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 is a nominated and licensed body of the Engineering Council (UK) and a member of the Science Council (UK). It has significant links with many organisations that benefit members, such as the International Maritime Organisation, 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 over 16,000 members worldwide and membership ranges from students, postgraduates and working professionals to retired members at all levels. Membership is open to most 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, 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 Marine Professionals 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 Institute of Engineers , Australia (IEAust).

Young Marine Professionals

The 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 in 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 the largest international circulation 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 will regularly contain 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 of academic based papers. Part B: Journal of Marine Design and Operations focuses on practical-based papers in marine technology. 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 .

For more information please, click www.imarest.org