Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) Fellow, chartered engineer, and IMarEST’s delegate on Fuels and Exhaust Emissions, Andy Wright, talks us through IMarEST’s role at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Although IMarEST members normally have full-time jobs elsewhere, their extensive competence and experience in their particular field, together with the knowledge of IMarEST’s policy objectives and positioning, means they are often ideal candidates to represent the Institute at the IMO.

“IMarEST has confidence in our experience and knowledge, and on that basis, we represent the Institute, not ourselves, at these forums,” explains Wright.

A representative’s work is ongoing but gathers momentum as a new meeting approaches.

“Before each meeting, I review all those papers that are in my area of interest and share those findings with Dr Lorenzo Casarosa (IMarEST’s Policy and Professional Engagement Manager and permanent representative at the IMO) and inform him of the line that I propose to take on them. Over the many years of doing this, we have never had any disagreement on that.”

The representative then attends the meeting in person, discussing potential amendments to conventions, codes, guidelines, and other matters relating to the meeting’s remit.

“This is usually a very dynamic process. No matter how far one has prepared, there needs to be a lot of ‘thinking on [your] feet’ in order to move matters forward. Or, of course, you could always sit it out in the background, but that’s not me,” says Wright.

Read the full article IMarEST sitting on top table at the IMO at The Marine Professional.