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

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The extra-large AUV

Anduril’s Dive-XL extends AUV travel range and depth.

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Sharing insights on best practice

Highlights from two presentations at RINA’s inaugural Ship Energy Efficiency Conference, held in Athens on 17–18 March 2026.

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HII wins contract to deliver autonomous Sub recovery system

HII has been awarded a contract by the US Defense Innovation Unit to deliver a submarine Torpedo Tube Launch and Recovery (TTLR).

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Professional development: My approach to CPD

Rob Hayes on writing papers and presenting at conferences as part of his CPD.

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Torpedo tubes get new role as AUV launchers

L3Harris to roll out TTLR and Iver4 900 for US government.

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Rolls-Royce MT30 to power Australia's new Mogami-class frigates

Marine gas turbine key to naval modernisation scheme.

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RINA Contribution to STEM Award 2026: Sukant Kumar

Recognition for his outstanding work in inspiring young people to pursue a career in engineering.

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Air-cooled battery targets high-cycle marine ops

Echandia Ultra: small, light and rated to 30,000-plus charge cycles.

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Branch spotlight: Singapore focus on decarbonisation

Events in Singapore cover fuel, professional development and youth engagement.

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Branch spotlight: Cumbrian conversations

Talks at the branch ranged from world speed records to HR and decarbonisation.

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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

To reach out to this Branch, please fill in your contact details and reason for contacting below. We look forward to hearing from you, and will get back to you through the contact information provided as soon as possible. 

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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