Ask BIM

How it works

Ask BIM uses Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) — a technique that first searches BIM's content database for relevant material, then uses that material as the basis for a written answer. The AI is not allowed to draw on general knowledge; every answer must be grounded in BIM content.

When you ask a question, the system:

1. Classifies your question — to check it is in scope.
2. Searches BIM content — funding schemes, training programmes, news, and more.
3. Generates an answer — using only the retrieved content, with numbered citations.
4. Shows you the sources — every answer includes citation cards linking to the original pages.

What Ask BIM can answer

Ask BIM is designed to help with general information questions such as:

• What funding schemes does BIM currently offer?
• How do I apply for a BIM training course?
• What is BIM's approach to sustainable aquaculture?
• How do I contact a BIM advisory service?
• What recent news has BIM published about the seafood sector?

What Ask BIM will not answer

Ask BIM automatically refuses four categories of question. When it refuses, it will direct you to the appropriate human contact.

Grant eligibility questions

Questions like "Am I eligible for X scheme?" or "Does my company qualify for Y grant?" require a human review. We cannot risk giving you incorrect eligibility information that could affect your application. Contact contact@bim.ie.

Regulatory and legal advice

Fishing licences, catch quotas, and EU Common Fisheries Policy rules are administered by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), not BIM. Ask BIM cannot give regulatory advice.

Vessel safety and emergency procedures

Questions about seaworthiness, SOLAS compliance, or emergency protocols are handled by the Marine Survey Office. This is too safety-critical to leave to an AI.

Off-topic questions

Questions unrelated to the Irish seafood and aquaculture sector, BIM's programmes, or Ireland's maritime industry are outside the scope of this assistant.

Citation requirement

Every factual claim in an Ask BIM answer must be backed by a numbered citation (e.g. [1], [2]) referencing a specific piece of BIM content. Citation cards appear below the answer and link directly to the source page so you can verify the information.

If Ask BIM cannot find relevant content to support an answer, it will tell you plainly rather than guessing.

Turning off AI features

You can hide all AI-powered features on this website at any time by adding ?ai=off to any URL. For example:

Visit homepage with AI disabled

This flag persists for the current page URL only. For a persistent preference, contact BIM's web team.

Feedback and concerns

Ask BIM is in active development. If you receive an answer that appears incorrect, misleading, or unhelpful, please let us know: contact@bim.ie.