BACKGROUND HISTORY
HISTORICAL
In late 1919 a number of distinguished Marine Consultants in the UK considered that their profession would benefit from the creation of an appropriate professional Society to set standards and represent the active practitioners in the field. In March 1920 the Society was legally established as a professional body after the agreement of a Memorandum and Articles of Association.
The founders intended that it should be an association of experienced and established professionals who would be committed to the pursuit of excellence in the execution of their professional expertise. The Society represents an identifiable source of expertise and experience in maritime affairs through the high quality of its membership.
current
The professional work of the Society's members covers the full scope of Marine Consultancy, including:
Hull, machinery and commodity surveys
Stowage and securing of cargoes
Condition and On-hire/Off-hire surveys
Marine safety and operational reviews
New building plan approval
New construction supervision
Stability approvals
Tonnage measurements
Instructions from P&I clubs
Technical advice to clients
Expert witness services to the legal profession
Service to average adjusters and underwriters for hull, machinery and cargo
Examiners for Certifying Authorities of the MCA (Small Vessel Codes, Fishing Vessels)
AIMS and Objectives
The Society of Consulting Marine Engineers & Ship Surveyors was founded to provide a central organisation for Consulting Marine Engineers, Naval Architects and Ship Surveyors. The aims and objectives of the Society include:
The provision of a central organisation for those engaged in technical maritime affairs.
The supervision, promotion and protection of the mutual interests of the Society's members.
To encourage improved methods of surveying and drawing up of reports in line with developments and technology.
To improve and foster in commercial circles a higher sense of importance of ship and engine surveys and to encourage a greater degree of efficiency in those engaged in the same.
To provide opportunities for discussion amongst members and to give facilities for the reading of papers, the delivery of lectures and for the acquisition and dissemination, by other means, of useful information connected with the profession.
One of the principal objectives of the Society has been to ensure that its members have both the academic qualifications and the practical experience necessary for the proper execution of the professional services they offer. This objective is secured by requiring applicants for membership to submit a detailed CV and application form. The application is required to be supported and sponsored by two Members or Fellows of the Society having personal knowledge of the applicant. All applicants are approved by the Society's Council which is the final arbiter in the process.
CERTIFYING Authority Activities
The Society is an appointed UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Certifying Authority for the following:
Commercial vessels under 24 metres length. These are vessels that are required to comply with the Small Vessel Codes.
Certification
Stability / Construction approval
Annual Retention
Tonnage Measurement
Maritime Labour Convention
Fitness for Purpose Certificate
Fishing Vessels in the following main services:
Newbuild Surveys of New Fishing Vessels of less than 15m LOA
Pre-Registration Surveys for Fishing Vessels <24m RL
Plan Approval of Construction and Outfit Arrangement for New Fishing Vessels of less then 15m LOA
Plan Approval and Survey for New and Existing Fishing Vessels less than 15m Length Overall Subject to Modification
Simplified Stability Verification for New Fishing Vessels <12m RL
Tonnage Measurement for Fishing Vessels <24m RL
Witnessing of Draught Markings for New Fishing Vessels less than 15m LOA
Freeboard Verification for New Fishing Vessels under 12m RL
Audit of Builder’s Premises for Builders of Vessels less than 15m LOA
The Society also actively participates in the various MCA working parties and their policy for delegation of statutory surveys and certification.
The Society has surveyors in many different countries worldwide who are available to carry out Small Vessel Code surveys/ Fishing Vessel surveys and advise owners on how to meet any relevant Code requirements. Members who have the appropriate qualifications, expertise and experience can apply to become an Examiner of Code vessels and Fishing Vessels via the SCMS.
