Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology

The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) is an international professional membership body and learned society for all marine professionals. IMarEST (formerly known as the Institute of Marine Engineers) is the first professional institute to adopt an all-embracing approach and recognise the need to bring together marine engineers, scientists and technologists.

The Institute’s role is to promote the scientific development and interdisciplinary understanding of marine engineering, marine science and marine technology.

The Institute is a nominated and licensed body of the [http://www.engc.org.uk/ Engineering Council (UK)] and a member of the [http://www.sciencecouncil.org/index.html Science Council (UK)] . It has significant links with many organisations that benefit members, such as the [http://www.imo.org/ International Maritime Organisation] , [http://www.etechb.co.uk/ UK Engineering and Technology Board] , UK Maritime Forum and Society of Maritime Industries. The Institute's internal committees include the Technical Affairs Committee and Professional Affairs & Education Committee. Special interest groups include the Small Ships Group and the Young Marine Professionals.

The Institute promotes the importance of keeping up to date with the latest advancements and theories within marine engineering, marine science and marine technology. The IMarEST publishes books and specialist marine journals, as well as organising conferences and seminars so that individuals will have professional support throughout their professional life.

IMarEST Aims and Objectives

The prime objective of the Institute is to promote the scientific development of marine engineering, science and technology in all its disciplines:

* by providing a forum to meet, discuss and exchange ideas
* by upholding and advancing the status of members
* by co-operating with industry, academia and professional bodies for furthering education, research and development
* by publishing and disseminating information

IMarEST has 15,000 members worldwide and membership ranges from students, postgraduates and working professionals to retired members at all levels. Membership is open to marine professions including such diverse occupations as; oceanographers, ocean engineers, geologists, marine biologists, environmental scientists, seagoing personnel and engineers, hydrographers, marine chemists and physicists, surveyors, technical managers, superintendents, offshore and sub-sea engineers, yacht engineers, consultants, operators and project managers.

IMarEST - an international organisation

The Institute's international dimension is reinforced by the activities of its divisions and branches that are located across the globe. IMarEST has members in 101 different countries. Members can participate in the activities of one 47 branches located around the world. The Institute has also developed an extensive network of Corresponding Members to provide a focus for those members located in a region without a branch.

* European Division: 25 branches

* Australasian Division: 11 branches

* East Asia Division: 5 branches

* Americas Division: 2 branches

* Mid East Division: 5 branches

The branches play a vital role within the Institute by promoting technical activities through meetings and conferences and by developing links with members, other professional bodies, government, schools and industry at local level.

The IMarEST is represented at key exhibitions around the world for marine engineering, science and technology professionals. The Institute is active in many initiatives promoting the marine profession such as Today's Engineers and Tomorrows World Live. The branch members and the Young Members Network are actively involved in careers fairs and school talks promoting the profession, any many fundraising initiatives for different charities around the world.

Membership - Professional Recognition

There are seven membership categories for marine engineers, scientists and technologists. Membership requirements for these categories are based on academic standards, knowledge, experience, competence and commitment of the individual in their chosen discipline. IMarEST applies equal standards for engineers, scientists and technologists.

The Institute is empowered to award 'Chartered', 'Incorporated' and 'Technician' status for engineers through registration with the UK Engineering Council. Additionally the IMarEST is the only institution empowered to award the title 'Chartered Marine Scientist' and 'Chartered Marine Technologist'.

Corporate Members

* Fellows FIMarEST

* Members MIMarEST

* Associate Members

* Associates AIMarEST

Non-Corporate Members

* Graduates GIMarEST

* Students SIMarEST

* Affiliates

The IMarEST supports the education, training and ongoing professional development of marine professionals to enable them to remain competent within the workplace and to further their careers.

Membership Benefits

Membership enhances the professional status of the individual and offers the route to registration. IMarEST membership is acknowledged worldwide and many key employers view membership as indicative of an individual's commitment to their career and to lifelong learning. Members receive a monthly newsletter, free specialist journal, full access to the Marine Information Centre and website, reduced prices on IMarEST merchandise and considerable membership discounts on all services and products. Members networking through their local branch can meet new contacts, helping progress their education and careers.

The IMarEST has a network of international affiliations increasing networking opportunities for members around the world. These include the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Sobena, South African Institute of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects, Royal Institution of Naval Architects, Japan Institute of Marine Engineers, the Canadian Institute of Marine Engineers and the Engineers Australia.

Young Members Network

The [http://www.imarest.org/ymn/default.asp Young Marine Professionals] international network is a highly successful specialist group of the IMarEST. It is free to join and is mainly aimed at those marine professionals under 35 years old. This group provides the opportunity to meet like minded people and to discuss issues of relevance to them. No professional recognition is awarded, but individuals can apply to become members of the Institute.

IMarEST Course Accreditation

The IMarEST accredits both industrial training programmes company and academic graduate and postgraduate courses worldwide. This develops and fosters high standards of learning across different countries. An IMarEST accredited qualification or course (anywhere in the world) will gain equal recognition in a number of countries. The Institute maintains high international professional standards for engineers, scientists and technologists.

Scholarships, Awards and Prizes

The IMarEST offers best student awards, cadet prizes and undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships. Technical and scientific papers may also be published through the Institute. Each year the best papers are awarded prestigious prizes.

Careers Advisory Service, Employment Register and Recruitment

The careers advisory service provides information on education, Continuing Professional Development and careers advice. Information is available on university and college courses, apprenticeships, cadetships and sponsorships. The careers service lists all IMarEST accredited courses, contains a guide for mentors, company training and professional development programmes. The Employment Register is a list of all individuals looking for a job, which employers can pay to access. The on-line recruitment site lists many off the latest job vacancies in the marine sector. Students, graduates, postgraduates, teachers, working professionals can all benefit from this.

Marine Information Centre (MIC)

The Marine Information Centre is one of the most comprehensive information centres in the world for marine professionals. It is the leading source of information on marine engineering, science and technology with more than 8,000 books, 1,000 conference volumes and over 100 subscribed professional journals. Users have access to reference holdings, book lending facilities and direct purchase of information. The MIC staff maintain a high level of service and assist users with literature searches, research and technical enquiries.

Oceanis (Southampton Oceanography Centre) - a database of over 30,000 bibliographic records of ocean and earth science. Topics include hydrography, oceanography, life science and ecology of the sea, aqua-culture, pollution, renewables, wave energy and more.

Marine Technology Abstracts (with British Maritime Technology) - aims to include all high quality material that has been published in the marine world in every sector of the marine industry. It currently lists 82,000 abstracts of technical papers, articles, journal abstracts and conference papers.

International Directory of Marine Consultants and Technical Services IMarEST is offering the chance for all marine consultants to have their details listed on this international directory. This is made available on-line to research centres, academia and companies all over the world.

MIC offers a comprehensive list of worldwide conferences and exhibitions and database links to other marine sites.

IMarEST Conferences, Social Events and Technical Meetings/Colloquia

The IMarEST organises international technical conferences, training courses, themed seminars (Colloquia) and social events.

Conference topics have included: Deep and Ultra Deep Water Offshore Technology, INEC - the International Naval Engineering Conference and Exhibition series, ISM Code: making it really work and Marine Renewable Energies. Most IMarEST conferences will also offer companies the opportunity to take up stand areas for exhibitions running parallel to the event.

'Themed Colloquia' are a new series of high quality seminars recently introduced by IMarEST. These are targeted to meet the specific needs of marine professionals working in the different sectors of the marine environment. They also focus on hot topics of debate in the marine world and guest speakers from industry and academia.

The Institute's Annual Dinner, Conversazione and regular Golf Days provide an excellent opportunity to entertain clients and to network with colleagues. Worldwide branches organise their own social activities.

IMarEST Publications

The IMarEST is a leading professional marine publisher, with a range of information serving the needs of those involved in marine science , the offshore oil and gas industry, shipping, subsea and underwater technology.

The professional journals contain a mix of industry news, technical updates and special in-depth features and reports. The MER (Marine Engineers Review) has one of the largest international circulations of any professional marine engineering journal. The JOT (Journal of Offshore Technology) caters for the specialised needs of the technologist working in the offshore sectors dealing with the exploration and production of hydrocarbons. Maritime IT & Electronics provides a practical based IT journal for marine professionals. The Marine Scientist is the new professional science journal which regularly contains news, research, analysis, debates and views from the scientific community.

The IMarEST publishes a series of Technical Proceedings to meet the operational and academic needs of marine engineers, scientists and technologists. Part A: Journal of Marine Engineering and Technology comprises academic based papers. Part B: Journal of Marine Design and Operations focuses on practical-based papers in marine technology. Part C: Journal of Marine Science & Environment caters to the scientific needs of the marine science community. The editorial team for the Proceedings comprise of leading academics, researchers and industry professionals. In addition, Conference Proceedings are published for each IMarEST technical event.

IMarEST books cover all aspects of marine technology and are read by academics and industry. Many of the book titles are aimed at students.

History

In 1887, certified sea-going engineers formed a Marine Engineers' Union with a view to having their status accepted as being equal to that of their fellow deck officers. They wanted a corresponding improvement in their conditions of service and pay. This Union, with its Head Office in London, appeared to develop quickly and branches were formed in principal outports. However this was not accepted by some members of the sea-going fraternity ashore. There were some complaints in the newly-formed Union itself. Then members of the Poplar Branch were expelled when they questioned the administration of the Union funds.

Three of these ten members - F W Shorey (Honorary Secretary of the Poplar Branch), D Greer and J G Hawthorn - met and discussed the formation of an association entirely separate from the element of trade unionism. They held several informal meetings with prominent engineers in London and established an organising Committee with a view to forming an Institute and Club especially for marine engineers, whether afloat or holding appointments ashore.

They proposed to name and register the Institute as the 'Institute of Marine Engineers'. A letter dated 20th November 1888 was issued to the Chief Engineers of all steamers in the Port of London on that date. The Inaugural Meeting was held on Tuesday 12th February 1889, in the Workmen's Hall, West Ham Lane, Stratford.

Clauses relating to membership qualifications read at the meeting showed that all grades and classes of engineers on sea and land had been considered. They were as follows:

* Members:
** Those holding First Class Board of Trade Certificates, who have served as Chief or Second Engineers at sea, or marine engineers in responsible positions on shore.

* Associate Members
** Those holding Second Class Board of Trade Certificates, who have served as officers of a watch at sea for not less than 18 months, or marine engineers in positions of some responsibility on shore.

* Honorary Members
** Gentlemen interested in marine engineering.

* Associates
** Marine engineers at sea or on shore, who occupy junior positions.

* Graduates
** Apprentices who have served three years at least, who intend to follow the calling of marine engineers.

The first Meeting of Council was on the 16th February 1889, four days after the Inaugural Meeting and the first President of the Institute of Marine Engineers was Mr Asplan Beldam.

The first Ordinary Meeting was in the Lanthorne Rooms at Stratford on the 5th April 1889, and record show that sixty members and visitors were present to hear a presentation on a paper on "Steering Gear". The new Institute was thus established and the Certificate of Incorporation was granted on the 31st July 1889.

At the time of the first General Meeting on the 1st November, 1889, there were 160 Members, 8 Honorary Members, 9 Associate Members, 9 Associates and 4 Graduates - a total of 190. There were 200 volumes in the Library. The Reading Room remained open every evening from 5 to 10 pm.

The first Annual General Meeting was on 29th March 1890. During that first year there were eleven Ordinary Meetings at which Papers were read and discussed; ten of them were published in the Transactions. Records show that there had been eight meetings of the Organising Committee up to the election of Council and, then, forty-six regularly convened Council Meetings.

Enthusiasm was high; total membership had grown to 284 during this year but the Langthorne Rooms were proving inadequate. It was agreed at the first Annual General Meeting to inaugurate a Building Fund with a view to purchasing permanent accommodation. The more ambitious members were in favour of moving into the City, but it was some twenty-five years later, 20th January 1915, before they were able to achieve this.

Steps were taken during 1891 to obtain more suitable temporary accommodation and, ultimately, the freehold premises at 58 Romford Road, Stratford, were taken. Immediately following the Annual General Meeting at the Town Hall, Stratford on 11th March 1892, the company porceeded to the new accommodation. This accommodation was soon inadequate althoguh the premises were improved and extended during 1894.

The more ambitious members again maintained their pressure for moving into the City and ultimately, at the Annual General Meeting on 20th March 1908, it was agreed to appoint a City Premises Committee to look into the question of renting rooms in the City for meetings and for the daily use of members, at the same time retaining the Romford Road premises. It was four years later, on 28th June 1912, that the members agreed at an Extraordinary General Meeting to adopt Council's recommendation to acquire the Minories site, at Tower Hill, for new premises.

The foundation stone of Nos 85-88 Minories was laid by the Lord Mayor of London on 29th October, 1913, and Council held its meeting in the new building on 16th December, 1914. A Royal Charter was granted to the Institute at a meeting of the Privy Council on the 16th March, 1933.

It was inevitable that the Institute would outgrow the facilities of 85-88 Minories, a building which suffered damage, as many other buildings did in London at that time, and although modified during necessary repairs it could not fulfil the needs of an expanding Institute. Furthermore, the situation of the building may not have fitted in with future planning of the area by the City of London. This proved to be correct some ten years later. It was decided at a Special meeting of the Council in January, 1945, to consider the question of a site for a future building - a building which would be a Memorial to the marine engineers who had lost their lives in the recent conflict.

The search for a site continuted over several years but Council, on 31st January 1950, confirmed a previous suggestion that the site should be between the Bank and Aldgate Pump. In 1951, the site formerly occupied by Nos 56-59 Fenchurch Street, having a frontage in Mark Lane, was agreed upon as being eminently sutable and desirable. It was a much larger and more ambitious building with a considerable amount of letting space.

The foundation stone of the new building was laid by His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, KG, on 16th November, 1955. Beneath the foundation stone is a casket in which Mr WJ Ferguson, Chairman of Council, 1955, placed documents pertaining to the Institute. The ceremonial opening of the building - the Memorial Building - on 25th September 1957, was performed by Admiral of the Fleet The Earl Mountbatten of Burma in the presence of the President, Sir Ronald Garrett, the Chairman of Council, Rear-Admiral FE Clemitson, CB, Mr HAJ Silley, Past President and Chairman of the Building Committee, and about 750 members and guests.

In August 1999, the Institute moved from the Memorial Building at No 76 Mark Lane, now demolished, to 80 Coleman Street, where the Institute is currently located.

External links

* [http://www.imarest.org Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology]
* [http://www.sciencecouncil.org/index.html Science Council (UK)]
* [http://www.imo.org/ International Maritime Organisation]
* [http://www.mscos.ac.uk/ The Marine Society]
* [http://www.etechb.co.uk/ UK Engineering and Technology Board]