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 their professional duties throughout a member's working life.

Whilst this process should be continuous during a career, it is often convenient to consider it as two stages: Initial Professional Development (as an Associate Member) prior to achieving Corporate membership of the Institution (as a Member), and Continuing Professional Development (as a Member or Fellow) thereafter.

Initial Professional Development (IPD)

Initial Professional Development is that part of professional development where a member achieves the standard of professional competence relevant to their employment and experience, that will satisfy the Institution's requirements for Corporate membership.    ... More about Initial Professional Development

Professional Review 

When the Institution's requirements for professional competence 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 (CPD)

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

Guidance Notes

 The Institution publishes a range of IPD Log Books and Guidance Notes on professional development,  application for  Corporate membership and registration (with the EC), and accreditation of academic and  training programmes.  Guidance Notes are in pdf format.  IPD Log Books are in MSWord format.

 

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