With the world facing a major health, economic and social challenge over the coming weeks and months due to the coronavirus pandemic, we wanted to remind you, as an IMarEST member, that you are not alone but rather are part of a connected global community of marine professionals and that you have access to a range of tools, technologies and resources, as described below, to help you stay connected and productive during the challenging times ahead.

Manage your membership online

The MyIMarEST membership portal lets you review and update your contact information, download or pay invoices online, choose Special Interest Groups and a local branch to join, and update your interests and expertise that are used by the Institute to provide you with tailored content and opportunities.

To access your MyIMarEST, you will need your IMarEST login. If you need help remembering your username or resetting your password, please contact us.

Things to try:

• Review & update your contact information
• Update your interests
• Tell us about your expertise

Connect and network with other members online

Nexus is the members-only professional network integrated into the IMarEST website. It provides members with the ability to network and collaborate with each other, regardless of location.

We have created this guide (PDF) to help you get started with using Nexus. It explains how to set up your profile and make it visible to others, and how to connect with members and join groups. For questions or further support, please join and post in the Nexus Support group.

Things to try:

• See what's new on Nexus
• Check out the most active Nexus groups
• Review your Nexus preferences and privacy settings
• Check out the Human Element SIG's Coronavirus Portal and contribute to the discussion on Nexus.

Discover our Special Interest Groups

Our Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are member-led online networks, coordinated by an expert committee and a larger corresponding membership. SIGs aim to advance and share knowledge in a particular field, and getting involved by joining a SIG is an excellent way to advance your expertise and status.

Things to try:

• Explore the Institute's diverse range of SIGs
• Join via MyIMarEST one or as many SIGs as you are interested in
• Once you've joined a SIG via MyIMarEST, don't forget to also to join its corresponding Nexus Group so that you can network and discuss with fellow members
• Don't see a SIG that interests you? Why not start your own?! Check out our guidance for SIGs to learn more

Engage with your local branch

With members in 120 countries, it is important that you have access to a local base. Our branches make IMarEST activities accessible to you in your area, including technical lectures, conferences and meetings and networking events.

Whilst many branches are likely to be impacted by the pandemic in the weeks and months ahead, many are starting to change their approach and plan remote events and encourage online networking so that they can continue serving their members and reach even wider audiences. By engaging in your local branch now, you’ll have the ongoing opportunity to develop links with members near you and to share your knowledge and learn from others, supporting you in your career.

Things to try:

• Review or change your local branch in MyIMarEST
• See what branch events are coming up - many are likely to switch to remote meetings in the coming weeks and months
• Connect with your local branch online - either through social media (find links from a branch's webpage) or on Nexus
• Reach out to your branch's committee (contact details on their webpage) to enquire about volunteer opportunities to support their activities during these challenging times
• Explore over 120 on-demand technical lectures that branches have recorded for IMarEST TV

Explore and watch hundreds of on-demand talks

Exclusive to IMarEST members, IMarEST TV allows you to watch live-streams and full recordings of IMarEST technical lectures, meetings, conferences and many other events from across the globe. There are now over 300 recordings available on-demand in IMarEST TV for you to watch, all of which contribute to your continuing professional development.

Things to try:

• Download the IMarEST TV App, enabling you to download recordings to watch offline
• Catch up on recent IMarEST Prestige Lectures or even entire conferences
• Explore over 120 on-demand technical lectures that branches have recorded for IMarEST TV
• Discover recent discussions and talks from our Special Interest Groups
• Take some time to enjoy the Institute's 'Our Oceans: Our Future' film

Develop your skills through online learning

It is important to maintain and develop your skills over the weeks and months impacted by the pandemic. IMarEST Echo, the Institute’s professional development platform, provides Associate Members, Members and Fellows with online and offline access to a growing collection of learning and development content and training materials. Echo also provides access to your own Continuing Professional Development (CPD) record.

Things to try:

• Check out our "Getting the most from remote working" e-learning collection
• Discover over 100 short e-learning modules on a wide range of topics to help you develop your skills
• Update and maintain your CPD record
• Not eligible for Echo? Consider upgrading your membership, or check out a range of training courses (some free and online) or consider enrolling in distance-learning Higher Education from MLA College, part of the IMarEST.

Expand your knowledge across the breadth of marine

Consisting of a digital archive of IMarEST published material from the past 130 years, online journals, proceedings, magazines and downloadable eBooks, the IMarEST Virtual Library contains a wide range of resources and materials to help you expand your marine knowledge.

Things to try:

• Read the latest issue of Marine Professional
• Explore the Institute's Open Access conference proceedings or subscribe to its journals
• Download an ebook from the Virtual Library's eBook Collection
• Browse our selection of books now available from Witherbys Seamanship Intl

If there are any other ways we can help make the coming weeks a little easier, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us by emailing.