Page 14 - MCT March 2021

The Certified Marine Investigator Program was founded in 2004 by IAMI members Richard Stavin, Todd
Schwede and Daniel Rutherford, under the leadership of then IAMI President Patrick Rowland to
provide an additional benefit to its members. To accomplish this, IAMI has instituted a certification
program and designated the first certification as Certified Marine Investigator (CMI). IAMI contemplates
an advanced certification program as part of its future expansion which shall be designated as Certified
Marine Investigator II (CMI-II). Obtaining either certification shall not be an easy task.

The designation(s) shall be limited to members in good standing who have experience and/or training in
a wide range of areas including, but not limited to, the detection, prevention and investigation of boat
and related thefts, adjusting boat related insurance claims, marine surveying, admiralty law as it relates
to recreational boating, cause and origin of fires, marine insurance policy interpretation, accident
reconstruction, matters related to hull construction and the operation and repair of motors, and the
like.

Certified Marine Investigators have demonstrated through rigorous examination their experience and
training. In addition to their own area(s) of expertise, they bring a new dimension and insight into their
respective fields of endeavor. From the beginning of a boat theft or boating accident and the filing of an
insurance claim, the CMI will be positioned to provide a complete and thorough investigation and
analysis. The CMI will be able to assist in gathering evidence, taking statements, write reports, provide
testimony, and otherwise assist the marine industry.

The certification program shall be under the supervision and direction of the CMI Committee as
directed by the Board of Directors and as stated herein. The Committee shall be responsible for
overseeing the application process, preparation, proctoring and grading the examination, revocation
and suspension of certifications, enforcing continuing professional education requirements,
recertification, and such other matters as from time to time the Board of Directors may specify.

Qualifications:

Only active members of IAMI are eligible for certification. To achieve the CMI designation a member
must meet the following minimum requirements:

A. Be of high moral character;
B. Meet the minimum educational and experience requirements;
C. Pass the uniform CMI Examination;
D. Maintain required continuing professional education;
E. Pay annual Association dues; and,
F. Agree to abide by the IAMI Bylaws and SOP‟s Chapter 8, Section 2, Membership Code of Conduct.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Academic performance at an institution of higher learning is recognized by IAMI as one measure of the
skill and dedication of a marine industry professional. IAMI also recognizes that many of its members
obtain their education from demonstrated experience in the field working on cases and considers this
another measure to be considered. However, there is a minimal educational requirement that the
applicant has obtained a high school degree or a state recognized GED.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT

A minimum of three (3) years of experience is required to be certified as a CMI. The experience
requirement must be related, directly or indirectly, to marine matters, criminology/law enforcement, or
insurance. or indirectly, to marine matters, criminology/law enforcement, or insurance.

14