What caught my eye: July 2026

“Fore”: Floating golf target system enhances on-water golf experience

Oh, the ingenuity of it all. Whatever next? On-water golf, it seems!

RoboBuoy, the marine robotics company behind the MarkSetBot autonomous sailing mark system, is seeing increasing adoption of its GolfShotBot floating golf target. This ingenious floating, self-propelled golf target system is increasingly being deployed across major international golf championships, including the U.S. Open, Ryder Cup and Senior PGA Championship. Continue reading “What caught my eye: July 2026”

Rigs, Masts and Sails: What surveyors need to know

Rigs, Masts and Sails: What surveyors need to know
Rigs, Masts and Sails: What surveyors need to know

A group of 20 marine surveyors gathered at the Seldén Mast Gosport facility in late June on one of the hottest days in the UK. Their mission? To learn about the work and manufacturing process that Seldén Mast conducts from their facility. Under the expert guidance of Richard Thoroughgood, supported by Technical Director Andy, and their colleague Zoe, the group were treated to an in-depth tour of the works. A number of masts were available for inspection and those who attended votes the morning session a great success. IIMS would like to put on record their thanks to Richard and his colleagues at Seldén Mast for accommodating and hosting us. Continue reading “Rigs, Masts and Sails: What surveyors need to know”

Royal honour for yachtsman, author and IIMS Honorary Fellow, Ian Nicolson

Royal honour for yachtsman, author and IIMS Honorary Fellow, Ian Nicolson
Royal honour for yachtsman, author and IIMS Honorary Fellow, Ian Nicolson

News has reached the IIMS head office about a prestigious Royal award that has recently been given to the Institute’s oldest member. Ian Nicolson is still surveying, winning races and writing books at the grand old age of 97.

Ian, who lives in Cove, Scotland, will receive an MBE after being included in the King’s Birthday Honours List last month.

And, just last month, he won the CYCA two-handed class at the Scottish Series on Loch Fyne and has since competed again in the Round Bute Race, partnered by a relative youngster aged just 80. An expert in surveying, yacht design and restoration, he has published 27 books (including several handy guides through IIMS) and is still writing. Continue reading “Royal honour for yachtsman, author and IIMS Honorary Fellow, Ian Nicolson”

IIMS exhibits at Seawork 2026

IIMS has exhibited at Seawork for many years and works in collaboration with the show organisers as a media partner. The 2026 edition of the exhibition proved to be the most productive ever for the Institute. The IIMS team took it in turns to man the stand across the three days from 9 to 11 June. In recent years, IIMS has taken a booth on the shared stand as part of the Workboat Association’s space.

IIMS exhibits at Seawork 2026

IIMS AGM 2026

The IIMS AGM was held on Tuesday 2 June 2026. Members of the management board in the office were joined by nearly 80 online members (and others) as well as the IIMS head office team. 28 apologies were received.

IIMS CEO, Mike Schwarz, anchored proceedings from Murrills House as he hosted his twelfth AGM.

Mike gave a comprehensive presentation and overview of the work of the IIMS, including behind the scenes analysis of the many activities the Institute is now engaged with.

IIMS AGM 2026

CEO blog: June 2026

Palma Cathedral provides an inspirational backdrop
Palma Cathedral provides an inspirational backdrop

When I first took up my role as CEO all those years ago, it never dawned on me that I would make so many good and lasting business friendships with many IIMS members. But at last month’s Western Mediterranean Large Yacht & Small Craft working group, held at Palma, Mallorca, it was like being back amongst ‘old’ friends, and it was great to catch up with familiar faces!

This working group meets annually and has been doing so for many years, and although the attendees are usually recognisable individuals, with a few newbies turning up, there is always so much to talk about and share, as was the case this time. This networking and its importance, bringing surveyors together, Continue reading “CEO blog: June 2026”

Mike Proudlove takes over as IIMS President

Mike Proudlove (left) accepting the President's medal from IIMS CEO, Mike Schwarz, at the 2026 AGM
Mike Proudlove (left) accepting the President’s medal from IIMS CEO, Mike Schwarz, at the 2026 AGM

At the IIMS Annual General Meeting, broadcast live from the Institute’s headquarters on Tuesday 2 June, long-standing member, Mike Proudlove FIIMS, took over as the next President. He will serve a two-year term.

In handing over the reins to Mike, the outgoing President, Capt Ruchin Dayal, gave a passionate final address from his Goa location as he spoke to an audience of nearly 100 members and other interested parties (in-person and online). He said how honoured he has been to have carried out the role of IIMS President and offered some highlights of his time in office, one being last year’s high-profile Goa Continue reading “Mike Proudlove takes over as IIMS President”

Announcement of three IIMS honours

Joel Lloyd Pinheiro awarded a Fellowship

Joel Lloyd Pinheiro
Joel Lloyd Pinheiro

Joel Lloyd Pinheiro has made a significant and demonstrable contribution to the marine industry over a career spanning nearly two decades, combining seagoing engineering experience with extensive professional practice as a marine surveyor and consultant.

Joel’s reports are recognised for their technical depth, clarity and impartiality. In addition, he has contributed to the industry through knowledge sharing, mentoring and speaking at IIMS and industry events, thereby enhancing professional standards and standards of Continue reading “Announcement of three IIMS honours”

Sisters run virtual TCS London Marathon in support of Sailors’ Society

Finishing in under six hours, IIMS member Catherine Linley ran the virtual TCS London Marathon MyWay in support of Sailors’ Society – IIMS’ chosen charity.

Two women in running gear smiling and holding a TCS London Marathon MyWay banner on a sunny, grassy area with blue skies.
Catherine Linley and her sister, Hilary, ran the virtual TCS London Marathon MyWay 2026.

Catherine first contacted the maritime charity to take part in the event on their behalf after hearing about it via IIMS. She went on to complete the event with her sister, Hilary, by running along the Linear Trail and the beaches of Adelaide in “glorious weather”.

Despite managing injuries in the lead up to the day, the sisters supported each other to the finish line where they were swept up by family members.

Catherine said she was proud of their effort but was acutely aware of the privilege wrapped around it. Continue reading “Sisters run virtual TCS London Marathon in support of Sailors’ Society”

CEO blog: May 2026

Recently, I attended the annual Certifying Authority BCC meeting at the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) in Southampton, which drew about 40 attendees. All the UK Certifying Authorities and the Recognised Organisations were represented and present. We were joined by senior and key MCA personnel and others from the Jersey and Cayman Islands registries. For the large part, it was business as usual as the regulator announced new initiatives, interpretations and to give a general news update on a series of policies and ongoing work behind the scenes. Continue reading “CEO blog: May 2026”

What caught my eye: May 2026

Sauna culture comes to the Connecticut coast

This is not the first time that floating sauna stories have come to my attention, so clearly, you can see I am fascinated by this concept. It is just, well, so whacky!

As we all know, sauna bathing is a centuries-old tradition in Scandinavia that’s closely tied to the outdoor lifestyle. Peter Boldt, an architectural designer based in Cos Cob, Connecticut, was first introduced to sauna culture when he lived in Sweden. Years later, during the pandemic, Boldt and his wife were looking for a project Continue reading “What caught my eye: May 2026”

CEO Blog: April 2026

It troubles me once again that I feel the need to start this month’s column by raising the topic of lithium-ion battery fires, especially as the story I want to share with you is a land-based one that happened recently, and not a maritime disaster. You may know of my keen interest in this technology and the challenges surrounding it. The incident I want to speak about, and share with you, is a massive fire in the Scottish city of Glasgow. A major fire broke out in a vape shop adjacent to the city’s main railway station. Over the coming hours, the fire Continue reading “CEO Blog: April 2026”

Instagram Posts from the IIMS @iimsmarine

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