IIMS to open branch in Dubai next month

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The UK-based International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS), the largest independent marine surveying organisation in the world, will open its second global branch in Dubai next month.

The Dubai branch will be the focal point of contact for the regional marine industry and will manage the affairs of the GCC and the Middle East, according to IIMS officials. The IIMS, with more than 1,100 members in 95 countries worldwide, will formally announce the opening of the Dubai branch during its inaugural 'Marine Insurance and Claims' seminar on December 6 and 7.

"This is one of the IIMS' strategic plan objectives, to organise and set up branches of the institute worldwide. The first was in New Zealand, the second is in Dubai and the third will be Singapore, with India and Canada also in the wings," said John Lawrence, CEO, IIMS-UK.

"With the increased problems around the world relating to maritime claims and casualties, marine surveyors are playing a bigger role than ever before, even if it is pure surveying, such as pre-purchase surveys or condition surveys, or even into the more specialised subjects like accident investigation or even fraud and loss. Marine surveyors are always in demand," he said.

Pre-purchase surveys relate to sale and purchase inspections that independent marine surveyors are involved with or pre-insurance condition surveys of merchant ships and yachts.

"The branch in Dubai will provide the GCC marine industry with a central local point of contact. The branch will also provide marine surveyors and other marine specialist with a forum to debate and discuss current problems without having to wait for the head office to respond," Lawrence told Emirates Business.

Zarir Irani, Regional Director-Middle East, IIMS, said: "The Gulf is where most of the world's energy requirements are exported from. Shipping traffic is very prominent and indeed growing. A very high level of consultancy and surveying expertise and on the spot assistance is sometimes needed, and indeed is a challenge."

IIMS already has ship and marine insurers and marine consultancy companies as members in Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar in the Gulf.

When asked how does IIMS plan to take marine surveying ahead in the GCC region, Lawrence said: "The regional director will co-ordinate through our head office information to the chairman of the branch and the members' issues and matters of importance.

"The chairman will organise the branch to provide the membership with local news, international rules and regulations and meetings where speakers can be invited to attend to bring new information and training to the members.

"The branch will also have a remit to recruit and train the next generation of marine surveyors."

Added Peter Morgan, IIMS Vice-President and Membership Director: "We see the Gulf region as a jewel in the crown. It is expanding significantly with new members applying for membership at a higher level than some of our traditional areas. The region encompasses all aspects of the marine surveying sector, not least insurance, cargo, ship repair and indeed an expanding super-yacht and leisure sector."

Other tasks of the institute will be to "provide the marine industry in the Gulf with a focal point for local issues whatever they are, and the ability to respond when problems occur using co-operation and a pooling of knowledge", said Irani.

"At this time, there are no plans to open other branches within the Gulf. However, if numbers continue to grow who knows. Our primary concern is to set up the Dubai branch and get it operating correctly. There could be other in-country representatives if numbers require it," said Lawrence.

By Sunil Kumar Singh

© Emirates Business 24/7 2009