About Us

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 or have two letters of recommendation.

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 appraisal
• Annual Retention
• Tonnage Measurement
• Maritime Labour Convention
• Fitness for Purpose Certification

Fishing Vessels services:

• Newbuild Surveys of New Fishing Vessels of less than 15m Length Overall
• Pre-Registration Surveys for Fishing Vessels <24m Registered Length
• Plan Approval of Construction and Outfit Arrangement for New Fishing Vessels of less then 15m Length Overall
• 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 Registered Length
• Tonnage Measurement for Fishing Vessels <24m Registered Length
• Witnessing of Draught Markings for New Fishing Vessels less than 15m Length Overall
• Freeboard Verification for New Fishing Vessels under 12m Registered Length
• Audit of Builder’s Premises for Builders of Vessels less than 15m Length Overall

The Society actively participates in the various MCA working groups regarding the codes used during 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 SCMS Code or Fishing vessel surveyor.