The Western Australia Branch established on the 8th. December 1961 has two (2) of the Foundation Committee members still involved in activities of our Branch.
This Branch has two hundred and thirty three (233) members with an additional forty seven (47) Non-members and Potential members who receive our regular monthly West Coast Bulletin advising of meetings/visits and other IMarEST matters of interest, whether that be local, Australia wide or about London HQ matters of importance.
Meetings/visits are arranged on a monthly basis alternating with the WA Branch of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects.
We are most fortunate in WA of having an immense group of highly qualified and talented Marine Engineers, not only on sea-going ships, but on tugs, offshore supply vessels, FPSO’s etc. but also in ship building, hospitals, power stations, refineries, de-salination plants, shipping companies, offshore operators, ship Classification Societies, State and Commonwealth ship Regulatory Authorities etc. who are now shore based, having “swallowed the anchor”.
Also, we have a dedicated group of retired volunteer Marine Engineers who re-condition historic steam engines and machinery, then operate them on compressed air, at a shed directly opposite the Fremantle Maritime Museum—truly a building of exquisite architecture. These IMarEST volunteers also maintain the operational machinery within the FMM, with whose staff we enjoy a very satisfying relationship.
We also have eminent world renowned Marine Scientists from various backgrounds, including a Professor from the University of Western Australia; and the Perth representative of UNESCO/IOC, each of whom have made presentations at our meetings, and support our Branch immensely. Some of our members, when so invited, have attended Marine Science Symposia, and “Show and Tell”meetings.
This Branch is actively involved in encouraging the four major universities in WA in getting their various Marine Science courses accredited by IMarEST; just as we are encouraging the Fremantle Maritime TAFE College to get their courses accredited.
Our Branch has recently carried out an extensive membership drive by posting to prospective members some of the Institute’s technical magazines and literature.
All-in-all with the High Speed ship building craft; the Shiplift; Common User Facility (CUF); and the Floating Dock now being assembled in the Henderson suburb, south of Fremantle; the booming Offshore industry; the growth of Marine Science in universities and their associated professional organisations; and other land based installations; IMarEST can see great opportunities for growth in this State of Western Australia.Just keep watching—the potential is astronomical!