Member Benefits

The Nautical Institute is a thriving membership organisation open to all with a professional interest in the safe operation of sea-going vessels, high-level training and education, crewing, insurance and a host of other maritime concerns. Here's what you need to know...

 

 

 

 

 

How much does it cost to be a member?

Our most common grade of membership is 'MNI', the cost of which is 153 GBP per year (plus a one-off joining fee of 35 GBP). Or it could be as little as 82 GBP per year (plus 25 GBP one-off joining fee) if you live in a Less Developed Country (LDC) economically. Better still, if you choose to pay by PayPal Recurring or Direct Debit you won't have to pay a joining fee. For full details of all Nautical Institute membership categories and fees please download the 'Membership Brochure 2024' shown on this page. 

(Please note: in many countries fees paid to professional bodies such as The Nautical Institute are allowable for tax deduction purposes.)

Different membership grades...

Associate Member (AMNI)

Must match one or more of the following criteria:

  • Hold a Rating qualification; or
  • Hold a non-management level maritime post; or
  • Worked on board a fishing vessel for a period of at least two years; or
  • Undertaking an approved course of initial maritime training or education: those who meet this criteria should apply for the grade of Associate Member Student (AMNIS). 
     

Note: notwithstanding the criteria set out above, Council reserves the right in the maintenance of professional standards to consider all applications for membership on their merits and its decision shall be final.

Member (MNI)

Must match one or more of the following criteria:

  • STCW CoC: has been issued a deck Certificate of Competency by an IMO 'white list' Marine Administration under STCW '78/'95 as amended or has held an equivalent pre-STCW 1978 Certificate of Competency issued by a Marine Administration on the basis of examination
  • STCW(F) or other Fishing CoC: holds a STCW(F) or other earlier Fishing Navigational Watchkeeping or higher Certificate of Competency issued by a Marine Administration or approved Industry Body  
  • Yachts: holds a professional STCW Yachtmaster or Deck Officer of the Watch (Yacht) certificate issued by a Marine Administration (or delegated Industry Organisation)
  • Nautical Institute Certifications: holds at least one of the following certificates issued by The Nautical Institute;
    - Command certificate
    - Harbourmaster certificate
    - Square Rig certificate
    - Dynamic Positioning Operator certificate
  • Other Operational Qualifications: holds at least one of the following qualifications/licences;
    - Licence as a maritime pilot of seagoing vessels
    - Naval (Military) qualification equivalent to an STCW Certificate of Competency
    - VTS V-103 Vessel Traffic Services qualification
    - Harbourmaster
    - Marine Surveyor
    - Designated Person Ashore (DPA)
  • Inland Waterways (Including Limited Distances To Sea), Controlling Navigation and Operations on Vessels (of at least 24 metres in length and not less than 80GT) in Tidal/River and Seagoing Waters, and other non-STCW qualifications

    Holds one of the following non-STCW qualifications/licences including, but not limited to, the following, issued by a national Marine Administration (or delegated Industry Organisation):

    Note: Qualifications specifically relevant to Inland Waterways/limited distances to sea and other operations, not falling under STCW

    - Certificate of Competency
    - Boatmaster Licence 
    - Other (the designation of such qualifications may vary significantly between different countries)

  • Miscellaneous: holds an approved qualification in one or more of the following areas;
    - Maritime Law
    - Marine Insurance
    - Maritime Health and Welfare
    - Maritime Education & Training

    Note: Council may also accept a minimum of three years’ experience in lieu of formal qualifications from management level maritime professionals.
  • Has other qualifications or experience accepted by Council for this purpose
Associate Fellow (AFNI)

Must satisfy the Council of The Nautical Institute as to his/her qualifications, professional development and experience, and match one or more of the following criteria:

  • Has held an STCW Reg. II/2 Certificate of Competency or military command qualification and has sailed in command of a commercial or naval foreign-going vessel for a minimum period of six months; or
  • Has held an alternative command qualification and served in command of a vessel greater than 500GT (40 metres or over in length, if a fishing vessel) for a minimum period of one year; or
  • Has served as a marine pilot for a period of not less than 5 years and been responsible for handling ships of over 150 metres in length; or
  • Has served as a Harbour Master for a period of not less than 3 years and holds a relevant graduate-level qualification; or
  • Has held senior management positions ashore for a period of not less than 1 year, while holding a relevant post-graduate level qualification. The role should be of equivalent standing to command at sea such as Superintendent following service as a senior sea-going officer, or appointment as Chief Operating Officer or Head of Health and Safety, typically responsible for a sizeable workforce; or
  • Has other qualifications or experience accepted by Council for this purpose.
Fellow (FNI)

Election by nomination after a minimum of five years continuous membership and significant contribution to the profession.

For more information on fellowship nomination please download our Fellowship Nomination Guidance form...

Unsure which grade to apply for?

Apply for the Member (MNI) grade or email [email protected] with your details for a response.

The staff, on behalf of Council and its Nominations Committee, will assess the application and either assign the appropriate grade or refer the application to the Nominations Committee for a decision. The membership and joining fees will be adjusted accordingly if necessary.

What our members say...

 

What we are working on for you...

  • Growing the global branches network so that all our members have a local hub through which to network, teach and learn from peers
  • Using our new Legacy Scheme to support robust education and training initiatives
  • Introducing a one-to-one mentoring scheme, harnessing members’ unique knowledge and experience
  • Establishing a database of industry experts drawn from the membership that can be called upon to share their expert knowledge and opinions