For Immediate Release June 15, 2006

Contact: Trevor Blakeley at RINA

+44 (0) 20 7235 4622

hq@rina.org.uk

Contact: Caroline Chetelat at ABYC

(410) 990-4460, x22

cchetelat@abycinc.org

 

The Royal Institution Of Naval Architects and Westlawn Institute Of Marine Technology Announce RINA Membership for Westlawn Students

 

June 15, 2006, Annapolis, MD and London, England:  The Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA), an international organization representing naval architects in over 90 countries has recently recognized the high standard of education and training provided by the Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology by extending an invitation for Westlawn students to join RINA as a Student Member, and graduates of Westlawn’s full Yacht Design Program to become Graduate Members of RINA without further requirements. 

 

Both organizations exist to promote and enhance knowledge and understanding of naval architecture and boatbuilding, and to serve the needs of the marine industry. Their goals are to assist their members or students to design, supervise, construct, manage, or repair boats or ships of the highest quality. Westlawn has been training boat designers for over seventy-five years and RINA has been serving naval architects and the marine industry for over 145 years demonstrating truly long-term commitments to their goals.

 

RINA Chief Executive, Trevor Blakeley, stated, “Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology has trained a large number of practicing small-craft designers, not just in the United States but throughout the world. We are looking forward to welcoming its students and graduates as members of the Institution, and to helping them with their studies at Westlawn and their professional development when they graduate.  Their membership in RINA will demonstrate their

commitment to maintaining the high standards set by Westlawn.”

 

 Membership in RINA provides a professional qualification, which is internationally recognized as demonstrating the achievement of the highest standards of professional competence and integrity.  RINA members enjoy a wide range of benefits and services, including advice on education, training and professional development.  RINA also publishes a range of technical journals, books and papers, and organizes an extensive program of international conferences and training courses covering all aspects of naval architecture and maritime technology.  Therefore, Westlawn students and graduates who take advantage of this opportunity to become RINA members will be eligible to not only receive RINA publications free or at the member discount prices, but also to participate in the seminars and programs.

 

“The opportunity for our students and graduates to benefit from the extensive reservoir of knowledge available through RINA membership is exactly the sort of hands-on, in-depth support they need,“ said Westlawn director, Dave Gerr. “RINA books, publications, and seminars are an invaluable resource for our students and for the school.”

 

Westlawn students are invited to join RINA as Student Members upon enrolling in Westlawn.  Westlawn graduates are encouraged to upgrade to Graduate Membership, which will continue to provide them with many benefits RINA offers.

 

Founded in 1860 in London, the Royal Institution of Naval Architects is today an international organization with its headquarters in the UK, representing naval architects in over 90 countries.  It is a professional institution of international standing, whose  members who are involved at all levels in the design, construction, repair and operation of marine vessels and structures.  Through its international membership, publications and conferences, RINA provides a link between industry, universities and maritime organizations world-wide.  To learn more about RINA, call +44 (0) 20 7235 4622 or visit the RINA website at www.rina.org.uk.

 

Founded in 1930, the Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology is the only nationally accredited and state certified distance-learning school of small-craft design in the United States. As the not-for-profit educational affiliate of the American Boat and Yacht Council, The mission of the Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology is threefold:

■ To provide our students with the skills knowledge required to build a rewarding career in the profession of yacht and small-craft naval architecture.

■ To support continued growth of the recreational and small-craft marine community through the development of well-trained, safety oriented, boat designers developing better products for the benefit of the boating public.

■ To provide continuing education to marine industry professionals.

To learn more about Westlawn, please call (860) 572-7900 or visit the Westlawn website at www.westlawn.edu.