IHM Marine Surveys operates as a specialized technical consultancy dedicated to the identification, management, and documentation of hazardous materials across the global maritime and offshore sectors. Focused primarily on environmental compliance and vessel safety, the company provides expert services designed to help shipowners, managers, and offshore operators navigate the complex regulatory landscape surrounding dangerous substances on board marine assets. Its core mission revolves around the preparation and maintenance of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM), a critical requirement for compliance with international frameworks such as the Hong Kong Convention and the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation.
The organization employs a professional workforce of hazardous material experts and surveyors who possess extensive collective experience in marine auditing. These consultants are highly trained and often hold certifications from recognized industry bodies, such as the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS). Their technical proficiency enables the company to conduct rigorous onboard inspections, locating and quantifying hazardous substances like asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and ozone-depleting substances. This meticulous process involves visual inspections, bulk sampling, and subsequent laboratory analysis to ensure accurate reporting.
Beyond the initial creation of hazardous material inventories, the company offers a broader suite of management solutions. These include air monitoring services and the oversight of abatement projects, where they guide clients through the safe removal or remediation of detected hazards. To ensure the reliability and acceptance of its reports by port state controls and classification societies, the firm adheres to strict quality management systems. It operates in accordance with international standards, maintaining accreditation under ISO 17020 for inspection bodies and utilizing laboratories compliant with ISO 17025 for sample testing.
With a strategic operational footprint, IHM Marine Surveys maintains a network of offices and representatives positioned to cover key maritime hubs in the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. This global reach allows the company to deploy survey teams to vessels and oil platforms regardless of their trading routes, minimizing operational disruption. By providing these essential technical services, the company plays a vital role in protecting crew health, ensuring regulatory adherence, and facilitating safe and environmentally sound ship recycling practices at the end of a vessel’s service life.
