The AIMS held its biennial conference at the Stamford Plaza Brisbane including a conference dinner and Awards for Excellence on Friday 27 September. 

1) Mike Bozier Award

The award recognises his achievements for the AIMS and the industry generally through his tenacity, innovative approach, and futuristic thinking. Nominees for the award included - Capt. Peter Murday, MCC Marine Pty Ltd, Capt. Norman Maningo, Hunter Marine Surveyors, Mark Smith, SET Maritime & Electrical and David Burn, Safe Haven Shipwrights.

Winner - Capt. Norman Maningo from Hunter Marine Surveyors.

2) Marine Survey Practice Award
The Marine Survey Practice Award is open to all AIMS members in a marine survey practice of any size and is in recognition of excellence. Nominees for the award included - David Burn, Safe Haven Shipwrights, Rod Twitchin, Rod Twitchin Marine Pty Ltd, Sedgwick and Crawford & Company (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Winner - Sedgwick. The award was accepted by Margot De Villiers on behalf of Sedgwick.

3) Marine Surveyor Specialist Field Award
The Marine Surveyor Specialist Field Award is open to all AIMS members that display leadership in their specialty, foster and encourage ongoing professional development and contribute to the industry. Nominees for the award included - Gregory Marsden, Marsden Marine Services Ltd and Crawford & Company (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Winner - Gregory Marsden. The award was accepted by Kenny Crawford on behalf of Greg.

4) Technology or Business Services Award
The Technology or Business Services Award is open to both members and non-members and congratulates leadership through the practical application of technological solutions for new and existing marine survey needs resulting in a commercial, environmental, and/or social benefit to the industry. Nominees for the award included - Capt. Louis Koutelas, Hunter Marine Surveyors, Andrew Laughlin, Marine-Survey.com.au and MCC Marine Pty Ltd.

Winner - Capt. Louis Koutelas from Hunter Marine Surveyors.

5) Student of the Year Award
The Student of the Year Award is open to any AIMS member who are currently undertaking an AIMS training package, have completed their course in the last 12 months or any other recognised training relevant to marine surveying. Nominees for the award included - Maike Fritz Ligan, Howells Maritime Services, Rahul Unnikrishnan, Sinasta Maritime and Guy Howard, Maritime Safety Queensland.

Winner - Maike Fritz Ligan from Howells Maritime Services.

6) President’s Rising Star Award
The President’s Rising Star Award is open to any AIMS member. A key element in the future of the marine survey industry will be the calibre of the leaders that we are developing in our businesses today. Nominees for the award included - Kieran Torti, Maritime Survey Australia, and Cameron Boddy, MCC Marine Pty Ltd.

Winner - Cameron Boddy from the MCC Group.

7) Conference Dinner