Common Marine Inspection (eCMID) and Marine Inspections of Small Workboats (MISW) audits are an industry standard for safety and suitability surveys designed to reduce the disruption of vessel operations. eCMID and eMISWs are standard audits, undertaken at regular intervals (annually) to a standard format. A significant part of the international offshore industry including the offshore wind farm industry has accepted this document as standard format for vessel inspections.
As IIMS accredited vessel inspectors we carry out IMCA eCMID Audits on various types and sizes of vessels, from small workboats to large supply vessels in Australia and the ASIA Pacific region.
eMISW (Marine Inspections of Small Workboats)
There is a separate inspection and form for small vessels under 500GRT, which is the Marine Inspection for Small Workboats, eMISW. This inspection is suitable for vessels that do not comply with the International Safety Management (ISM) code or the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code, however, they may choose to do so.
Purpose
The purpose of this process is to provide a structure for the audit, or inspection of commercial vessels used in the offshore industry, conducted by vessel inspectors working on behalf of owners or clients. The eCMID system enables vessel operators to review and address these findings and to add commentary on corrective actions and other feedback. This is then provided for clients and potential clients to review as part of the downloadable inspection report. By highlighting frequent findings, we can enable vessel operators and inspectors to address common issues.
The aim of the eCMID system is to provide three measures of vessel safety and environmental assurance; the safety of personnel; the protection of the environment; and to visually assess the internal integrity of the vessel’s hull (watertight integrity).
The inspection is planned and undertaken in liaison with the vessel owner and undertaken by a MSA competent and accredited eCMID vessel inspector.
IMCA Accredited Vessel Inspectors (AVI)
Completing IMCA’s eCMID accreditation scheme, complemented by ongoing training, certifies our consultants as Accredited Vessel Inspectors (AVI). Their professionalism and experience allow us to provide eCMID inspections with the highest quality standards.
Our services
We are your trusted partner in providing eCMID inspection services for the following vessels and structures:
General Vessels (G)
eCMID inspections are conducted for all vessels exceeding 500 gross tonnage (GRT) and/or with a length of 24 meters or more based on IMCA M 149.
Marine Inspections of Small Workboats (MISW)
eMISW inspections apply to vessels with less than 500 gross tonnage and/or less than 24 meters in length as part of the eCMID system and adhere to IMCA M 189.
Windfarm Support Vessels – Compliance, Safety and Survey Services
Offshore wind farms are a key part of Australia’s growing renewable energy sector, generating large volumes of clean power from installations located offshore. Specialised windfarm support vessels play a critical role in the safe and efficient construction, operation, and maintenance of these facilities. These vessels must be capable of operating in demanding sea conditions while delivering vital logistical support — including crew transfer, equipment transport, and turbine servicing.
At Maritime Survey Australia, we provide expert eCMID survey and compliance services for windfarm support vessels to ensure they meet all relevant safety and operational standards. Our experienced AMSA-accredited Marine Surveyors recently completed a full review and inspection package for vessels engaged in offshore windfarm operations, which included:
- SMS Review in accordance with the Good Practice Guideline – Safe Management of Small Service Vessels
- Verification of survey requirements under Marine Order 503 (NSCV) and the Good Practice Guideline – Safe Management of Small Service Vessels
- Safety Management System (SMS) review aligned with Marine Order 504
- Completion of a full AMSA Domestic Commercial Vessel Survey Report
- Delivery of a detailed eCMID inspection (Common Marine Inspection Document), in line with IMCA requirements for offshore vessel assurance
Our team supports owners and operators of windfarm support vessels such as Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs), Service Operation Vessels (SOVs), and multipurpose workboats. Whether you’re managing a new build, refit, or ongoing operations, MSA ensures your vessel remains fully compliant with Australian maritime regulations and international offshore standards.
