New Zealand

South Island Social Event

For the first time in as long as anyone can recall, South Island based members, in conjunction with the Master Mariners recently held a social function together. Whilst shipping movements at Lyttleton and the late arrival of the NIWA RV.Tangaroa meant a few apologies were received, a great time was had by all in attendance. It was agreed that this should become a more frequent event, and we are in the early stages of planning a Christchurch-based event with a guest speaker for late in the year

Networking Evening

On the evening of Wednesday, 4th December, a diverse group of maritime professionals met to network, have a few drinks and swap salty stories at the icon of the Auckland waterfront, Swashbucklers Restaurant and Bar. Members present ranged from those seagoing and shore based, marine pilots from a number of ports, along with some of our local Maritime NZ staff. Not a single complaint was made at the Auckland weather from those from out-of-town as we were bathed in beautiful summer sun, while enjoying a drink or two, meeting some new acquaintances, and catching up with some older ones. The general feeling was that we will have to do something similar again in the New Year. 

Autonomous Systems

Over 60 persons (from the Nautical Institute, our partner organisations, and interested colleagues) joined us at the NZ Marine building in Auckland, along with another 25 online, for our presentation on Autonomous Systems.

We heard from guest speakers:

• Commander Andy Bryant- Royal New Zealand Navy, Staff Officer Autonomous Systems
• Commander Shane Fisher- United States Navy, Naval Attache
• Philip Solaris- CEO X-craft
• Jack Towers- NZ Ocean Technologies
• Martin Lambrechtse-Reid- University of Auckland
• Captain Kent Smith- Maritime NZ

It was a fascinating insight into a rapidly developing field. Certainly many of us were suprised to learn of the level of expertise we have here in NZ!

Presentations were followed by Q and A, drinks and networking. Please follow this link for a recording.

Ocean Flyer- The Future of Coastal Travel?

Around 60 persons joined us (with a similar number online) for a combined event held in conjunction with the NZ Company of Master Mariners, the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) and the Royal Institute of Naval Architects (RINA) held at the NZ Marine building in Auckland.

A fascinating presentation was given by NZ start-up Ocean Flyer. We heard from CEO Shah Aslam that Ocean Flyer intends to use US built Regent "seaglider" wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) craft to connect a number of NZ cities by sea, utilising existing port infrastructure. The seagliders begin their journey with the hull in the water, rising onto foils as the speed increases before eventually flying in-ground-effect at about 10m above the water.

Presentations followed by Q & A, networking and drinks.

Navigation- From Paper to Pixels

Centred around the rapidly advancing technology in electronic navigation, and the phasing out of paper charts. Hosted at the NZ Maritime School. Guest speakers:

• CDR John Butcher
• LTCDR Chris Tisdall
• O'Shea Butler
• Louise Deehan-Owen

Presentations followed by Q & A, networking and drinks.