The IMarEST has a strong international presence with an extensive marine network of 50 international branches, affiliations with major marine societies around the world, representation on the key marine technical committees and non- governmental status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). ‘Our vision is a world where marine resources and activities are sustained, managed and developed for the benefit of humanity.’ Established in London in 1889, is the leading international membership body and learned society for marine professionals, with over 15,000 members worldwide.

The Institute plays an influential role in setting and implementing professional standards for those studying or working in the marine and offshore environment, and provides a positive contribution to the development of technical standards. IMarEST has over 100 years' publishing experience; titles include MER (Marine Engineers’ Review), The Marine Scientist, Shipping World and Shipbuilder (incorporating Maritime IT and Electronics), Offshore Technology, the Journal of Marine Design and Operations, the Journal of Marine Engineering and Technology and the Journal of Operational Oceanography. In addition, IMarEST publishes a comprehensive range of over 100 books including technical conference proceedings. IMarEST also provides courses to members working in the offshore industry e.g. Metocean Awareness Course

Within the IMarEST are select Special Interest Groups (SIG’s) made up of leading professionals, companies and organisations working to advance a specific offshore area. January 2011 saw the setting up of the Offshore Renewables SIG

Offshore Renewables SIG Aims: To establish IMarEST as the pre-eminent global professional Institute for the offshore renewables industry. To act as an enabler for knowledge creation, knowledge transfer and in particular, knowledge sharing, to assist and support the offshore renewables industry. To be the pre-eminent body that sets international guidelines, best practice and policy for the offshore renewable industry. To act as a forum for representatives of other offshore industries to seek to address conflicts and synergies. To boost IMarEST membership with professionals currently working in the offshore renewablesindustry. To act as a portal for members seeking entry into the offshore renewables industry, either as graduate members, or for those seeking to transfer from other offshore industries. In addition, to enable companies and organizations active in other offshore industries exposure and entry into the offshore renewable industry. Offshore Renewables SIG Aims: To establish IMarEST as the pre-eminent global professional Institute for the offshore renewables industry. To act as an enabler for knowledge creation, knowledge transfer and in particular, knowledge sharing, to assist and support the offshore renewables industry. To be the pre-eminent body that sets international guidelines, best practice and policy for the offshore renewable industry. To act as a forum for representatives of other offshore industries to seek to address conflicts and synergies. To boost IMarEST membership with professionals currently working in the offshore renewablesindustry. To act as a portal for members seeking entry into the offshore renewables industry, either as graduate members, or for those seeking to transfer from other offshore industries. In addition, to enable companies and organizations active in other offshore industries exposure and entry into the offshore renewable industry.

As the Offshore Renewables SIG develops it will establish strategic partnerships with industry, related organisations and academic institutions. One recently established partner is the Carbon Trust. IMarEST now endorses and supports their Offshore Wind Accelerator initiative. One recently established partner is the Carbon Trust. IMarEST now endorses and supports their Offshore Wind Accelerator initiative.

SIG’s set up Working Parties where there is a need to focus in on a specific topic requiring attention. The Offshore Renewables Working Party on I.T. has recently been established, chaired by John Shaw (Mainstream Renewable Power) Individual Working Parties consist of members drawn from across the relevant industry, related organisations and academia, who are global leaders in their specialisms.

Data Reliability in the Offshore Renewables Industry Current Status: Projects are progressed by many different companies in many different countries It’s a relatively new industry, with suitable processes and methodologies often being formulated after the fact Data collection is driven by the needs of individual project developers and cross project consent requirements Data collection is mostly undertaken by a variety of competing commercial consultancies/survey companies operating under no best practice/cross industry guidelines and often driven by cost A variety of instrumentation/sensors, collection methodologies and accuracies are employed to collect data common to different projects