Seaways Focus - August 2024
Growth and development
by John Lloyd FNI Chief Executive, The Nautical Institute
July is always an important month at The Nautical Institute as we review the organisational developments and performance during the first half of the year. It is also the time, every two years, when we welcome the new President and focus on the impact they wish to make in the coming two years.
With over 40 years of experience in the industry Captain Trevor Bailey, MNM FNI, will bring a wealth of operational insight to the role and help the NI with communications on key industry themes of modernisation, innovation, adaptability and versatility during a time of great change for the sector.
As we embrace this change, it is important that the executive team in headquarters are ready to support the work of the IMO and our members and that we can communicate widely and effectively. In line with our budget and plans for strategic growth we have already made important appointments this year strengthening our publications production, communications arrangements and technical input at the IMO. Enhancing our team across disciplines will ensure we are ideally placed to support our members and the wider community as we address contemporary opportunities and challenges.
"It is important that the executive team in headquarters are ready to support the work of the IMO and our members and that we can communicate widely and effectively."
Among other things, these appointments will strengthen the speed and quality with which we can produce publications, and enhance the offering within this area. We have already released three new publications this year and have more in the plan for the coming months. Our titles are available in hard copy and in e-book versions, so make the most of your member discount and stay up-to-date with the latest guidance in key technical areas.
AGM round-up
The AGM was the last function for Peter Hinchliffe in his role as Chair of the Executive Board. Peter has been Chair since 2018 and has helped the NI manage the challenges of the Covid era, a move of headquarters and the adoption of a new strategic plan. During his tenure the NI has grown in all areas and especially so in Membership.
On behalf of the executive team, all at HQ and all of the membership we place on record our thanks for his work over many years and especially for his period as Chair of the Board (below, third right). Peter – thank you.
We welcome Graham Cowling as the new Chair, who relinquishes his position of the Chair of the Financial and Audit Committee to take up this new appointment and Duncan Telfer, Honorary Treasurer, who takes over as Chair of the F&A Committee.
Sharing professional knowledge
Events like the AGM and the accompanying conference are an important part of our communications strategy, and I would like to extend my thanks to Vice Admiral Ed Santos (below, right) and his team at the Maritime Academy for Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) for the technical and administrative support his team delivered to our event. As well as on-site support at the conference venue, MAAP hosted a wonderful visit to their campus and provided the ideal opportunity for us to engage with cadets and learn of their expectations first-hand.
Thank you to all those who attended and supported this event.
Our next major event is the Offshore Energy conference, scheduled to take place in Bali in late September. This event will be a significant gathering for the offshore energy community, bringing together industry leaders, experts, and innovators to discuss the latest developments and future trends in offshore energy. The agenda includes a series of panel discussions, technical sessions, and networking opportunities.
While our flagship conference events draw the most coverage, our ongoing slate of NI Academy courses throughout the year cover a wide range of topics and provide a solid background for further development. Our member benefits extend to discounts here, too (see opposite). New courses are being developed all the time – keep a watch for emails and check out the website to find more about the latest courses across a range of subject areas, including dates for our newly launched Introduction to Alternative Fuels.
Our thanks to The Seafarers Charity for their help in supporting the development of our ILM-accredited Leadership and Management courses and their ongoing support of our scholarship scheme.