International Association of Marine Investigators, Inc.
(Updated – 9.21.20)
Administration History Document
Birth of “NAMI” and “IAMI”
Pat Rowland - IAMI Historian
National Association of Marine Investigators
1986 - 1990 Vessel Theft Investigators National Roster
In 1986, Major Dave MacGillis of the Florida Marine Patrol organized and published the first "Vessel Theft Investigators National Roster." This roster was intended to assist investigators in combating marine crime by providing contact information for persons from various agencies involved in marine theft investigations.
It was an effort to network marine investigators who were combating high profit, low risk marine theft and insurance fraud by providing a contact person to enhance their investigative efforts. The roster was initially made up of approximately 300 officer and agents, both law enforcement and private, who had agreed to assist in the investigation of stolen boats, motors and boat trailers; registration/title fraud or insurance fraud. When called upon, a spirit of cooperation was expected in doing documented searches, interviews, inspections, or whatever it took to support the successful investigation.
Annual seminars were held in 1986, 1987 and 1988 in connection with the annual training seminar of the Southeast Chapter of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators. In 1989, a three-day training seminar was held in New Orleans sponsored by the Southern States Boating Law Administrators. The 1989 National Roster was updated to reflect the almost 500 officers and agents, both law enforcement and private, who had agreed to assist in investigations relating to marine thefts and vessel title frauds. A Manufacturer's Identification Code (MIC) data book, as well as a boat trailer manufacturer book, was created. The spirit of cooperation in an effort to support successful investigations continued.
By 1990, over 700 officers and agents, both law enforcement and private, had agreed to assist in investigations relating to marine thefts and vessel title frauds.
The foundation was laid for “NAMI - IAMI Networking”
1991 National Association of Marine Investigators, (NAMI) Inc.
In 1991, the organization was officially established and incorporated as the “National Association of Marine Investigators, (NAMI) Inc.”
NAMI Objectives:
NAMI Memberships:
Active Membership: Those representatives of municipal, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies who are full time salaried employees with peace officer powers or are engaged in intelligence gathering. United States Coast Guard officials, Special Agents of the National Auto Theft Bureau (NICB), and administrative officials of vessel registering or titling authorities shall be eligible for active membership provided an application has been approved by a majority vote of the Executive Board.
Associate Membership: Those persons not covered under Active Membership: including Reserve, Auxiliary or Retired Law Enforcement Officers, shall be eligible for Associate Membership upon submission of an application of the Chairman of the Membership Committee and approval by a majority vote of the Executive Board.
Associate members shall have all the privileges of an active member including voting and may serve as a Director
as provided by the NAMI By-laws. An Associate Member may be excluded from any training session when the subject matter is of confidential nature of rom any business meeting when it is deemed for the good of the NAMI at the discretion of the President.
Corporate Membership: Any Law Enforcement Agency, corporate entity, bona fide commercial enterprise, business or organization expressing an interest in belonging to NAMI, may be considered for Corporate Membership upson submission of an application to the Chairman of the Membership Committee and approval by a majority of the Executive Board.
Honorary Life Membership: By a majority vote of those present at an annual meeting. NAMI may confer an Honorary Life Membership upon any person qualified for membership who has rendered distinctive service to NAMI or its purpose. Nominations must be in writing to the Executive Board at least 60 days prior to the voting thereon, and the letter shall specify the reason for the nomination. All past presidents of NAMI shall become life members at the conclusion of their term of office as president. Any life member shall have privileges without payment of annual dues.
Officers and Directors: The officers of NAMI consist of a President, First Vice president, Second Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer and seven Directors. The President, First VP, Second VP and Three Directors shall be Law Enforcement members. The Secretary/Treasurer and four Directors may be Non-law enforcement members.
Partnership with the United States Coast Guard: NAMI (later IAMI) instructors began instructing Marine Theft Training as part of the National Safe Boating Instructor Course (NBSIC) and later the Marine Patrol Officer Course (MPOC) at USCG Training Center in Yorktown, VA, and later at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Charleston, SC.
1992 ATS Corpus Christi, TX
Martin Aberg was the first international member in NAMI. This was the first time a marine investigator (LE) from outside the US attended. The Swedish insurance investigation was considered as LE, the same structure as NICB in the US.
1994 ATS Boston, MA
Delegates from Sweden, Germany, UK, Canada and Venezuela, besides all delegates from the U.S. , During the seminar, we pointed out that NAMI should be an international organization since we, at that time, had several international members.
NAMI – Minimum Claims Procedures for Boat Theft Claims
NAMI developed a recommended minimum claims procedure for insurance company management of boat theft claims. The investigative steps contained in the standards were developed in consideration of the loopholes commonly found in marine titling, underwriting and boat theft investigations. While these recommended procedures were not all inclusive, they could lead claims personnel to ask the questions necessary to increase the potential for recovery of the vessel and/or identification of fraudulent claims.
1994 National Association of Marine Investigators, (NAMI) Inc.
April 1st, 1994 – Original Articles of Incorporation filed in Tallahassee, Florida and listed as a 501(c) (6) corporation.
1994 – 2005 17 Character Hull Identification Number Project1995 National Association of Marine Investigators Membership Roster
U.S.A. Members: 918 in 47 States
Various Countries: 63 members in 14 Countries
1995 NAMI Photograph of Board of Directors
The last meeting of NAMI was held at the Mill House in Charleston, SC. The awards dinner was held at the Hibernian Hall next door, and is where the photograph was taken.
From left ascending: Dave McGillis, Florida Marine Patrol, IPP, Bill Oakerson, Boat US, Insurance Committee, Ed Geary, Puerto Rico, International Committee, Brian Ripley, TWRA, Resolutions Committee, John Clifton, Alabama Marine Police, Coast Guard Committee, Larry Ross, SCDNR, President, Jimmy Laird, Mississippi Department of Parks, Wildlife and Fisheries, 2nd VP, Ken Swiderski, Illinois Department of Conservation, Legislative Committee, Jerry Masters, Surveyor and Boat Builder, Marine Industry Committee, Dan Rutherford, Ocean Marine Specialties, Inc., Secretary / Treasurer, Richard Blodgett, Massachusetts Environmental Police, 1st VP
International Association of Marine Investigators, Inc.
1996 International Association of Marine Investigators, (IAMI) Inc.
June 5, 1996 – Corporation name amended to International Association of Marine Investigators (IAMI), Incorporated. IAMI Europe held its first annual training conference in Southampton, United Kingdom. Since then, seminars have been held at many locations throughout Europe including – Hamburg, Liege, Stockholm, Lignano, Rotterdam, Mallorca, Dubrovnik, Cork, Ibiza, Tallinn, Riga, Malta and Athens.
IAMI Mission Statement:
To develop and provide high levels of training to law enforcement, insurance investigators and other marine professionals. Working and training together with both public and private sectors to combat marine theft, arson, fraud and other criminal activity in the marine environment.
1996 IAMI Regional Coordinator Program
The International Association of Marine Investigators were divided into regions for the United States. Each region shall have a Regional Coordinator, designated by the Regional Coordinator Director. Regional Coordinators are responsible for identifying and securing State Regional Coordinators to promote and conduct Regional Training Seminars (RTS). They shall also assist hosts to ensure the proper administration / conduct of RTS, including course content in conjunction with the CMI program, securing IAMI certified instructors, teaching aids, local agency assistance, evaluation processes as outlined the Training Directors’ duties.
1997 IAMI - State Farm Partnership
The IAMI Board of Directors authorized the development of an IAMI Instructor Program to distinguish our members who consistently instruct year after year.
2000 – 2007 IAMI Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)2001 – 2009 IAMI Marine Theft Investigations Guide
The original Marine Theft Investigations Guide was completed by investigators and the staff of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Since then, members of the International Association of Marine Investigators Inc. (IAMI)., have contributed materials and guidance in this updated guide. The Marine Theft Investigations Guide produced by SCDNR granted IAMI permission to convert to the New Marine Investigators Pocket Guide.
Marine Theft Investigations Guide 2001
Marine Theft Investigations Guide 2004
Marine Theft Investigations Guide 2006
Marine Theft Investigations Guide 2009
2004 IAMI Certified Marine Investigators Program (CMI):
During 2004, the International Association of Marine Investigators (IAMI) unveiled the Certified Marine Investigators Program (CMI). IAMI designed and implemented a Certified Marine Investigators (CMI) Program to recognize those investigators who have the experience and training, in addition to their own area(s) of expertise, to bring a new dimension and insight into their respective fields of endeavor. IAMI Certified Marine Investigator (CMI) designation is limited to IAMI members in good standing who have experience and/or training in a wide range of areas.
To thundering applause and widespread interest, IAMI launched its much anticipated Certified Marine Investigator (CMI) Program by offering the first qualifying examination at its 14th Annual Training Seminar held in West Palm Beach, Florida, during the week of February 23, 2004.
The participants must have – high moral character, meet minimum education/experience (high school diploma, minimum of three years’ experience which is directly or indirectly related to Marine Matters, Criminology/Law Enforcement and Insurance), pass the uniform CMI Examination (eligibility to sit for examination – minimum of 250 points through any combination of work experience, marine degree, vocational programs or credits through any combination of work experience, marine degree, vocational programs or credits through SAMS, NAMS, CFE, CPCU etc.), maintain required continuing professional education, pay annual Association dues and abide by IAMI By-Laws and the Code of Professional Ethics of IAMI. This designation for IAMI Members will ensure that marine investigators are qualified in various aspects of marine terminology, forensic photography, investigations techniques, etc.
This certification has a mandatory 5-year recertification. 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.
As of May 29, 2020, IAMI has a total of 177 CMIs. Read more about IAMI’s CMI Program in the Members Only area.
CMI Marketing ProgramThe CMI Marketing Team recommended to the IAMI BODs the below items for the CMI Members. Each member will receive a CMI Coin; CMI Lapel Pin and CMI Patch.
2009 – 2020 IAMI Marine Investigators Pocket Guide
This new guide was approved by the Officers and BODs at IAMI’s Mid-Year Business Meeting held in Portland, Oregon, on September 13, 2008. Marine crimes cover a wide range of criminal acts from theft to insurance fraud. In order to investigate marine crimes, the investigator should have some working knowledge of boats and motors. IAMI produced this Pocket Guide as a tool containing information and check lists that will assist the marine professional conducting investigations with the identification of boats, motors and associated marine equipment. The information was compiled by members of IAMI, Inc.
2009 IAMI Change in Status:
New Oregon Corporation was formed to seek 501(c) (3) status to enable IAMI access to USCG assets (training facilities) and be in a more favorable position to receive grant money.
2010 Dissolution of Not-For-Profit Florida Corporation IAMI, Inc.
April 15, 2010 – Effective date of IAMI’s dissolution in the State of Florida.
2011 – 2020 IAMI Marine Investigation Manual
The original Marine Theft Investigations Guide was completed by investigators and the staff of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources authorized the International Association of Marine Investigators Inc. (IAMI) to update the Marine Theft Investigations Guide. The new guide was renamed “Marine Investigation Manual”. IAMI members contributed materials and guidance in this revision project. In 2010, a new project was undertaken to produce IAMI’s Marine Investigation Manual. The International Association of Marine Investigators (IAMI) has produced the Marine Investigation Manual as a tool to assist the investigator and a study guide for the Certified Marine Investigators (CMI) Program. The Manual is a compilation of various aspects of marine investigation and is simply a tool. The intent of the manual is to assist the marine professional conducting investigations with the identification of boats, motors and associated marine equipment. Many resources to assist the investigator are included throughout the Manual. This information was compiled by IAMI Members.
On August 2, 2011, IAMI applied for and received approval for registration of “International Association of Marine Investigators, IAMI” and its Logo.
The IAMI Board of Directors established that all instructors for IAMI “Core Courses” must be an IAMI Certified Marine Investigator (CMI) or an IAMI Board approved ‘Subject Matter Expert’ within a specific field.
2015 - CMI Instructors: 25 / Subject Matter Experts: 5IAMI Past Presidents Photograph taken at the 2019 ATS held in Biloxi, MS.
2019 European Membership
Following the request of the European members, the European Steering Committee of the International Association of Marine Investigators, Inc. rebranded itself into the Global Marine Investigations (GMI).
IAMI Certified Marine Investigator (CMI) Core Courses
IAMI Members developed the 11 Core Courses for the CMI Program.
IAMI 30TH Anniversary Coin
The IAMI BODs approved a special challenge coin for attendees at the 2020 ATS held in Charleston, SC.
NAMI / IAMI Regional Training Seminars (RTS)
Year Location Attendees CoordinatorHistorically the most successful NAMI and IAMI ATS' have been those supported and/or sponsored by local Law Enforcement Agencies.
During 2012, IAMI noticed a decrease in Law Enforcement agencies sending officers to IAMI Training. This was due to Local, State and Federal Budget cuts. Furthermore, most LE agencies would not authorize Out-of-State Travel for any type of training.
Another factor in a decrease of LE membership and/or participation in IAMI ATS training was that several agencies reorganized; disbanding their Marine Patrol Programs and/or placing them under State Police.
1991 – 2020 Leadership NAMI - IAMI
Tony Spires 2020-21 Charleston, SC
Secretary / Treasurer Executive Directors____________Pat Rowland 2013/Present
Legal Council
Richard Stavin, California 2002 to 2008
Kyle Sturm, Oregon 2010 to 2011
Jason Harris, North Carolina 2011 to 2015
Chris Abel, Virginia September 2015 to Present
2020 IAMI President Letter to the Membership
I have always followed the same work ethics as I am sure all of you have: Integrity, Honesty, Self-Discipline, Professionalism and Loyalty.
My saying will be two thoughts:
"T.E.A.M. = Together Everyone Achieves More”
"Teamwork: Simply stated, it is less me and more we – There is no “I” in “Teamwork”Be yourself, listen and respect your board’s ideas and suggestions and you will be successful.
Wayne SkrdlaMy Dad gave me work ethics, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol gave me Core Values that I try to live by. Integrity, Honesty, Self-Discipline, Respect, Professionalism and Loyalty.
So I leave you with this quote!
“To be challenged in life is inevitable.”