inspectors. There are, of course, NACE, FROSIO and ICorr qualifications that touch upon the marine industry, but nothing dedicated directly to those involved with mega yachts, superyachts and large pleasure vessels.
Originally designed as a five-day residential course, the development and success of remote learning via the internet have necessitated a rethink following the pandemic. Delegates are required to study specially prepared pre-course webinars and then attend a physical location over four days, which includes all examinations.
Some of the areas that are presented and discussed during the course include:
What is the role of the marine coatings Inspector?
• To contribute to driving forward quality by providing advice on coatings selection, application and performance levels.
• To act as an advocate in detailed technical discussions.
• To inspect and monitor the process and environment during coating projects.
• To identify defects in coating systems by carrying out detailed surveys.
• To provide clients with an independent inspection of coating defects and damage.
Who does a marine coatings Inspector work for?
• Clients (boat owners or their representatives)
• Paint companies
• Insurance companies
• Boat yards
• Ship builders
SYBAss member shipyards, the paint companies, repair and refit yards and coating facilities worldwide recognise the standard and will, in many cases, only accept Inspectors into their facilities who have achieved RMCI status. It is in the interests of all marine coating inspectors to encourage their colleagues to undertake the course, not only to raise the standards of inspection in the industry generally but to standardise reporting and to ensure that the highest levels of independence are maintained.
For more information, visit the dedicated RMCI website.
Yacht Coatings Technical Insight course
The RMCI Classification family was further extended in 2023 with the launch of the two-day Yacht Coatings Technical Insight Course (YCTI). The aim of this programme is to upskill those who are involved with, or who touch, the large yacht and superyacht coatings business, but who do not need to become paint experts in their own right.
There are current market challenges for newbuild shipyards and refit yards caused by increased demand, reduced timescales, poorly qualified workforces, and the mounting cost of complaints and litigation. The YCTI course tackles those issues head-on.
In brief, this course sets out to:
– Provide a greater understanding of coatings in the large and superyacht market
– Improve the management of coatings projects
– Improve communication and relationships
– Reduce complaints for all parties
– Support all those involved in the coating project.