Principal guest
HRH The Princess Royal

President, The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (with effect from March 2007)
Dr D W Williams CB PhD CMarEng CPhys FIMarEST FInstP
(The National Hydrographer, 2001-2006)

President, Society for Underwater Technology
M Leece OBE CEng CMarEng FSUT FIMarEST (Chief Executive, National Marine Aquarium)

The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) and the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) were honoured to have Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal attending as their Principal guest and speaker at their first joint Annual Dinner on Friday 9 March.

During the evening, as the most recent Honorary Fellows of IMarEST, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal; the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir David King; and Mr Efthimios Mitropoulos the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization received their Honorary Fellowships from IMarEST’s new President, Dr Wyn Williams.

In his speech, Dr Williams, the first scientist to be President of IMarEST explained: ‘ I am certainly taking over as President of an extremely healthy Institute. Our membership numbers are growing, and I am glad to say that our increasing numbers include both marine engineers and scientists and it is encouraging that our growth is at the young end of the spectrum, and internationally too, with well over half our members based outside the UK. To continue that demographic change and global reach, we have a membership drive underway that we confidently expect will boost membership over the coming years.

“It is not only with members and soon-to-be members that we are increasing our reach and influence, but through our increasing input to Government Bills and consultations and involvement with IMO, IOC and other key organisations. This emphasis will continue throughout the coming year. I can see I am going to have a busy, but thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding time in office. I am looking forward to every minute of it!”

To an audience of over 700 engineers, scientists and technologists from 20 countries involved in all aspects of the maritime profession Her Royal Highness’ speech addressed the need for increased recruitment in the maritime industry and the ever growing importance of the entire maritime sector.