BACS Membership

There are currently three types of membership within the British Association of Cargo Surveyors. If you would like to know more about becoming a member, please contact us.

Associate Member

(a) They shall have served for a minimum of two years at the date of application as an accepted Cargo Surveyor and/or as an Assistant to a recognised Consulting Cargo Surveyor who is a member of the Association and shall have completed and passed the BACS Intermediate Examination.

(b) After a further three years as an Associate Member they will become eligible to take the main entrance examination. Only on passing the main examination are they eligible for elevation to full membership.

(c) It will be a requirement of associate membership, when gained, that progression to full membership will be sought as soon as permitted and completed within a reasonable period.

(d) Applications for membership must be supported by two sponsors both of whom must be full members of BACS. Only one of the sponsors can be from the same company as the applicant.

(e) Designation to be used by Associate Members is ABACS

Full Membership

(a) They shall have served for a minimum of five years at the date of application as an accepted Cargo Surveyor and/or as an Assistant to a recognised Consulting Cargo Surveyor who is a member of the Association and shall have completed and passed the entrance examination.

(b) Designation to be used by Full Members is MBACS

(c) If required they shall attend at an interview and produce written evidence of competency and sample reports.

(d) Produce confirmation of any qualifications.

(e) Those persons considered acceptable under Article 5 of the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

(f) Full Members can attain the status of Fellow with the designation of FBACS by accomplishing the criteria set out under Continuous Professional Development.

Affiliate Membership

Persons may be eligible for this category of non-voting category of membership if they:

(a) Can demonstrate to the committee that their alliance to the British Association of Cargo Surveyors will promote the advancement of the Association and its practices or disciplines.

(b) Have some connection to cargo surveying activities such as an Insurance Professional, Marine Lawyer or similar and unable to qualify for membership as a cargo surveyor.

(c) Applications for membership must be supported by two sponsors who must be full members of BACS. Only one of the sponsors can be from the same company as the applicant.