IIMS Diploma in Cargo Surveying
The Core Modules (One-Seven) are compulsory and are to be studied by all candidates.
In order to sit the examination for the Yacht & Small Craft Surveying Diploma, four Specialist Modules (A-M) must be studied.
Core Modules
The Marine Environment & the Marine Surveyor
Module One
The Marine Surveyor's Customer Base
- The Structure of the Surveying Industry
- Safety
- Health & Safety for the Marine Surveyor, Customer Relations & Courtesy
- Quality & Audits
- Port State Control - The Role of Flag & Port Legislation in the Yacht Industry
- Risk Management & Formal Safety Assessment (FSA)
Marine Surveying - Its role and its management
- Surveys and Survey Organisations
- Management & Organisational Functions
- The Professional Surveyor
- Investigations & Consultancy
Survey Practice for the Marine Surveyor
Module Two
- Defining a Marine Surveyor
- Types of Surveyors
- Subjects of Survey
- Types of Surveys
A Guide to Writing & Reporting for Surveyors
Module Three
- Effective Writing & Reporting
- Information Technology in Marine Surveying
Legal & Insurance Matters
Module Four
- Professional Negligence
- Maritime Law
- Marine Insurance
Mechanics, Materials and Structures
Module Five
- Force, Stress and Strain
- Materials
- Structural Configuration
- Breakdown of Materials
Health & Safety for the Marine Surveyor
Module Six
- What is Health and Safety?
- Duties and Obligations to Oneself and Others
- Safe Working Practice and the Safe Working Platform
- The Law of Health and Safety
- Legal Duties and Responsibilities
- Risk Assessment and Mitigation
- The Effective Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Practical Application to the Workplace
Business Management for the Marine Surveyor
Module Seven
- Preparing a Business Plan
- Marketing Strategy
- Selling Your Services
- Customer Services and Dealing with Complaints
- Finance & Accounting
Specialist Modules
Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) & Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)
Module A
Author - Capt Stan Bowles
- The Nature of Gas Cargoes and the Background to Cryogenics
- Safety and Safe Practices
- Ship Types
- Cargo Problems
- Quantity Calculations
- Sampling
- Documentation
- CDI inspections and the CDI System
- Vetting
Chemicals in Bulk
Module B
Author - Capt Stan Bowles
- The Nature of the Cargo and Types of Hazards
- Safety and Safe Practices
- Quantity Calculations
- Cargo Problems
- Sampling Procedures
- Documentation
- CDI Inspections and the CDI System
- Vetting
Petroleum Products Crude and Refined Oils
Module C
Author - Capt Stan Bowles
- The Nature of the Cargo and Types of Hazards
- Safety and Safe Practices
- Ship Types
- Cargo Problems
- Quality and Quantity
- Cargo Calculations
- Sampling
- Documentation
- SIRE Inspections and the SIRE System
Bulk Veg/Animal Oils & Fats
Module D
Author - Capt Stan Bowles
- The Nature of the Cargo and Types of Hazards
- Safety and Safe Practices
- Ship Types
- Quantity Calculations
- Cargo Problems
- Sampling
- Documentation
Dry Bulk Cargoes
Module E
Authors - Mr Allan Ashby and Mr Colin South
- The Nature of the Cargo and their Specific Hazards
- Safety and Safe Practice
- Ship Types
- Cargo Problems
- Quantity Calculations
- Sampling
- Documentation
- BIMCO, GAFTA and the Role of the Trade Associations
Module F
Containers
Author - Mr David Whittaker
- Types of Containers
- Types of Container Ships
- The East/West Trade and the North /South trade
- Container Construction and Securing
- Container Stuffing and Cargo Securing
- Problem Areas – Ship, Cargo and Container
Refrigerated Transport
Module G
Author - Mr Richard Lawton
- Ship or Container
- Ship Features and Problems
- Container Types and Problems
- Particular Trades and their Problems
- Record Keeping and Troubleshooting
Heavy Lift and Project Cargoes
Module H
Author - Mr David House
- What is a Heavy Lift or Project Cargo
- Ship Types – Heavy Lift, Semi-Submersible
- Load Out and Preparation Surveys
- Loading
- Securing
- Voyage Planning
- Reports and Reporting
- Project Example
General Cargo
Module I
Author - Capt Matthew Greenen
- What is a General Cargo Ship
- Types of Ship and Areas of Trade
- Loading and Securing
- Stowage and Separation
- Ventilation
- Hatch Opening and Arrival Surveys
- Discharge and Damage Surveys
- The Role of Mates Receipts and the Bill of Lading in Practical Terms
Dangerous Goods
Module J
Author - Capt Stan Bowles
- International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (The Blue Book)
- S.O.L.A.S. Annex III
- B.C. Codes
- Class VII
- Ship Types
Draught Surveying
Module K
Author - Capt David Green
- Introduction to Ship Construction
- Understanding Basic Ship Stability
- The Theory of Draught Surveying
- The Practical Draught Survey
Marine Cargo Damage Claims
Module L
Author - Capt Barry Thompson
- The Nature of a Cargo Claim
- The Role of Surveyors and Adjusters
- The Claims Process
- Claims Adjustment
- Documentation
Hatch Cover Testing
Module M
Author - Mr Mike Wall
- The Role of Marine Surveyors with Respect to Hatch Covers
- Hatch Cover Designs
- Sealing and Cleating Methods
- Care & Maintenance
- Traditional & Modern Methods of Testing

