About us

The sea connects us all.

For more than 50 years, The Nautical Institute has supported the global maritime community by promoting professionalism, safety and best practice at sea and ashore.

As an educational charity and global membership organisation with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization, we represent maritime professionals and seafarers worldwide.

With a global network spanning over 50 countries, we connect experience, expertise and leadership to shape a safer, more sustainable shipping industry.

 

Our aims and objectives

- To provide the strongest possible professional focus, dedicated to improving standards of those involved in control of seagoing craft, while maintaining the Institute as an international centre of nautical excellence.

- To represent the professional views of the Institute's members to and within the international, national and local bodies considering the safety and efficiency of shipping operations.

- To promote and co-ordinate in the public interest the development of nautical studies in all the Institute's branches by :

  • Encouraging and promoting a high standard of qualification, competence and knowledge among those in control of seagoing craft including non-displacement craft.
  • Facilitating the exchange and publication of information and ideas on nautical science, encourage research and publish its results.
  • Establishing and maintaining appropriate educational and professional standards of membership.
  • Co-operating with Government Departments and other bodies concerned with statutory and other qualifications, and with universities and other educational institutes and authorities in the furtherance of education and training in nautical science and practice.
  • Encouraging the formation of branches and professional groups in different areas worldwide.
Our structure

Executive Board

Composed of 8 to 15 Trustees elected by Council, the Executive Board meets 3 or 4 times per year and is the ultimate decision making body for the Institute. It is tasked to develop and implement the Strategic Plan, manage the affairs of the Institute on behalf of the members, and appoint and oversee the performance of the Chief Executive.

It may delegate powers to committees but remains responsible for policy decisions, monitoring progress against plans, issuing an annual report and audited annual accounts. The Trustees must also discharge their statutory and legal responsibilities as Company Directors. Any submissions under the Institute’s Disciplinary Guidelines will be handled by the Board. A sub-committee of Trustees specialises in Financial and Audit matters. The Nautical Institute maintains standards through its committees which mostly report to the Executive Board.

Council

The principal responsibility of Council is to elect the Trustees and ensure delivery of the Constitutional objectives of The Nautical Institute, assurance of performance and assessment of risk. Council also acts as an advisory body to the Executive Board and the specialist committees due to its larger, international composition (35 to 56 members) drawn from many sectors of the maritime industry.

At least 40% of elected Council members must be actively employed in a seagoing capacity. Important functions are strategic oversight and input to the management process and to consider/approve Strategic Plans prepared for the Executive Board by its committees. In so doing it will ensure exploitation of the full range of expert advice available in the international members. The Assurance and Nominations committees report to Council.

Younger Members' Council

The Younger Members' Council (YMC) was formed in 2019 and comprises members under the age of 36.

It was set up to facilitate engagement, representation and the professional development of members at the earlier stages of their career; and to offer mentoring support, advice and experience-based insight on behalf of our global membership to those beginning their careers at sea - and to those pursuing a different path.

The YMC reports directly to Council, and provides updates based on its own work and its interaction with branches, member ambassadors and other committees and groups of The Nautical Institute.

Membership of the YMC is reviewed annually, and the group meets at regular intervals to discuss and develop its input into a wide range of new and ongoing initiatives.

All enquiries should be sent to ymc@nautinst.org. The current Chair is James Edwards MNI.

Assurance Committee

A sub-committee of Council members to assess the performance of the Executive Board and committees against agreed Key Performance Indicators and make remedial recommendations to Council where necessary. To assess risk within the governance structure and provide consequent advice to the Executive Board.

Nominations Committee

Composed of 12 members and reporting to Council, it is tasked to assess candidates for nomination as prospective members: of the Council and its committees; of the Executive Board; and as Chairmen, and where appropriate Vice-Chairmen, of the committees.

This will entail effective succession planning and recommendations to Council. Standards and candidates for Fellowship and Honorary Fellowship are also assessed by this committee so as to make recommendations to Council and the Executive Board. It is also responsible for developing further criteria and procedures, if necessary, for election to and dismissal from the Executive Board.

Technical Committee

To consider and make recommendations to the Executive Board concerning all matters of a technical professional nature and their training requirements (correlated with the Professional Development Committee); to oversee, through a Publishing Advisory Group, the publishing activities of the Institute, ensuring that appropriate media are used and standards are maintained. The committee will normally meet twice per year.

Professional Development Committee

To keep under review and advise the Executive Board on proposals and topics related to education, qualifications and professional development for the maritime profession, including accreditation standards. The Committee will particularly ensure recommendations are correlated with seagoing requirements and experience, and that effective professional techniques are proposed to meet new developments internationally. The committee will normally meet twice per year.

IMO Committee

This committee will normally meet once per year to formulate, on behalf of the Executive Board, the policy of the Institute on matters to be debated and worked on at the IMO. The committee also oversees the work of the Institute delegation to the IMO and liaises closely with the Chief Executive and Head of Delegation to ensure the Institute makes an effective contribution to the work of the IMO on the basis of evidence gathering from the membership.

A key responsibility of the committee is to select the subject matter that is most important for the Institute to contribute to the IMO. The committee provides a summary report of the Institute’s activities at the IMO to Council and the Executive Board on an annual basis, and it is considered that substantial electronic communication between the members of the committee is necessary throughout the year. Members of this committee are directly elected by Council for 3 years and may be re-elected for further 3 year periods.

Staff

The Institute employs a fairly small permanent staff on a full time or part time basis. At least one third are professional mariners who have held senior positions at sea and / or within the maritime industry previously and they are encouraged to maintain current knowledge through coastal voyages annually. Performance standards for staff are laid down in the Institute Staff Handbook. The Institute runs an appraisal scheme related to tasks and performance reviews which in turn are linked to the provisions of the five year Strategic Plan.
Our branches

The Nautical Institute’s Branches are grouped into regions of the world, and act as its semi-independent global ambassadors.

The principal aim of the Branches is to promote the activities and increase the membership of The Nautical Institute in their area.

The Branches are vibrant, pro-active and outwardly engaging organisations run by members for members, and provide:

  • A local/regional maritime focus
  • Communication and networking opportunities with other like-minded professionals
  • Solutions to contemporary industry issues through seminars and workshops
  • A programme of technical and social events
  • Representation on regulatory bodies and industry user groups
  • Assistance with skills training and CPD
  • Involvement in local, regional and international NI projects
  • Support in developing management and organisational skills.

You can see a full list of our branches here

Our people
Mr Walter Vervloesem FNI
Mr Walter Vervloesem FNI

President

After his years at sea, Walter moved ashore in 1988 to work as a marine surveyor and consultant. He joined IMCS Belgium in 1995 and has since played a key role in the company’s growth, helping expand its presence to 19 offices worldwide. In 2000, he was appointed Chairman of the Group.

Walter pioneered ultrasound technology for testing the weathertight integrity of hatch covers, contributing to its recognition as the preferred global method for tightness testing and still provides training worldwide in its correct use.

In 2011, he founded the IMCS Training Academy, with a strong focus on hands-on, practical learning, guided by the principle: “Learn today – perform tomorrow.”

In 1998 Walter set up the Belgian Branch of The Nautical Institute and became a Fellow of The Nautical Institute in 2010.

He is also the author of three major Nautical Institute reference works (Ship Survey & Audit Companion, Hatch Cover Inspections, and Mooring and Anchoring Ships (Vol. 2)) and has contributed to several other Nautical Institute publications.

Captain Mike Meade PD FNI CMMar FICS MIMarEST
Captain Mike Meade PD FNI CMMar FICS MIMarEST

Senior Vice President

Mike, a former Master of Dive Support Vessels in the Offshore Energy Sector, has vast experience in the Subsea and Offshore Energy Sector with a demonstrated history of working in the oil & gas sector. 

He is skilled in Commercial/Transactional Management, Dynamic Positioning, International Shipping, Safety Management Systems and Business Development. As well as being a Shipowner, he also owns a multi modal brokerage, consultancy and valuations business, headed up in Singapore with offices in London.

Mike is known for his strong business acumen and is a Fellow of the Nautical Institute and a Chartered Master Mariner.

Captain Alexandra Hagerty FNI
Captain Alexandra Hagerty FNI

Vice President

A senior maritime executive, Master Mariner, and BlueTech consultant with international leadership in operations and emerging technologies (AI ; autonomous systems). Holding an Executive MBA from MIT (2025), a Master’s in International Transportation Management from SUNY Maritime, and a Master’s in Communication from Aarhus University with experience working internationally.

Avid non-profit supporter and board member of SETWAC (Southeast Texas waterway Advisory Council). Her professional focus includes executive leadership, innovation strategy, operations, regulatory compliance, and board development.

Currently serving as a risk and operations consultant to MIT-affiliated startups developing AI, autonomous vessels, sea gliders, drones and aerospace technologies. With a U.S. Secret clearance, she advises dual-use ventures on Department of Defense-aligned strategies and regulatory compliance.

Prof Angelica Baylon FNI MIMarEST FIAMS FTRANSNAV
Prof Angelica Baylon FNI MIMarEST FIAMS FTRANSNAV

Vice President

Professor Angelica M Baylon is a highly respected maritime leader, educator, researcher, and executive with over 30 years of experience in maritime education, training, research, and institutional development. She has held senior leadership roles at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy and the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific, where she helped shape research-led curricula and strengthen the development of globally competitive maritime professionals.

She serves as Secretary and Philippines Development Contact Person for The Nautical Institute, the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, and the Royal Institution of Singapore, Institute of Maritime Management, supporting professional development and career advancement across the maritime sector. Her contributions have earned her Fellowships from The Nautical Institute, TRANSNAV, and the International Association of Marine Consultants and Surveyors, recognising her impact on maritime sustainability, science, and navigation. In 2024 Angelica was presented with The Nautical Institute Commendation Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to sustainability in maritime.

Angelica is also an Expert Member of IAMU’s Peer-Assisted Evaluation Scheme, a Board Member of the Asia Marine Educators Association, and Vice-Chair of APEC SEN Expert Group 3. Currently serving as MAAP Director for External Relations and PAEPI Global Chair and President Emeritus, she continues to advance collaboration, innovation, and quality in maritime education worldwide.
Captain Zarir Irani FICS HonFIIMS FNI ACII AssoAAA MBA
Captain Zarir Irani FICS HonFIIMS FNI ACII AssoAAA MBA

Vice President

Captain Zarir Irani is a maritime professional with over 36 years of experience in the maritime and yachting industry, having spent the last 22 years in the UAE, including 19 as a successful entrepreneur.

He is a qualified Master Mariner and the Founder of Constellation Marine Services LLC, a leading marine surveying and consultancy firm based in the UAE.

Since 2007, Zarir has overseen more than 32,000 independent global claim consultancy assignments, establishing a strong reputation in marine surveying, claims consultancy, and maritime advisory services. As Deputy Registrar of the Antigua and Barbuda Maritime Registry, he oversees vessel registrations and mortgage documentation, ensuring compliance, documentation integrity, and legal security for maritime stakeholders.

Recognised for his industry expertise, Zarir was invited in 2022 to join the Advisory Committee of Lloyd’s Register Marine & Shipping (MEA), followed by his appointment to the Technical Committee of ABS (MENA) in 2024.

His current roles and appointments also include serving as Chair of the Board at Constellation Marine Services (London and UAE), Ambassador for the Baltic Expert Witness Association (BEWA) for the Middle East, Honorary Fellow and Board Member of the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS), Fellow of The Nautical Institute and Chair of its UAE Branch and a committee member of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (UAE Branch). Zarir has also been invited twice as a TEDx speaker, including a talk on ethics in the maritime industry.

Captain João Frade FNI
Captain João Frade FNI

Vice President

João Frade started his maritime career in 1997, after graduating from the Portuguese Maritime College. He served at sea in all ranks until 2006 when he joined the Portuguese Maritime College as a lecturer in Navigation. In 2008 João finished the Master’s degree in Education Sciences and in 2015, the PhD Degree in Education Sciences, both resources in Maritime Education.

In the Portuguese Maritime College, he was Coordinator of the Bachelor and Master Degree Course in Bridge and Deck Operation, President of the Maritime Certification Council, Head of Department of Transports and Logistics.  He has held the position of Vice President of the Portuguese Maritime College since 2022, overseeing maritime matters and those related to maritime certification. Team leader for the internal team that ensured the inspections by the European Maritime Safety Agency, the Portuguese Maritime Administration and the independent audit of maritime courses.

He also has experience in Marine Consultancy in navigation and maritime simulations.

João is a Fellow of The Nautical Institute and has been the Chair of the Iberia Branch since 2019.

Mr Neil Dulling FNI
Mr Neil Dulling FNI

Vice President

Neil Dulling started his maritime career as a Deck Officer with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary where professional development and training were installed as the foundation and the key to safe operations at sea.  On moving ashore, he has worked for both 3rd party and in-house ship management in tanker and LNG divisions, heading up teams in training, Health and Safety, Environment and sustainability, Security, and Quality management.   

He joined the Institute Professional Development Committee in 2004, helping to develop the Continuous professional development framework, and then went on to chair the committee. His recent focus has been on Environment, sustainability, and new technology, and he represented the NI during the development of the 2023 IMO GHG strategy. 

Dr Kaushik Roy CMMar CMarTech FNI
Dr Kaushik Roy CMMar CMarTech FNI

Vice President

Kaushik is one of the Founding Members of the Nautical Institute (NI) ‘Armillary Club’ and 1 of the first 3 Assessors of NI for the Chartered Master Mariner (CMMar) and continuing. He is the first Asian origin Chartered Master Mariner and first in SE/ FE Asia & China. He brought the World’s first ‘Green Award’ to the LNG ship and the Operator. He is an expert in LNG safety, operations, joint venture, start-ups and change management.

Kaushik is the ‘Council Member’ of IMarEST & HKIMT; and Technical Committee member of ABS, BV and LR. He is the IMarEST PRI Assessor for Chartered Marine Technologists and Chartered Marine Engineers. He is the Fellow of 4 esteemed institutions. Kaushik has done his Master in International Trade Laws (LLM) from UK, after gaining professional competency from the UK. He is Harvard qualified Negotiator and Expert Witness. Kaushik was involved in the first LNG commercial STS operations of Japan, Indonesia, and Argentina. He was involved in 3 LNG terminal commissioning activities. He was Consultant to SIGTTO and KVH Videotel production which achieved ‘Insight Award’.

Kaushik speaks, chairs at various events globally. He loves meeting people and to discover potentials
Captain Graham Cowling ExC FNI
Captain Graham Cowling ExC FNI

Chair, Executive Board

Graham Cowling has been a member of The Nautical Institute since 1986. He is currently the Chair of the EB having previously served as Chair of the F&A Committee and Vice-Chair of the Executive Board. 

He went to Sea in 1978 and sailed on general cargo ships and tankers before obtaining an Extra Master certificate of competency and moving ashore. He has held senior roles in the ship management departments of Owner and Managers in London, Cyprus and Hong Kong with responsibilities in technical management, commercial operations, insurance, crewing and sale and purchase.  

He is a Fellow of The Nautical Institute and of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and he is a teaching professor at the Cyprus Business School. He is also tutor and lecturer for the Institute of Chartered Shipping 'Understanding Shipping 'course for the Cyprus Branch. 

Captain Duncan Telfer FNI
Captain Duncan Telfer FNI

Honorary Treasurer, Executive Board

Duncan completed a 40-year career with the Swire Group in 2019, having first commenced a seagoing career with the Bank Line. 

He has been shore based for over 30 years in various senior management positions around the World including Japan, West Africa, Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong, Australia and Singapore. Businesses managed include stevedoring, coastal shipping, ocean fleet, crew management and offshore oil & gas. 

He has been involved with a number of industry related organisations including the working group for Maritime Labour Standards at the ILO, representative at APEC Ministerial, various sub committees of the Hong Kong Ship Owners Association and Singapore Shipping Association. Also appointed to the High Court in Hong Kong as Nautical Assessor. 

Duncan joined The Nautical Institute in the 1970’s and has been an active member throughout. Past positions include membership of the Fellowship Committee, Chair of the Singapore and Hong Kong branches, Trustee and member of the Executive Board. 

He has been reappointed to the Executive Board as Honorary Treasurer where he also sits on the Finance & Audit Committee as Chair. Also Chair of the Nautical Institute Foundation. 

Most recently elected as Commodore of the Royal Gourock Yacht Club in Scotland. 

Captain John Lloyd RD MNM MBA CMMar FNI
Captain John Lloyd RD MNM MBA CMMar FNI

Chief Executive Officer

John joined The Nautical Institute from the Australian Maritime College (AMC) in Tasmania where he was a Professor in the National Centre for Ports and Shipping. During his seven years at AMC he had a two years leave of absence to set up the Angolan Maritime Training Centre. Before joining AMC he spent two years working in the Vanuatu Maritime College.

John’s varied career prior to these appointments included four years in senior positions with Flagship Training in the UK, 10 years with Warsash Maritime Centre as a senior and principal lecturer in simulation and operations, and two years as a marine pilot in Walvis Bay. He served at sea from 1975 for 16 years, gaining command in 1987.

Mr David J Patraiko FNI
Mr David J Patraiko FNI

Director of Projects | Head of Research & Relationships

David Patraiko is the Director of Projects for The Nautical Institute, and coordinates its Technical and Professional Development Committees. He is responsible for developing and managing major Institute projects and he represents the professional interests of members in general shipping, training and technical forums.

Much of this work is aimed at assisting members of the Institute with continuous professional development. He has led research and produced many papers and articles on training, electronic navigation, the associated ‘Human Element’ effects created by technology, and Marine Spatial Planning. He is currently involved with the international debate on e-Navigation and is Chairman of the IALA e-navigation working group for Strategy and Operations, Chaired the Industry ECDIS Training Group, and is Chairman of the Green Awards Board of Experts.

After a brief period as an independent consultant and surveyor, in 1997 he accepted the position of Project Manager for The Nautical Institute, and became Director of Projects in 2003. A graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (US), he sailed on a variety of international vessels in his twelve years in the Merchant Navy (1985 – 1997). He holds an Unlimited Master Mariners licence, and was awarded an MBA degree from Henley Management College (UK).

Diversity & Inclusion Pledge

The Nautical Institute, as the leading international organisation for maritime professionals, is committed to a diverse and inclusive maritime industry. We promote equity of opportunity, representation and participation across all activities, recognising that a resilient and safe industry depends on a diverse range of perspectives and experiences.