You can't just add autonomy
James Gladman on staying in control and why HAT is key.
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About US
Western Joint Branch of The Royal Institution of Naval Architects and The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, for Members in Bristol, Bath, Taunton, South East Wales, Gloucester, Swindon and Salisbury.
The Western Joint Branch comprises members of the IMarEST and RINA, covering a large area from Swindon in the North East down to Taunton in the South West, the counties of Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and Somerset and the cities of Bath and Bristol. The membership is drawn principally from those associated with the defence maritime sector, including serving and retired Royal Navy personnel, MOD civil servants and contractors from organisations such as Rolls Royce, BVT Surface Fleet, Thales Naval and BMT Group, as well as a number of self-employed consultants. The WJB committee comprises up to 10 marine engineers and naval architects, some of whom are members of both institutes. The committee members conduct liaison with HQ staff, plan and execute the lecture and technical visit programme, apply for HQ funding and manage the budget, represent the membership at HQ meetings and organise and conduct Professional Review Interviews (PRIs) for Incorporated and Chartered Engineer candidates. All branch meetings are advertised via the RINA and IMarEST websites and posters advertising the meetings sent to those who have provided their e-mail address to the WJB honorary secretary.
Up to 8 lectures are presented each year between September and April, the venue alternating between the Universities of Bath and the West of England (in North Bristol). The meetings are open to all and we are always pleased to welcome new members, colleagues, friends and family members. Light refreshments are provided. Technical visits are organised subject to the availability of suitable venues, hosts and visit sponsors. Such visits are advertised as they arise.
Chairman - Jake Rigby CEng FRINA MIMarEST
Vice-Chairman - Benjamin Scott CEng MRINA
Secretary - Daniel McAlindon AMRINA
Treasurer - Mr. S Crockett CEng CMarEng FIMarEST RCNC
Assistant Treasurer - Matthew Hood CEng MIET MAPM FRINA RCNC
Webmaster - Daniel Chippendale MEng AMIMarEST
Professional Affair Coordinator - Peter Stott
Professional Affair Coordinator - Alex Hyslop CEng CMarEng MIMarEST
Wargaming Baltic Sentry
RINA’s Warship 2026: Submarines conference, on 24-25 June 2026, University of Bath. How a wargame series is being used to help combat hostile underwater activity.
The future of antifouling
A summary of Ulf Hansen’s presentation at the 2026 RINA Ship Energy Efficiency Conference.
Wärtsilä rolls out NTPRO 7 simulator
Wärtsilä, the Helsinki-based technology group, has released NTPRO 7, the latest iteration of its navigational training simulation platform.
Designed for Autonomy
Chloe Yarrien and Jake Rigby take us behind the scenes of BMT’s MODUS family of modular uncrewed surface vessels.
Mapping the unmappable
Autonomy and technology are reshaping offshore surveys in hard-to-reach places, says Anne-Marie Causer.
Mentoring: Charting a course at Argo Engineering
We hear from an engineering consultancy about its mentorship needs – and what it can offer in return.
Simultaneous ROV operations cut vessel days off Senegal
DeepOcean innovation set to reduce costs and time spent on subsea inspection programmes.
The big questions: David Andrews
The distinguished naval architect on skills, talent and a life in design.
Fincantieri to build high-speed Saildrone USV in Wisconsin
Shipbuilder branches out with collaboration on Spectre; Chartwell and Japanese shipbuilders sign wind deal; and historic tug to become a yacht. TNA Insights.
GET INVOLVED
We are always looking for Members to contribute, whether through supporting the management of the Branch, volunteering at events, or with speaking, training, webinars, STEM activitites for local schools universities, and even mentoring our younger members. Any and all ideas for the Branch events programme and more are very welcome and we look forward to seeing you at our Branch Meetings soon.
Contact Form
FORUM
Welcome to the Branch Forum – a place to connect with fellow members, exchange ideas, ask questions, and share experiences.
We encourage open, constructive, and respectful discussion. Members are expected to engage professionally and positively at all times, in accordance with the RINA Code of Conduct. Different viewpoints are welcome; respectful debate helps us all learn and grow.
Join the conversation and help strengthen our global professional community.
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