Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Marine Surveyors & Certifying Authority in Southampton
Established in 1920, our organisation represents a collective of experienced marine professionals dedicated to maintaining high standards in maritime consultancy and vessel certification. As an MCA-approved Certifying Authority, we specialise in statutory surveys for small commercial vessels, fishing boats, and workboats under 24 meters. Our services include stability assessments, tonnage measurements, plan approvals, and Fitness for Purpose Certification, supported by a global network of qualified surveyors.We operate as a not-for-profit entity, reinvesting any surplus into infrastructure and training to ensure cost-effective, reliable services. With a legacy of technical expertise and active participation in MCA code harmonisation, we provide tailored solutions for vessel compliance and safety.
Services
Workboat Certification
Tonnage Measurement
Fishing Vessel Surveys
Stability Assessments
Plan Approvals
Fitness for Purpose Certification
Maritime Labour Convention Compliance
Freeboard Verification
Draught Marking Witnessing
Builder Premises Audits
Details
- Year established: 1920
Highlights and features
- We have over 100 years of experience in marine consultancy and surveying.
- Our team includes MCA-certified examiners with global surveying capabilities.
- We operate as a not-for-profit organisation to ensure cost-effective services.
- We specialise in fishing vessel certification following Seafish contract transfer.
- Our members hold chartered engineering and naval architecture qualifications.
Associations and certifications
- Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
Services
Workboat Certification
We provide MCA-compliant certification for small workboats under 24 meters. Our services include stability assessments, construction appraisals, and annual retention surveys. This ensures vessels meet safety standards for commercial operations in UK and international waters.
Fishing Vessel Surveys
Specialist surveys for fishing vessels under 24 meters registered length. We conduct new build inspections, pre-registration checks, and stability verifications. Our team includes former Seafish experts with extensive industry knowledge and regulatory experience.
Tonnage Measurement
Accurate tonnage assessments for UK Ship Register Part I compliance. We handle measurements for new builds and modified vessels requiring re-registration. Our surveys meet MCA requirements for international voyages and regulatory documentation.
Stability Assessments
Comprehensive stability evaluations for commercial and pleasure craft. Our chartered engineers perform calculations and issue approvals under MCA codes. This includes simplified stability verification for vessels under 12 meters registered length.
Plan Approvals
Technical review of vessel construction and outfit arrangements. We approve plans for new builds and modifications to ensure compliance with MCA workboat codes and fishing vessel regulations across multiple size categories.
People
Richard Blackhurst
Head of Fishing Vessel Survey
With decades of marine industry experience, Richard oversees MCA fishing vessel certification. He transitioned from Seafish where he served as Head of Marine Survey, bringing extensive regulatory expertise to SCMS operations.
Lorna Webb
Principal Fishing Vessel Surveyor
A chartered engineer with naval architecture qualifications, Lorna specialises in fishing vessel surveys. Her background includes roles at Lloyds Register, ABS, and Seafish, providing technical leadership for plan approvals and compliance assessments.
Questions
What vessels does SCMS certify?
We certify small commercial vessels under 24 meters including workboats, fishing vessels, pilot boats, and sailing craft under MCA codes.
How do I apply for vessel certification?
Contact our team via phone or email to discuss requirements. We'll guide you through documentation, survey scheduling, and compliance processes.
Are SCMS services cost-effective?
As a not-for-profit organisation, we reinvest surpluses to maintain affordable rates while ensuring high-quality certification services.
Do you offer international surveyor support?
Yes, our network includes qualified surveyors worldwide to conduct MCA code compliance assessments and fishing vessel inspections.
What payment methods are available?
We accept online payments and phone payments for certification fees, with options to discuss specific payment arrangements.
