Code of Conduct
The eCMID Accredited Vessel Inspector Code of Conduct has been written specially with eCMID Vessel Inspectors in mind.
The basic principles of the eCMID Accredited Vessel Inspector Code of Conduct are:
PROFESSIONALISM
An eCMID Accredited Vessel Inspector must have a sound foundation in the general knowledge of his/her profession in addition to appropriate and adequate experience to conduct his/her specific work as an eCMID Inspector. He/she must keep up to date in his/her technical training and knowledge.
OBJECTIVITY
An eCMID Accredited Vessel Inspector must adopt an impartial and objective approach in all aspects of his/her work at all times.
INDEPENDENCE
An eCMID Accredited Vessel Inspector will be independent of the client commissioning the inspection.
INTEGRITY
An eCMID Accredited Vessel Inspector shall:
• not be influenced by outside pressures
• seek to reach agreements based on objective conclusions
CLIENT RELATIONS
An eCMID Accredited Vessel Inspector will:
• never bias or modify his/her professional opinions for personal gain or in response to any form of pressure from whatever source
• only undertake to carry out inspections for which he/she is properly qualified for a particular project
• accept arbitration when all parties involved agree to this method of solving disputes
• recognise that his/her first duty is to his/her client instructions and endeavour to sustain an open relationship with a client whilst, at all times, observing professional integrity
PROFESSIONAL RELATIONS
An eCMID Accredited Vessel Inspector will:
• co-operate with colleagues (where necessary) to achieve a complete and objective inspection
• not criticise a fellow eCMID Accredited Vessel Inspector to third parties
• ensure strict confidentiality over information received from third parties
NON-COMPLIANCE
An eCMID Accredited Vessel Inspector has a duty to bring to the attention of the accreditation body instances where another eCMID Accredited Vessel Inspector is not observing this Code of Conduct.
PERSONAL CONDUCT
An eCMID Accredited Vessel Inspector will not practice during a period when his/her judgement is, or might be impaired through any cause and will endeavour to avoid actions which lead to the discredit of his/her own professional reputation.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CODE AND THE eCMID INSPECTOR
When the accrediting body is informed of an eCMID Accredited Vessel Inspector’s non-compliance with the Code of Conduct this will be investigated and the Inspector given the opportunity to offer a defence or appeal. Depending on the extent of non-compliance an eCMID Accredited Vessel Inspector may have his/her accreditation suspended or permanently withdrawn. Minor failures may be dealt with by written warnings. However, repeated minor non-compliance can be considered grounds for suspension or expulsion.
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
As part of the Code of Conduct, an eCMID Accredited Vessel Inspector is expected to follow a programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). It is now readily accepted that all professionals in whatever field of expertise commit themselves to a CPD programme. And so it is for eCMID Accredited Vessel Inspectors too.
In keeping with this thinking IIMS and IMCA follow this course to enable eCMID Accredited Vessel Inspectors to maintain their standards and competence levels.
The cost of the CPD Programme is borne via the annual eCMID Accredited Vessel Inspector renewal fee and is administered by the IIMS through its subsidiary, the Marine Surveying Academy Ltd.
It is the requirement of the Inspector to provide evidence of CPD against the published programme and to occasionally submit eCMIDs for review by the CPD panel. For full details see the CPD page.
