Jagdamba Prasad Pandey –
On September 7, The International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) India Branch hosted its flagship conference, the IIMS-India Conference 2025 at Fairfield by Marriott in Goa. The event brought together renowned speakers from the UK, UAE, and India to discuss pressing issues in the maritime industry, focusing on ethics, human skills, and cargo safety.
The conference was convened under the leadership of Capt Ruchin C Dayal, President, IIMS and CEO, eDOT Solutions. Having an Indian at the helm of IIMS after more than a decade is a matter of great pride for the Nation’s maritime community, and Capt Dayal’s presidency has brought renewed focus on the contribution of Indian surveyors to the global stage.
The conference commenced with Mr Mike Schwarz, CEO, IIMS UK, delivering a keynote address on the role of IIMS in a rapidly changing maritime landscape. He emphasized the Institute’s commitment to maintaining global standards and raising professional benchmarks for surveyors. This was followed by Capt Zarir S Irani’s thought-provoking talk on the ethics of marine surveying, highlighting the importance of integrity and responsibility in commercial surveying.
Capt Shoukat Mukherjee, CEO, The Naval Connection, delivered an inspiring presentation on the importance of human skills in the age of automation and AI. He stressed that while technology is reshaping the shipping industry, human judgment, adaptability, and ethics remain essential.
A unique feature of the conference was the live quizzes that followed each presentation, testing the audience’s attentiveness and awarding prizes to the most engaged participants. The quizzes not only created a sense of excitement but also reinforced key lessons in a memorable way.
The conference also featured a role-play skit on the MV Bulk Jupiter liquefaction case, where delegates assumed various roles and debated liability, responsibility, and cargo safety. Additionally, Capt Manish Kumar Dixit’s case study on bulk carrier operations provided valuable insights into the practical challenges of the industry.
A panel discussion on “The Next Surveyor – Respect, Responsibility, and Recognition” brought together industry experts to explore the challenges faced by surveyors and the competencies required for success. The debate was frank, lively, and thought-provoking, highlighting the need for a renewed focus on professionalism and ethics in the industry.
The conference concluded with Mr Schwarz’s motivational session on “19 Tips for Business Success,” leaving delegates with valuable lessons applicable both at sea and ashore. Capt Dayal expressed gratitude to the supporting organizations and acknowledged the dedication of the eDOT team in making the conference a success.
The IIMS-India Conference 2025 was hailed as a success, marking a step forward in elevating the role of surveyors in the maritime landscape. The event fostered collaboration, knowledge sharing, and a renewed commitment to professionalism and ethics in the industry.
Marex Media