Membership Levels*

*None of these levels of membership entitle individuals to conduct surveys on behalf of the SCMS. See Becoming an SCMS Examiner/Surveyor.

The following classes of Membership are available:

Fellow (FCMS)

The highest award of membership at the SCMS. By nomination and membership election, a member who has been part of the SCMS for more than three years, is amongst the most experienced and knowledgeable professionals in the industry and has been in senior management in a shipping company or survey company. Individual Members of the Society can also take advantage of the FEMAS Membership.

Member (MCMS)

Open to qualified marine engineers, electro-technologists, naval architects, master mariners and other related disciplines based on qualifications and experience in the marine field. This includes Class surveyors, marine superintendents, marine consultants and similar. Full-time professional two-year work experience is essential for becoming a Member. Individual Members of the Society can also take advantage of the FEMAS Membership.

Associate Member (AMCMS)

Any person who having appropriate qualifications approaching those required for admission to membership, interested in the Society, but have less than two years full time experience. Individual Members of the Society also have the opportunity to take advantage of the FEMAS Membership.

These levels of membership are separate from examiner or surveyor status and will need to be applied for and considered separately.

Additional Terms

Non-Practicing – Used in addition to Member or Fellow when the person retires from the profession.

Honorary – Bestowed upon long serving Members or Fellows after a significant contribution to the organisation. 

Life – A historical title awarded to Members or Fellows who were long standing in the organisation and made a significant contribution to the SCMS.

Membership activities

The Society offers the following services and benefits to its members:

·       Discounted rates on courses, insurance and products.

·       Opportunities for informal meetings to network and discuss a variety of relevant subjects;

·       Occasional buffet lectures and workshops on a diversity of pertinent and interesting current topics;

·       Endorse the membership's requirement for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) on a worldwide basis and provide formal attendance confirmation certificates related to member's approved CPD activities;

·       Support and mentoring for member surveyors who wish to become MCA Code Examiners for vessels required to comply with the Small Vessel Codes;

·       An opportunity to become a member of our linked organisation The Federation of European Maritime Association of Surveyors and Consultants (FEMAS);

What the Membership asks of you

The SCMS requires that all members regardless of level make themselves familiar with the SCMS Articles and Bye-laws and adhere to these alongside the branding guidance. The membership must uphold the highest standards in all their practices especially when representing the SCMS. Any behaviour that does not fit with this code of conduct will result in an investigation by the SCMS and could result in the removal of the SCMS membership. 

Becoming a member of the SCMS Council

In order to be voted onto the SCMS Council a member is either required to hold the membership level of Fellow and request to join, or they are able to be co-opted as a Member. In both cases the member would be required to be voted onto the Council through a council meeting and a recorded vote. Any co-opted member does not have the right to vote on council matters.