Report comment tips for yacht and small craft marine surveyors

Yacht on the sea
Yacht on the sea

IIMS is often asked by members how much depth and detail they should give when preparing their reports and what should have been inspected and reported on. Remember, you will have carried out a forensic inspection when surveying the vessel, so it is important that your final written report accurately and factually reflects what you have seen. And always write your report in the past tense. The advice below is aimed towards yacht and small craft marine surveyors

So, here is a helpful guide for yacht and small craft marine surveyors with some suggested useful phrases to include in your reports. Continue reading “Report comment tips for yacht and small craft marine surveyors”

Consultation on changes to requirements for through hull openings following flooding incident

Cayman Islands Registry issue safety alert
Cayman Islands Registry issue safety alert

The Cayman Islands Shipping Registry (CISR), on behalf of the Red Ensign Group (REG), has released an urgent safety flyer to the yachting industry following a serious flooding incident caused by the hull openings involving a commercially operated 375 GT motor yacht during a routine personal watercraft (PWC) recovery.

The incident occurred during calm sea conditions but escalated rapidly when the vessel, engaged in water sports operations, was struck by a series of large, unexpected waves. At the time, the transom and port side shell doors were open, and the yacht had developed a port list due to lifting operations. The sudden water ingress overwhelmed the bilge system, disabled the hydraulics, and rendered the shell doors inoperable, ultimately forcing the vessel’s Master to beach the yacht to prevent capsize. No injuries or environmental damage occurred thanks to decisive onboard actions. Continue reading “Consultation on changes to requirements for through hull openings following flooding incident”

Introducing the history of ceramic coatings

A man spraying ceramic coating on a yacht
A man spraying ceramic coating on a yacht

Ceramic coatings, or to give them their full and correct technical name, Polysilazanes, were introduced into the superyacht sector in the early years of the 21st century, as a transparent, durable protective coating.

Many industrial coating applications of Polysilazanes in their various formulations are well documented and researched. In the plastics and composites industry they were developed and utilised as a release agent for moulds. Most homes are familiar with them as a nonstick coating for pans and knives. In the superyacht industry they were introduced as a surface paint protection, after being used as an anti-graffiti paint for trains in Northern Europe. They are renowned for their high adhesion to most substrates, and their excellent anti- adherent properties. They are also extremely hard, cure well at low temperatures, and have excellent chemical crosslinking that ensures high chemical and thermal stability. Continue reading “Introducing the history of ceramic coatings”

Understanding hull fouling with Britannia P&I Club

Britannia P&I Club logoBritannia P&I Club has published loss prevention guidance on the consequences that need to be considered regarding hull fouling.

Hull fouling refers to a condition when marine organisms such as barnacles, algae, and mussels attach themselves to a ship’s underwater hull surface area. When operating in tropical or seasonal tropical waters the higher temperatures and sunlight provide ideal conditions for the rapid growth of marine organisms, particularly when the ship is stationary at anchorage for a longer period. Furthermore, during seasonal tropical periods, ocean currents transport nutrients from deeper waters to the surface in coastal areas, promoting the growth of photosynthetic organisms. Continue reading “Understanding hull fouling with Britannia P&I Club”

Streamlining PSC inspections through AI-powered approach

A ship sailing at sunset - PSC inspections
A ship sailing at sunset

Port State Control (PSC) inspections are a fact of life in the maritime world — and they’re getting tougher. With rising detention rates, unpredictable inspection criteria, and mounting pressure on crew performance, preparing for a PSC visit can feel like navigating a minefield, says Kaiko Systems.

In 2024 alone, over 73,000 PSC inspections were conducted globally, with a growing detention rate now over 3%. For vessel operators, a failed inspection can mean costly detentions, delayed cargo, reputational damage, and a hit to operational performance. Continue reading “Streamlining PSC inspections through AI-powered approach”

What caught my eye: February 2025

Prince William set to help with the abandoned boats crises in England

Dead boat - February 2025In recent years, IIMS has published a number of articles about the growing problem of what to do with end-of-life boats and the challenges of recycling them. It remains a thorny subject and will be discussed in this edition of what caught my eye: February 2025.

But now it seems the problem comes with the seal of Royal approval. I have read that none other than Prince William, a future King of England, and his Duchy of Cornwall have pledged to address the issue of abandoned boats in rivers and harbours in England’s west country. Continue reading “What caught my eye: February 2025”

MB92 Group acquires superyacht coatings specialist Pinmar

MB92 Group has bought GYG Ltd., the company that trades under the Pinmar, Pinmar Yacht Supply and Technocraft brands
MB92 Group has bought GYG Ltd., the company that trades under the Pinmar, Pinmar Yacht Supply and Technocraft brands

Leading superyacht refit, repair, and maintenance company MB92 Group has bought GYG Ltd., the superyacht coatings specialist, service and supply company that trades under the Pinmar, Pinmar Yacht Supply and Technocraft brands. MB92 reports that all brands will continue to operate independently across Europe and the US.

MB92’s acquisition of GYG follows other strategic developments for the group including MB92 taking over the Golfe-Juan shipyard in the South of France in October 2024. Continue reading “MB92 Group acquires superyacht coatings specialist Pinmar”

WRF issues Yacht Environmental Transparency Index

The Yacht Environmental Transparency Index (YETI) is an industry-developed tool designed to benchmark yachts against a target reference line
The Yacht Environmental Transparency Index (YETI) is an industry-developed tool designed to benchmark yachts against a target reference line

The Water Revolution Foundation has issued an open letter called ‘Yacht Environmental Transparency Index’ outlining four recommendations to help foster more sustainable practices in the superyacht sector. These recommendations – billed as ‘yachting resolutions’ for 2025 – are aimed at yacht owners and family offices.

The Water Revolution Foundation was started from within the superyacht industry to help the industry reduce its footprint. It is an independent Dutch legal entity called a ‘stichting’, which is “an institution aiming to achieve a certain goal”. The foundation’s recommendations are as follows: Continue reading “WRF issues Yacht Environmental Transparency Index”

Red Ensign Group (REG) Yacht Code update

REG Yacht Code update has been revised
REG Yacht Code update has been revised

The Red Ensign Group has released an update for its revised Red Ensign Group (REG) Yacht Code. The revised code, which came into force this July, marked the first major update since 2019 after extensive consultation in the industry. This Code of Practice outlines the essential safety standards and pollution prevention measures tailored to various yacht sizes and types. Now the REG has published further Continue reading “Red Ensign Group (REG) Yacht Code update”

Mental health struggles amongst yacht crew highlighted in ISWAN YachtCrewHelp 2023 Annual Review

The ISWAN YachtCrewHelp 2023 Annual Review highlights growing mental health issues for yacht crew
The ISWAN YachtCrewHelp 2023 Annual Review highlights growing mental health issues for yacht crew

Data from the ISWAN YachtCrewHelp 2023 Annual Review indicates that yacht crew were more likely to contact ISWAN in relation to mental health concerns or experiences of abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence (ABHDV) than seafarers working in other maritime industries, particularly merchant shipping.

In 2023, the proportion of contacts relating to ABHDV on YachtCrewHelp was more than double the level received by SeafarerHelp, accounting for 7.3% of all issues raised compared to 3.1% on SeafarerHelp. Women were more than five times more likely to report an Continue reading “Mental health struggles amongst yacht crew highlighted in ISWAN YachtCrewHelp 2023 Annual Review”

World Boating Day initiative unveiled by The Superyacht Life Foundation

World Boating Day initiative unveiled by The Superyacht Life Foundation
World Boating Day initiative unveiled by The Superyacht Life Foundation

World Boating Day, an initiative from The Superyacht Life Foundation, has unveiled further details of the project following its launch at the Monaco Yacht Show 2023.

With the aim of opening the doors of introducing and educating the wider public on what boating is, The Superyacht Life Foundation says World Boating Day is a unique, global experience which will bring industry professionals and the public together on an unprecedented scale in a celebration of everything boating and everything that the industry behind it offers.

To date 15 superyacht builders and one marina have pre-registered for the inaugural event, which will take place on the weekend of 25-26 May 2024. Continue reading “World Boating Day initiative unveiled by The Superyacht Life Foundation”

ICOMIA launches essential new Paint Colour Guide: Yacht Coating Technical Guidelines

New from ICOMIA - the Paint Colour Guide: Yacht Coating Technical Guidelines
New from ICOMIA – the Paint Colour Guide: Yacht Coating Technical Guidelines

The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) has produced a Paint Colour Guide: Yacht Coating Technical Guidelines as a result of their work with leading yacht coating manufacturers including Akzo Nobel, Hempel, Boero, CMP Chugoku and specialist coating consultants the Safinah Group.

The guide has been produced by ICOMIA members, for their members and the wider marine sector, in conjunction with industry technical experts including yacht paint surveyors, inspectors, chemists and formulators. It aims to provide clear, objective industry guidance on the use of paint colours and yacht coatings.

The days of yachts being painted only with the typical blue hulls and white superstructures are long gone. Continue reading “ICOMIA launches essential new Paint Colour Guide: Yacht Coating Technical Guidelines”

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