The basic principles by which an RMCI should operate are set out as follows:
Professionalism
– An RMCI Inspector must have a sound foundation in the general knowledge of his/her profession in addition to appropriate and adequate experience.
– He/she shall keep up to date with technical training, knowledge and maintain CPD (Continuing Professional Development).
Objectivity
– An RMCI must adopt an impartial and objective approach in all aspects of his/her inspection and surveying work.
Independence
– An RMCI should be impartially conscious of the client commissioning the inspection.
Integrity
– An RMCI will not be influenced by outside pressures, seek to reach agreements and not make or indulge in personal or illegal financial gain.
Client Relations
An RMCI will:
– Never bias or modify his/her professional opinions for personal gain or in response to any form of pressure from whatever source;
– Always obtain from a client clear Terms of Reference and confine his/her report to the agreed Terms;
– Only undertake to carry out assignments for which he/she is properly qualified;
– Accept arbitration when all parties involved agree to this method of solving disputes;
– Recognise that his/her first duty is to his/her clients’ instructions;
– Endeavour to sustain an open relationship with a client;
– At all times observe professional integrity, meaning being honest and having strong moral principles.
Constructive Attitude
– An RMCI will apply common sense, avoid unnecessary amount of rework and delay, act in time, not at end of final measurement, and have an awareness of possible financial consequences of judgements.
Professional Relations
An RMCI will:
– Co-operate with colleagues to achieve a complete and objective survey;
– Not allow agreements reached by an RMCI in charge of a case to be modified by the direction of any organisation to which he/she belongs;
– Not criticise a fellow inspector or colleague to third parties;
– Ensure strict confidentiality over information received from third parties who are not involved with the case in hand;
– Not carry out free surveys but negotiate fees which seek to achieve full cost recovery;
– Discuss with other attending inspectors any contradictory statements.
Standards
– Where recognised international, national or local authority standards exist for any type of inspection or survey, then these standards shall always be observed.
– Any variance from these standards, together with the RMCI’s reasons for such variance, are to be fully recorded in the inspection and the Principal’s agreement obtained.
Non-Compliance
– An RMCI will bring to the attention of the Marine Surveying Academy instances where other inspectors are not observing this Code of Conduct.
Personal Conduct
– An RMCI will not practice during a period when his/her judgement is or might be impaired through any cause and will endeavour to avoid actions that lead to the discrediting of the office of Registered Marine Coatings Inspector and/or his/her own professional reputation.
– An RMCI will work to the Scope of Work and revert to other experts when required within the limitations of his/her knowledge and experience.
