Celebrating 50 years of commitment to technical advancement

SAIMENA celebrates in Cape Town and Durban

SOUTH AFRICA: The South African Institute for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (SAIMENA) officially celebrated their 50^th anniversary with synchronised dinners hosted in Cape Town and Durban on Friday night.

With a seamless feed that linked the two events, it was fitting to see the country’s two largest regions for marine engineering co-host the auspicious occasion. Guests at both locations were able to tune into speeches, toasts and recognition of significant people and milestones.

Officiating in Cape Town, Mark Glock navigated the dual programme and welcomed guests to the evening by noting the half century of commitment the institute had shown to the industry. “We have gratitude for the journey behind us, respect for the present and a sense of commitment to serve with great professionalism for the days ahead,” he said.

Acting as the Master of Ceremonies at the Durban event, Brett McElligott recognised three of the original members who were in attendance, Bill Rice, Willem Deyzel and Mike van den Heever, and thanked them for their vision to provide a space for marine engineers to engage and learn from one another.

Acknowledging the work done by both current and past members, President Rennie Govender, noted that it remains important for SAIMENA to attract new younger members in order to maintain the capacity to engage with maritime authorities as well as to contribute to training and decision-making processes across all levels of the maritime sector.

“We need to continue to engage with the authority’s rules and decision making when it comes to syllabus, choice of syllabus and changes. We must continue to assist training centres and keep up the standards,” he said.

Quoting sections of a letter penned by Captain Tony Nicholas congratulating the institute on its milestone, Govender said that members could rightfully be proud of what SAIMENA had achieved.

A keynote address by Brian Ingpen provided a passionate peek into some of the noteworthy vessels and changes that have impacted the industry over the last five decades.

Giving guests the opportunity to share stories and celebrate the achievement, both dinners highlighted the continued commitment of members to the maritime industry.

“We have collected a lot of history over the years, and it is a privilege to be a part of this prestigious society,” concluded Glock as he urged guests to network and take the legacy into the future.

SAIMENA is the only technical society in South Africa dedicated to marine engineers and naval architects and runs branches in both Cape Town as well as Durban. With a total membership of about 400, they include seagoing engineers, ship repairers, shipbuilders, salvors, surveyors, naval architects, marine consultants and naval officers.