VCME

02/06/2026

A reminder of how expensive maintenance or operational oversights can become.

This is the aftermath of a catastrophic engine failure currently under assessment.

While damage investigations and root cause analysis are some of the most technically challenging and interesting aspects of marine surveying, our preference at VCME is to help vessel owners and operators avoid failures like this in the first place.

During routine periodic surveys, we're always happy to discuss machinery condition, maintenance practices, operating trends, and practical measures that may help improve reliability and reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns. For operators seeking a more structured approach, we can also provide detailed machinery assessments, maintenance reviews, and reliability planning.

One of the things that sets VCME apart is our practical background. Our recommendations come not only from surveying experience, but from many years spent operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and managing marine machinery in real-world conditions.

Understanding why machinery fails is important.

Helping prevent failures is even better.

VCME
vcme.co.nz

11/03/2026

Keeping it real at sea! 🌊

Ever wonder what makes a VCME survey different? It’s the fact that our lead surveyor, Jeremy Vickers, still walks the talk.
Jeremy is currently away at sea working as a Chief Engineer. We believe that by continuing to sail periodically, he keeps his skills sharp and his finger on the pulse of the industry. It’s that “skin in the game” that allows VCME.CO.NZ to provide practical, common-sense solutions for our clients. 🛠️⚓
He’ll be back on shore soon, bringing the latest first-hand experience to your next vessel survey.
Fair winds, Jeremy!

06/03/2026

What are your thoughts on this?

⚓ The STCW Code has been subjected to very detailed scrutiny at the International Maritime Organization - IMO throughout the last two weeks.

🚢 The headline provisional outcome sees an intent to allow up to 3 months of seagoing service currently required for deck, engine and ETO officers’ first Certificates of Competence (STCW II/1, III/1 and III/6) to be substituted by shore-based simulator training. This outcome was supported and promoted by over 37 flag States represented at the IMO.

📝 The fine details of this proposal (such as what types of simulators and the ratio of simulator training to seagoing service substitution) will be determined when the review resumes in spring 2027.

🌐 For more details on the provisional decisions for Chapters II and III of the Code, the timeline for the review and how The Nautical Institute is representing our members, visit our website: https://www.nautinst.org/ni-at-imo.html

04/03/2026

20/02/2026

5 yearly safety refresher training. For a seafarer its a chance to practice things you hopefully haven't had to deal with at sea. For a surveyor, it's a reminder of what seafarers can be left to deal with when maintenance, fire prevention and emergency preparedness on vessels are not upto standard.

17/02/2026

Things can go wrong, and fast. Emergency preparedness saves lives! Its not just about ticking the right boxes for compliance. Well done to this operator, everyone got home.

The recent Black Cat Cruises incident at the entrance to Akaroa Harbour is a clear example of how outcomes on the water are shaped by preparation, not luck. Established safety procedures, well trained crew, nearby vessels willing to assist, and passengers who listened and worked together all played a part in bringing more than 40 people home safely.

Read the story on Boating New Zealand. https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0yXCp0

12/02/2026

Surveying takes us to some amazing places off the beaten track.
Can anyone tell us with this small villages claim to fame is?

05/01/2026

From long tows late into the night to dragging anchors and medical emergencies, the first weekend of 2026 was a big one for Coastguard volunteers. 🚤

Across January 3-4, volunteers responded to 93 calls for assistance, including 24 between 6pm and 5am. A huge shout-out to every volunteer on and off the water who put their own summer plans on hold to make sure others get home safely from theirs. 🙌

We also want to acknowledge the incredible mahi of our staff and volunteers in the National Operations Centre and radio rooms around the country, who are taking trip reports, monitoring bar crossings, and coordinating assistance 24/7! 👏

📸 Kawau Volunteer Coastguard

30/12/2025

🌊 Stay safe on the water! 🌊

When you’re out on the water, conditions can change fast. Always carry two waterproof ways to call for help—it could save your life. One attached to your body is best.

✅ Examples:
• A personal locator beacon (PLB)
• A mobile phone in a waterproof sealed bag
• A marine VHF radio
• A whistle

Backups matter: if one fails, the other could be your lifeline.

Plan ahead. Stay connected. Stay safe.