PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Achieving an academic qualification is only the beginning of a naval architect's professional career. The achievement and maintenance of professional competence, especially where it cannot be acquired solely by formal study, necessitates life long professional development.Professional development is the acquisition, maintenance, improvement and broadening of knowledge, understanding and skills, and the development of personal qualities necessary to carry out your professional duties throughout a member, working life. Whilst this process should be continuous during a career, it is often convenient to consider it as two stages: Initial Professional Development (IPD) prior to achieving Corporate membership of the Institution (as a Member, Associate-Member or Associate), and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) thereafter.

Initial Professional Development

Initial Professional Development is that part of professional development where a member achieves the levels of professional competence that will satisfy the Institution's requirements for Corporate membership. The Institution defines these levels of competence through a series of Professional Development Objectives which should be achieved. ... More about Initial Professional Development

Professional Review

When the Institution's requirements have been achieved, application may be made for Corporate membership. The basis of the application is the Professional Review, through which the applicant will be required to demonstrate that they have met the Institution's requirements for professional competence and commitment to the profession. ... More about the Professional Review

Continuing Professional Development

During the early years following graduation, the naval architect's focus will be on meeting the Institution's requirements for Corporate membership. However, as a member's career develops, he or she will need to identify the professional development required by their current employment and enhance their future career. Such professional development is also necessary if they are to continue to benefit from the standing and recognition they have already achieved as a Corporate member. The Institution's Code of Professional Conduct obliges all members to maintain their professional competence. ....More about Continuing Professional Development

Planning and Recording Professional Development

At all stages in their career, members should plan and record all significant activities activities that contribute to their professional development. This records will assist in producing the Professional Review Report required when applying for Corporate membership. The Institution's Code of Professional Conduct requires all members to keep a record of their professional development. The Institution will require to see a member's CPD Record when considering their application to transfer to Fellow, and may also require the member to produce such records as evidence of having met the requirements for CPD at any other time.

It is recommended that activities which contribute to a Graduate Member's Initial Professional dDvelopment are recorded in the Institution's IPD Logbook.

Download IPD logbook (MS Word doc) Member | Associate-Member | Associate

Professional Development Manual

The Professional Development Manual (PDM) is provided to assist members in their professional development after completion of a suitable academic base. The PDM is designed to be used at any stage of a member's career career, addressing both Initial Professional Development prior to achieving Corporate membership, the application for Corporate membership and Continuing Professional Development after achieving it. Graduate Members should use the Professional Development Manual appropriate to the class of Corporate Membership they are working towards. Download Professional Development Manual (PDF file)