Southern Joint Branch for Members in Dorset & Hampshire, is comprised of members of both the Royal Institution of Naval Architects and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology and runs a diverse programme of lectures and social events. Our social programme begins with our President’s Drinks Reception in May, which is an informal networking event for the South’s maritime community and ends with our black tie Annual Dinner in November. Our technical programme runs a number of technical lectures throughout the year on a wide variety of topics which are open to both members and non-members. The branch aims to inform and assist at all stages of career development and technical events are eligible for CPD. We also have an active Early Careers Professionals network which runs targeted events throughout the year.
Council Chair - Sue Harland
President - Elizabeth (Lizzie) McCaig
Vice-Chairman - Mr. Jayan P. P. Pillai
Vice-Chairman - Ms. Diana Roberts
Honorary Secretary - Mr Sukant Kumar, B.Tech, MRINA

The autonomy software developer Marine AI has launched a project in the hope of granting uncrewed vessels the ability to “communicate naturally” with other ships, in the manner of a human operator. The project has received the backing of the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), a branch of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) created to fund the development of innovate tech solutions for the British Armed Forces.
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.
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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