International Institute of Marine Surveying announces new award

The International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) has launched a new award in memory of yacht and small craft marine surveyor, John Excell.

The Award for Outstanding Achievement is open to all students enrolled on the distance learning diploma in marine surveying. It will be awarded on a periodical basis to students who deliver, not only outstanding academic achievements, but who also demonstrate first-class interpersonal skills. Suitable recommendations will be put to the IIMS Education Committee for review and acceptance. 

John Excell, who was an Honorary Fellow member of IIMS, died in April 2021 after a long illness at the age of 51. He was director of Yacht & Small Craft Surveying and an MCA coding examiner. Excell’s colleagues say he was passionate about training and sharing his knowledge with fellow surveyors and gave generously of his time to do so.

Speaking following the launch of this new award, IIMS Chief Executive Officer, Mike Schwarz, says: “John was a friend and a colleague. One of the good guys, he touched so many in the surveying community and is sadly missed by many. His life was cut tragically short. I can think of no finer way to keep his spirit alive than to have an education award that bears his name.”