In September 2014, a small group of superyacht coatings industry experts and practitioners came together at a location on the UK South Coast to test and prove the Registered Marine Coatings Inspectors (RMCI) course. The project was originally the brainchild of Tony Rice (ICOMIA Secretary-General at the time) and the late Peter Morgan, a corrosion expert and past President of the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS). And so the qualification was born. Since its launch, well over 200 inspectors have successfully achieved the standard, many of whom have continued to revalidate their qualification at five-yearly intervals.
Instigated by the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), in conjunction with IIMS, (the awarding body and organisation that administers the qualification), the SuperYacht Builders Association (SYBAss) and paint heavyweights, AkzoNobel, became stakeholders. The course, the qualification and the certification system were developed in response to the request from these bodies, all of whom perceived quality issues in this multi-million dollar niche sector.
Until the RMCI qualification was developed and launched, there was no specific qualification for marine coatings inspectors. There are, of course, NACE, FROSIO and ICorr qualifications that touched upon the marine industry, but nothing dedicated specifically to mega yachts, superyachts and large pleasure vessels.
Candidates are most likely to have a NACE, or FROSIO or ICorr Level II qualification and significant relevant coatings industry experience.
Originally designed as a five-day residential course, the development and success of remote learning via the internet necessitated a rethink following the pandemic. Delegates are required to attend specially prepared pre-course webinars and then go to a physical location over four days, which includes all examinations.
Some of the areas that are presented and discussed during the course include:
What is the role of the marine coatings Inspector?
• To contribute to driving forward quality by providing advice on coatings selection, application and performance levels.
• To act as an advocate in detailed technical discussions.
• To inspect and monitor the process and environment during coating projects.
• To identify defects in coating systems by carrying out detailed surveys.
• To provide clients with an independent inspection of coating defects and damage.
Who does a marine coatings Inspector work for?
• Clients (boat owners or their representatives)
• Paint companies
• Insurance companies
• Boat yards
• Ship builders
SYBAss member shipyards, the paint companies, repair and refit yards and coating facilities worldwide recognise the qualification and will, in many cases, only accept inspectors into their facilities who have achieved the RMCI standard. It is in the interests of all marine coating Inspectors to encourage their colleagues to undertake the course, not only to raise the standards of inspection in the industry generally but to standardise reporting and to ensure that the highest levels of independence are maintained.
The cost is £2,250.00 (VAT exempt), which includes two days of webinars, study material including a comprehensive manual, all examinations, professional tutors and lunch and refreshments at the face-to-face sessions (over four days). Please complete the online course application form to register your interest in attending a future RMCI course.
5-year revalidation process
After five years of gaining the RMCI qualification, it is necessary to revalidate – this is handled as a two-part process.
Part One
This is a desk-based review of your activity as an RMCI over the past five years. The assessors are looking for objective evidence of your work during that period, including a log-book and two reports, to demonstrate you are still current in the marketplace.
The cost for Part One is £325 (VAT exempt).
Click here to complete the Part One revalidation process.
Part Two
The second part of the process is completed by attendance at a half-day online tutored seminar. Upon confirmation of attendance and payment, the applicant will receive an electronic RMCI Revalidation Workbook to be used in conjunction with the seminar and a copy of the video, which will be made of the event for later viewing.
The cost for Part Two is £250 (VAT exempt).
To find out more details about the half-day seminar and programme content, click here.
