Why I chair a Special Interest Group (SIG)
Chair of the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships SIG, Gordon Meadow CMarTech FIMarEST outlines how to create an IMarEST SIG with impact.
Joining an IMarEST Special Interest Group (SIG) is a great way to build a network of like-minded individuals and potentially influence legislation and policy. For Gordon Meadow, his passion for autonomous surface vehicles led him to take on the role of Chair of the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships SIG (MASS SIG).
Building an impactful SIG
First and foremost, a Chair's role is to provide leadership and representation for the SIG. "The Chair's role is crucial in helping a SIG to have an impact," says Meadow. Setting clear objectives and goals early on, Meadow says, is one of the most crucial tasks a SIG Chair should take on.
If one doesn't already exist, Meadow recommends creating the 'terms of reference' for the SIG. "Then, scope your strategic context and background, advocacy positions, goals, key outputs to deliver impact, and which other SIGs you might like to engage with. Last but not least, be clear about who or what you are attempting to influence and how this links to the IMarEST," advises Meadow.
For example, the MASS SIG's overarching goal is to "establish, promote, and recognise the importance of education and skills migration by championing the need for appropriate accreditation of personnel working in the MASS industry." To achieve this goal, the SIG has identified several objectives. One such objective focuses on clarifying the various operations, functions, responsibilities, and roles in the MASS sector. Another addresses workforce succession planning, skills breaches, and future training needs.
The SIG has also identified ways to share the knowledge members gain and offer guidance to the wider community. Key outputs include creating a series of publications called Autonomous Shipping – Putting the Human Back in the Headlines, which raises awareness of training gaps, safety and new regulations.
Gordon Meadow CMarTech FIMarEST is chair of the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships SIG
Collaborations for a successful SIG
If a SIG is to make an impact, collaboration is a must. Within the SIG, Chair, Co-Chairs, and members all work together to deliver on the objectives. "The Chair is only as good as the SIG membership," says Meadow.
SIGs can also benefit from collaborating with other groups inside and outside the IMarEST. Take for example, the SIG’s interaction with the Human Element SIG, captured in the Marine Professional article on ‘Human element on autonomous vessels’.
Alongside engaging with other SIGs, Meadow represents MASS SIG at the International Maritime Organization's Sub-Committee on Human element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) and Maritime Safety Committee (MSC).
Equally important, says Meadow, is that "SIGs are most successful when they are well supported and are able to work closely with the IMarEST executive." As an example, Meadow says it was with the support of the Executive that helped the MASS SIG secure sponsorship to run several workshops and events that were central to creating the Autonomous Shipping – Putting the Human Back in the Headlines series.
Getting involved in a SIG
For members curious about the IMarEST SIGs, "get involved! They are a great thing to be part of," says Meadow, adding that getting the best out of a SIG does require some effort. "If you want to come to the party, you should be prepared to bring a bottle, " Meadow says.
For those thinking of starting a new SIG, "make sure you have support from both the IMarEST Executive and a couple of Co-Chairs," says Meadow. "Be clear in your own mind about what you want to change and why you feel that the SIG is important to you."
To become a member of the IMarEST Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships Special Interest Group, log in to My IMarEST, click on My Special Interest Groups and then tick the boxes of the SIGs you'd like to join. You can also join the group(s) on Nexus, our networking platform.
Dr Sam Andrews is a marine ecologist and science writer