eCMID Accreditation FAQs
Q. HOW DO I APPLY FOR eCMID ACCREDITATION AND DO I NEED TO BE AN IMCA MEMBER?
A. You do not need to be a member of IMCA, or indeed any other trade association or professional body to make an application to become an eCMID Accredited Vessel Inspector. Click to go to the application page.
Q. IS THIS A PERSONAL OR COMPANY ACCREDITATION?
A. It is a personal assessment and accreditation of the individual to ensure that he/she is competent to conduct such an inspection and not the company or organisation they may work for.
Q. CAN I CARRY OUT eCMID INSPECTIONS BEFORE I BECOME ACCREDITED?
A. Yes, but you will need to be supervised. Non accredited inspectors should follow IMCA’s Inspector guidance for Trainee Accredited Vessel Inspectors. As the scheme has developed, inspectors are increasingly being asked if they are accredited as it has become industry standard practice. From 1 January 2018, IMCA only recognises formal inspection reports conducted using its eCMID database and only Accredited Vessel Inspectors will be authorised to upload reports.
Q. WHAT IS IMCA’S GUIDANCE FOR TRAINEE ACCREDITED VESSEL INSPECTORS?
A. Non accredited inspectors may use IMCA’s eCMID database to download a vessel template with the vessel owner’s permission and perform vessel inspections as long as they are supervised during the entire inspection by an Accredited Vessel Inspector. This will assist non accredited inspectors in achieving the minimum number of inspections required to support their accreditation application. The supervising inspector will need to complete their details in the ‘Supervisor present’ section to upload the completed report. Full details and guidance on the IMCA eCMID System can be found here.
Q. WHO ARE THE eCMID ACCREDITATION ASSESSORS?
A. They are all members of the International Institute of Marine Surveying, the accrediting body for the scheme, and are experienced marine and maritime professionals with appropriate specialist skills and knowledge to make the necessary assessments.
Q. WILL YOU TAKE UP MY REFERENCES I HAVE SUPPLIED?
A. That largely depends on the relevance of your skills to the vessel types you are seeking accreditation for and details of your evidence, competence and experience you have provided in the application form. If the assessor is in any doubt, he/she will take up your references. Please let your referees know you have supplied their names.
Q. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT ONCE MY ACCREDITATION IS APPROVED?
A. Quite simply we will be in touch by email to pass on the good news. Then we will create your listing on the Find eCMID Inspectors page of this website. In due course your dated photo ID card and certificate will follow.
Q. HOW LONG SHOULD MY ACCREDITATION TAKE?
A. Our aim is to turn around, review and notify you of the result of your application within 28 days from receipt.
Q. HOW MUCH DOES eCMID VESSEL INSPECTOR ACCREDITATION COST?
A. There are standard set fees (some of which are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate if applicable). For the initial accreditation application process there is a fee of £425. To attend the one-day training (which is mandatory to keep your accreditation current), the fee is £475 (plus VAT if applicable). An annual fee of £210 is payable, which covers the cost of a replacement photo ID card and maintaining your CPD records. The accreditation year runs from the date you successfully qualify. An invoice will be generated for your annual fee and sent to you prior to the start of your renewal year. Click for details of fees.
Q. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING THE FEES?
A. Fees for accreditation, workshops and annual renewals are the responsibility of either yourself or your employer. The assessment process will not begin until payment has been received.
Q. HOW WILL MY LISTING APPEAR ON THIS WEB SITE ONCE I BECOME AN eCMID ACCREDITED VESSEL INSPECTOR?
A. Your name, location, telephone number, accreditation number and vessel categories will appear with your photo. Your email will be hidden from public view, but people will be able to send you a message. If you prefer for any of the above content not to appear, please advise us.
Q. HOW LONG WILL MY ACCREDITATION LAST?
A. Your accreditation is initially for a period of 5 years before you will need to formally re-apply for another 5-year term.
Q. WHEN DO I NEED TO APPLY TO ATTEND AN eCMID ACCREDITATION COURSE?
A. You have up to 1 year from the date of your accreditation to ratify this by attending a one-day eCMID accreditation course at one of the worldwide training centre hubs we will promote at your cost. The cost of the one day’s training is £475 (plus VAT if applicable). If you fail to ratify your accreditation by attending one of these workshops, then your accreditation will deem to be ‘incomplete’ and your listing will be removed from this web site and your AVI access de-activated from IMCA’s eCMID database.
Q. WHO DELIVERS THE ONE DAY eCMID ACCREDITATION COURSE?
A. Members of the International Institute of Marine Surveying and other suitably qualified people, including eCMID Accredited Vessel Inspectors deliver the training.
Q. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN MY ONE DAY ACCREDITATION COURSE FEE?
A. Your fee covers delivery of the course, course materials to take away with you, luncheon, tea and coffee.
Q. WILL THERE BE OTHER LOCATIONS FOR THE ACCREDITATION COURSES?
A. Yes as the scheme develops further locations and dates will be added. Locations will be based on where there is a need to conduct the courses. Keep checking this web site for details as they are added.
Q. WHAT DO I DO IF I WISH TO BE REMOVED FROM THE eCMID VESSEL INSPECTOR ACCREDITATION SCHEME?
A. All you need to do is simply write and tell us you wish to be removed from the scheme using the Contact Form. Please note that no monies are refundable if you leave the scheme.
Q. WHAT HAPPENS IN THE EVENT MY APPLICATION IS UNSUCCESSFUL?
A. You have several options at this point.
• You may appeal the decision to the Marine Surveying Academy Appeals Panel in writing by email within 14 days of being notified you have been unsuccessful.
• If you fail narrowly (65% to 69%) we will give you the opportunity to provide further evidence to the Assessor before finalising the decision. You will have 3 months from the date of your assessment decision to complete this.
• If you score 64% and below you may re-apply for accreditation at a later date and a 50% discount will be applied to the application fee at the time.
