Before you start your online application to join IIMS let us manage your expectations right from the start. Please read this statement.

You are strongly advised to read each screen carefully as it will explain what information or documentation we require to enable us to process your application. There is an option at the foot of the screen to allow you to save your application and return to it at a later date.

Not every application for membership of the Institute is granted. We apply as much objectivity to each application as we possibly can based on the information you send us. Our aim is to ensure that only experienced and knowledgeable marine surveyors are granted membership with chosen specialisms that can be supported with evidence.

IMPORTANT. Your application and personal details will only be shared with nominated IIMS head office staff and members of the Institute's Professional Assessment Committee who will assess your application. We do not share your personal data with anyone else and it will be held on the secure IIMS servers purely for processing your application and managing your membership (if successful).

You will be asked for two independent referees later one of whom can verify your claimed areas of expertise. Please choose your referees carefully and be sure to let them know.

If you have any difficulties completing your application please contact the Institute by telephone on +44 23 9238 5223 (09.00 to 17.00 Monday to Friday) or by email at membership@iims.org.uk.

On the next screen we will ask you which category of membership you would like to apply for. Here are the descriptions of the various membership categories. If you are still unsure having studied them, then tick the 'I am not sure' option on the next page.

FULL MEMBERSHIP
Applications from surveyors who meet all of the criteria below for full membership are invited from:
• Anyone who can prove that they have practised on a full-time basis for a minimum of five years as a consultant or marine surveyor.
• Individuals who, by producing written reports can demonstrate that they have practised marine surveying or consultancy for at least five years.
• Individuals whose qualifications or experience shall be considered appropriate by the Professional Assessment Committee (as beneficial to the support of the Institute).
Full Members may use the initials MIIMS after their names.
Please note: being a Full Member does not mean a surveyor can survey all craft.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN TO:
• Individuals practising marine surveying, or consultancy for a minimum of three years and who do not yet fulfil the conditions to become Full Members.
• Full Members who have decided to reduce their involvement in the Institute.
Individuals whose qualifications or experience shall be considered appropriate by the Professional Assessment Committee, (as beneficial to the support of the Institute).
Associate Members may use the designation AssocIIMS after their names.

TECHNICIAN MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN TO:
• Individuals holding a recognised qualification, for example, Inspector level 2 or higher (NACE, FROSIO, ICorr), RMCI and IRMII, NDT Technicians (CSWIP), for example gauging personnel, divers or other surveyors with at least three years full-time practical experience in a marine related field. Technician Members may use the designation TechIIMS after their names.

AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN TO:
• Less experienced surveyors, graduates and those who are in the early stages of a career in marine surveying, but who do not meet the criteria for Full or Associate Membership and are continuing to train and gain experience prior to applying for Associate Membership. Please note that the Affiliate category has a life of three years. At the end of year one the Affiliate member will be asked to provide evidence of their experience gained during the year and survery reports will be required for review. The same process will happen again for the second and third years. At the end of the third year, the Affiliate member will be encouraged to apply for an upgrade to Associate member. If they choose not to upgrade, he/she will be required to pay the higher fee for Associate membership. However, if a new Affiliate member already has a full-time surveying career, he/she can be considered for a 'fast track uplift' to either Associate or Full member after the first year. 

SUPPORTING MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN TO:
• Individuals who are not currently marine surveyors, but who have an interest in marine surveying and who encourage and approve of the aims of the Institute.

Just before you get started choosing your specialisms, listing your consultancy services, and evidencing your expert witness credentials (if appropriate) please heed this important advice from IIMS. We see many new applications making claims for specialisms and the amount of time surveying which are exaggerated and sometimes even false. 

In completing sections V (your marine surveying specilisms), VI (your consultancy services) and VII (your expert witness experience), you should bear in mind that if your application is successful, the entries indicated by you will be recorded in the Membership List of the Institute. The List of Members is circulated publicly on various platforms and, therefore, an entry claiming experience and/or expert witness activity which later proves to be incorrect could lead to challenges by a Principle or Client. With this in mind, you are advised to only seek approval for marine surveying activities in which you know you have experience and competency. As new skills are acquired they can be added to your listing at a later date. 

THUS, THE POTENTIAL LEGAL CONSEQUENCES TO AN APPLICANT OF AN INAPPROPRIATE ENTRY IN THESE SECTIONS SHOULD NOT BE UNDER ESTIMATED AND SHOULD BE AVOIDED.