Vessel operator Seacat Services has awarded an inspection contract to Specialist Marine Consultants (SMC) for the second year.
Under the terms of the deal, marine and energy sector health and safety adviser SMC will carry out the Marine Inspection for Small Workboats (eMISW) for the 14-strong Seacat Services fleet.
The eMISW is an annual assessment of metrics including vessel integrity, stability, and life-saving facilities.
A valid eMISW report with at least six months left to run is generally a prerequisite for vessels under 24 metres and 500 tonnes that are starting contracts in the offshore energy industry.
SMC has access to accredited vessel inspectors across the UK and Europe, allowing Seacat Services to organise inspections at short notice to maximise time at sea for customers chartering the ships.
The eMISW certificates validate Seacat Services’ wider commitment to safety.
The company says it is one of the few offshore energy support vessel providers to comply with both the International Organisation for Standardisation and International Safety Management standards, certifications more commonly held by operators of vessels over 24 metres and 500 tonnes.
Seacat Services managing director Ian Baylis said: “The extension of this vessel inspection agreement is evidence of Seacat’s belief that SMC shares our commitment to safety and quality.
“Keeping a valid eMISW is essential for all of our vessels and operations, and SMC’s flexibility in providing these inspections as and when each vessel becomes available has been invaluable in maintaining availability for our customers.”