Published 17 June 2019
There are over 450 Accredited Vessel Inspectors (AVIs) for the International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA) eCMID vessel inspection scheme around the world. This week sees the AVIs’ One Day Seminar being held in London (Regent’s University, 19 June). Three key members of the IMCA secretariat will be among the speakers at the seminar.
Mark Ford, Technical Director and Adam Hugo, IT Services & Solutions Specialist will whet delegates’ appetites with news of developments planned for eCMID; and Graeme Reid, Technical Adviser – Marine will present IMCA’s DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme, launched on 1 May. This is a scheme which has already attracted more than 400 downloads of application packs.
Mark Ford sets the scene for those attending the AVI Seminar in person, or taking part thanks to global streaming:
“Following the introduction of a nominal fee for uploading new reports into the eCMID database, IMCA has now been able to commission new development work aimed at improving the website, inspection application and other user resources. Several ‘quick fixes’ to address common user feedback were implemented during 2018, together with the launch of an extensive information and support website.
“An exciting new project to expand availability to non-Windows platforms is now well under way. As we will be explaining at the Seminar, we have commissioned a progressive web app (PWA), a browser-based application that will work on any modern device, including tablets. It will be easy for users to take a photograph and insert it straight into the report; and they will be able to move between devices more easily, enabling them to carry out the inspection on their iPad, then finish it on their laptop or desktop.
“We have tested a prototype as proof-of concept and commissioning of the full development of the PWA is in progress, with the launch planned for later this year.
“We will also be reminding AVIs that offline eCMID use is no longer permitted. Since 1 January 2018, IMCA has only recognised formal inspection reports conducted using its eCMID application and uploaded into the database website at www.ecmid.com. Any eCMID reports that are not uploaded to the database are not considered to be authorised vessel inspection reports.
“Our Marine eCMID committee provides steerage for an effective and efficient system that benefits the industry through quality-assured inspections in a common format. This helps to avoid costly duplication and the unnecessary variation in audit requirements.
“Some of the AVIs may be interested in becoming accredited DP Trials and Assurance Practitioners, Graeme Reid will give an overview of the scheme.”
The eCMID AVI Seminar is organised by the Marine Surveying Academy (MSA), which manages the eCMID AVI scheme on behalf of IMCA and the accrediting professional body, the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS). Further information is available at www.ecmidvesselinspectors.com/ecmid-avi-seminar