eCMID, eMISW and OVID

An eCMID (electronic Common Marine Inspection Document) is an industry-recognised vessel inspection system developed by IMCA, providing a standardised method of assessing a vessel’s safety management system, operational procedures and compliance with regulatory and industry requirements. Widely used throughout the offshore and marine sectors, eCMID inspections help vessel owners and operators demonstrate that their vessels meet recognised safety and operational standards.

The inspection is carried out by an Accredited Vessel Inspector (AVI) using the electronic eCMID format. During the inspection, key aspects of the vessel’s operations, documentation, maintenance systems and onboard safety arrangements are reviewed to verify compliance with industry best practice. The eCMID system also includes a range of specialist supplements for vessels engaged in specific activities, including Dynamic Positioning (DP) operations and other offshore services.

Once completed, the inspection report is uploaded to the IMCA database, where it can be shared with clients, charterers and other authorised parties, helping to reduce the need for multiple vessel inspections.

eCMID inspections are typically conducted annually to ensure vessel information remains current and operational standards are maintained. Vassallo Associates regularly carries out eCMID inspections as part of its offshore assurance services, often alongside DP annual trials to minimise disruption and maximise efficiency for vessel operators.

eMISW

There is a separate form for small vessels under 500GRT, which is the Marine Inspection for Small Workboats, eMISW. This form is suitable for vessels that don’t have to comply with the International Safety Management (ISM) or the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) codes, but they may chose to do so. These boats are often used for work such as inshore surveying, personnel transfer etc. and also have a choice of 7 supplements which can be added for vessels with specialised equipment.

OVID

The OVID is an Offshore Vessel Inspection Database, and is a standardised web based inspection template, used on vessels in the offshore industry. The template is only available to qualified surveyors, and the completed document is uploaded to a database, where it can be viewed by registered users.

Other documentation work

Vassallo Associates write or review all DP documentation, including the following:

• DP FMEA Proving Trials 
• FMEA gap analysis
• DP Operations Manuals
• DP Operations Manuals gap analysis
• Operational Activity Planning
• CAM – Critical Activity Mode
• TAM – Task Appropriate Mode
• ASOG – Activity Specific Guidelines

Document reviews

Vassallo Associates surveyors can undertake reviews of DP documentation, to check it is still up to date and valid. These are often done after a DP trial has taken pace. Minor changes to the FMEA and DP Operations Manual can be recorded in an addendum, and added to the FMEA at the next update. Large changes might be subject to testing and adding to an new edition of the FMEA and DP Operations Manual.

We operate from offices based in London and Malta, however, we can travel nationally and internationally to provide client support.