What is IMarEST?

The international membership body and learned society for all marine professionals. The IMarEST has registered charity status and is the first professional institution to bring together marine engineers, scientists and technologists into one international multi-disciplinary professional body. It is the largest marine organisation of its kind with a worldwide membership of over 18,000 individuals based in over 120 countries.

What is the purpose of IMarEST?

To work within the global marine community to promote the scientific development of marine engineering, science and technology, providing opportunities for the exchange of ideas and practices and upholding the status, standards and knowledge of marine professionals worldwide.

Who are IMarEST’s members?

The IMarEST has categories of membership for everyone with an interest in the marine world – for those who are seeking professional recognition (Corporate Membership), for those who are currently studying or just starting out in their careers or those who simply have a general interest in the IMarEST, its work, its members, events, publications or facilities (non-Corporate Membership).

IMarEST members include those working in...

Ports & Shipping
Offshore Oil & Gas
Maritime Services
Marine Science
Naval & Defence
Marine Leisure
Marine Renewables
Fishing & Aquaculture

…and many others involved in marine science, engineering and technology disciplines and applications.

What is IMarEST’s international standing?

The IMarEST is a respected authority in every maritime country. It is a Non-Governmental Organisation with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), observer status at the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), observer status at the London Convention/London Protocol (LC/LP), observer status with the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP).

IMarEST also has special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC), which facilitates its access to other international intergovernmental meetings where its specialized marine expertise is of particular use, e.g., the United Nations meetings on Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the work of the International Seabed Authority on marine mining.

It is a nominated and licensed body of the Engineering Council (UK), a member of the Science Council and has significant links with many other maritime organisations worldwide.

The IMarEST’s international dimension is reinforced by the activities of its divisions and branches located across the globe.

These branches play a vital role in providing a local focus to activities, networks, conferences, meetings and events, and for developing and maintaining links and partnerships with people and organisations in key regions in the maritime world.