Catalytic link averts crisis
How an unexpected incident became an object lesson in emergency response. Nick Savvides reports.
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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
How it's changed
Jack Gifford MRINA on his journey from boatyard Saturday boy to a Caribbean future.
Topping up the tank
The Richard B Couch Model Basin at the University of Michigan College of Engineering, following completion of extensive renovations to the 750,000gallon, 360ft-long towing tank facility.
Apprenticeships: My path to success
Aaron Cobb MRINA is chief engineer, international navy support, at BAE Systems, Maritime and Land Defence Solutions: vocational training was the basis for a fascinating and fulfilling career and it could be the pathway to success for many more young people.
AiP for wind-assisted liquefied CO2 carrier
ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for a liquefied CO₂ carrier equipped with the Wind Challenger hard sail wind propulsion system.
History: Lessons from MV Derbyshire
John Jubb CEng, 94, on one of the most remarkable and troubling episodes in British maritime history in which he played a vital role.
Safety first for new fuels
The shift from heavy fuel oil to low-carbon alternatives promises deep emissions cuts but it also introduces a new generation of safety challenges. The challenge now is ensuring the industry meets its decarbonisation goals without compromising on safety.
Hydrogen hits the big time with projects on the rise
Hydrogen is moving from pilot projects to mainstream maritime adoption, with landmark vessel orders and emerging bunkering hubs signalling growing industry confidence.
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.
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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.
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