Common Marine Inspection Document (CMID) and Marine Inspection for Small Workboats (MISW): Vessel inspector accreditation scheme update
FAQ
- How do I become an accredited vessel inspector? Individuals can apply to become an AVI by completing the application form found on the CMID Inspectors’ website at cmidvesselinspectors.com. Instructions in how to complete the form are included and IIMS also provides additional support where necessary to help prospective applicants complete the forms. The instructions explain what evidence is needed to accompany the application, as well as providing details on costs and the code of conduct which is a condition of acceptance to the scheme. IMCA and IIMS will also publish the dates of courses in their respective trade magazines and website news sites;
- Why do I need to send two copies of previous reports for each type of vessel I am applying for to IIMS? Without a work place assessment (impractical) or completing some sort of exam (not credible) the only way to address the industry demand for accreditation of inspectors was by looking at past performance history. To make the assessment of an individual’s vessel inspection CV as credible as possible the most obvious source of information was to look at inspection reports – CMID / MISW preferably but any other form of report record could be accepted. It was decided that 2 reports as a minimum for accreditation of general inspectors would provide the panel with the minimum level of data to make a judgement. This is not the only criteria looked at during the accreditation process and other information is used in the process. For the half dozen specialist endorsements needed for specific vessel types required by IMCA’s CMID Steering Committee, two reports for each type of endorsement are needed meaning a maximum of 12 reports for all specialist endorsements, which would also cover the general requirement;
- Who is the IIMS Accreditation Panel and what are their credentials for making judgement on my application? IIMS is a creditable trade association with a global footprint and an existing track record in accreditation of marine industry specialists. Among their members are a cohort of very experienced marine surveyors and indeed some of these are also experienced CMID inspectors. A number are applying for accreditation themselves and their applications will be dealt with in exactly the same manner as anyone else. There is absolutely no suggestion that IIMS perceive that they have superiority over the CMID vessel inspector community – rather they are peers with the necessary professional qualification and experience to make a judgement on the CV of people in the same industry;
- What happens if I don’t have any previous reports to send? Reports are not the Inspector’s, they belong to the Vessel Operator The use of previous reports as evidence of competence is the most useful way of demonstrating to the Accreditation Panel that the applicant has the necessary previous experience. However, this does not prevent the use of other verifiable evidence from being submitted and the Accreditation Panel will accept any other reasonable methods of demonstrating this;
- Completed CMIDs and MISW reports may contain sensitive information which vessel operators are unwilling to be released into the public domain and so how can I send any previous reports? Applicants should redact any information in reports which are considered by vessel operators to be confidential and the Accreditation Panel will accept such redacted reports because it is the process and evidence of inspection ability not the subject of the report which they are reviewing. Reports submitted can be destroyed by IIMS or returned as necessary, but in any case all applications are dealt with in the strictest confidence;
- We are a large inspection service company, how can we get all our inspectors accredited? IIMS is more than willing to arrange block courses for larger inspection concerns to facilitate the accreditation process. Such arrangements can include the conduct of Accreditation Courses and CMID Workshops at mutually agreed locations and dates;
- How do I as the manager of a team of inspectors get myself accredited? The scheme is aimed at those conducting vessel inspections on a frequent basis and is not designed to provide accreditation to those involved in the management of inspection services. Attendance by such persons at CMID Workshops is possible and in the future specific modules aimed at CMID inspection reviewers is being considered by IMCA.
Originally issued with the following reference(s): IMCA M 06/15, IMCA SEL 05/15
Information Note Details
Published date: 26 June 2015
Information note ID: 1277
Information Note Details
Published date: 26 June 2015
Information note ID: 1277
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