Posted on: 20 October 2015
The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) has announced that UK schemes for maritime education and training for Merchant Navy officers meet the academic standards required for registration as a professional engineer.
David Loosley, Chief Executive Officer of the IMarEST commented: “We are delighted to be able to recognise the value to seagoing officers that professional recognition brings. The IMarEST has been eager to recognise the professional experience, through life-long training and continuous professional development, of seafarers and to allow for seagoing officers to gain a level of professional recognition appropriate for their responsibilities and technical knowledge.”
Approved by the UK Engineering Council and supported by the UK Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB), the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Warsash Maritime Academy, this initiative allows engineer officers, deck officers and marine electro-technology officers (METOs) to apply for professional registration through the IMarEST.
Officer cadets or applicants who have completed training following the MNTB programme of courses and UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) examinations for MCA Certificates of Competency, are now recognised as having achieved the academic standards required for registration.
Once relevant experience has been gained at Second Engineer or Chief Mate ranks, the candidates should have the necessary practical and managerial experience necessary for election as a ‘Member’ of IMarEST and registration as an Incorporated Engineer (engineers and METO’s) or Registered Marine Technologist (deck officers).
Chief Engineers and ship’s Masters with an MCA Certificate of Competency plus two years’ relevant managerial experience can apply for registration as a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Marine Technologist.
Alan Cartwright, Fellow of IMarEST and Commercial Manager of Southampton Solent University’s Warsash Maritime Academy said: “Public recognition of the professional status of Merchant Navy Engineer, METO and Deck Officers, and the rigour of the UK’s maritime education and training scheme, as administered by the MNTB, is a worthy reward for the hard work that professional qualification entails. We are grateful for the support of the RFA and the MNTB for this initiative, the fruits of which are now ready to serve today’s and tomorrows’ Merchant Navy officers.”
