Seaways Focus - June 2026
Sharing knowledge and support
by John Lloyd FNI Chief Executive, The Nautical Institute
Our Annual General Meetings are always a superb time to update our membership on our key activities and to conduct really important elections to Council and key Office Holders. Every two years, of course, this includes the election to the Office of President of The Nautical Institute.
I am happy to join so many others in congratulating Walter Vervloesem FNI, on his appointment as President. I am sure he will be looking for support from many of you in making a real impact over the next two years, in which he will be greatly assisted by our ongoing and new members of Council.
As we say a huge thank you to Immediate Past President Trevor Bailey FNI, we salute his commitment to representing The Nautical Institute at so many events, including hosting the Secretary-General on his first visit to our Headquarters. A memorable day in so many respects. Thank you Captain Trevor!
To all those who are completing their service on Council, thank you for helping drive The Nautical Institute forwards. I hope you will find ways through your local branch or our technical committees to continue helping us to grow stronger each year.
Thanks also to The Nautical Institute, British Columbia Branch for organising and hosting a highly successful conference: ‘Maritime Arctic: Future of Arctic Shipping’. The event attracted over a hundred delegates with a truly global audience addressing key operational, technological, economic, social and political dimensions to working in this challenging and sensitive environment. This was a great reminder that the branch network provides excellent opportunities for sharing best practice, networking and information exchange, bringing the finest industry representatives into the same room.
Sometimes that need to share knowledge is driven by less happy events. We are all deeply troubled by the events in the Persian Gulf and surrounding areas. Mariners need the best possible guidance at these times. I am pleased we have been able to tackle this issue head-on in this edition of Seaways thanks to contributions from our members – bringing analysis of the most recent Advisory on the Strait of Hormuz just days after it was issued. It is so important we share best practice and information as much as we can. A collective effort to help those needing support in these most difficult of times.
Across our membership community we have outstanding experience and talent in so many disciplines. We are rightly grateful to those who share their knowledge through articles in Seaways, branch seminars, mentoring and personal guidance to those developing their careers or who just want to learn more about their profession.
Many of you have read and commented on the IMO reports in Seaways. Thank you for the feedback. It is useful to know that our technical coverage, supported by our volunteer member delegates, is combining to deliver content of use, relevance and interest to our members. Feedback by any means is welcome. Thank you.
Let me close by reminding readers we have another outstanding seminar planned for early July. The Human Factors conference will take place in Trinity House London, thanks to great help from our supporters and sponsors. I hope many of you will join us as we share insights and best practice and engage with those seeking the best for our maritime workforce. Find out more and book your ticket here.