Distinguished names and seafaring experts are among a list of speakers at a Plymouth University event to promote World Maritime Day.
Taking place on 24 September, Paul Wright, Visiting Fellow in the Plymouth University Marine Institute, heads up the guest list at the public event 'Meeting the Need? The Importance of Maritime Education and Training'. The event adopts the worldwide theme chosen by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) on how ‘the value of good education and training cannot be overstated in the maritime world’.
The evening has been organised and supported by professional bodies including the Nautical Institute South West of England Branch, IMarEST, the Royal Institution of Naval Architects and Plymouth University Marine Institute, and will consist of a series of short talks.
As well as Mr Wright, guests will be treated to expertise from Captain Bob Hone, Lecturer in Navigation and Marine Science at Plymouth University, Lieutenant Mark Keywork RN, Training Group Officer based at HMS Raleigh, and Chair of Governors at University Technical College Plymouth, Dr Ruth Weaver.
Guests are also invited to attend a post-lecture networking event with refreshments sponsored by Devon and Cornwall Branch of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology and the Royal Institution of Naval Architects. Mr Wright, who is also a Fellow of the Nautical Institute, said:
“It is the growing importance of training and education for the maritime industries that led the IMO to choosing the theme for World Maritime Day 2015.
“Plymouth has a rich range of organisations involved in maritime training and education and several representatives want to share their expertise with you. Plymouth University itself won the 2011 Queen’s Anniversary Prize in recognition of its marine and maritime research and teaching, so it’s definitely the place to be.
“Please come along on 24 September to mark World Maritime Day with us and celebrate the value of excellent education in this subject area.”
The evening is free of charge and takes place in Lecture Theatre Two in the Roland Levinsky building. Doors open at 6.45pm for a 7pm start.