Member Diary

Diary of functions and events of special interest to Members that are updated regularly as information becomes available. Please note that email and web communications are the preferred form of contact by organisers for details and registration. Your help in adopting this form of contact is appreciated.

Annual League Luncheon for Members and guests
Saturday, May 7, 2022
Sydney Harbour on Captain Cook III

Keynote speaker. Christopher Skinner, Captain & Electrical Engineer RAN (Retired) BSc (Eng), MEngSc, MIET, MIE Aust. Nuclear Propulsion. Chris Skinner served 30 years as a Weapons Electrical Engineer Officer in the RAN at sea in six naval ships including all three of the previous US-built DDG guided missile destroyers. This entailed two extended periods in the USA attending various training schools and serving in HMAS PERTH while installing the digital combat systems update in Long Beach Naval Shipyard. Chris Skinner served in HMAS HOBART on her third deployment to the Vietnam conflict. Building on all this experience he was seconded to the US Naval Sea Systems Command to manage the Test and Evaluation of USS Oliver Hazard Perry, the first of class of FFG guided missile frigates built in large numbers for cold war service, affordable low-mix general purpose frigates carrying two heavy helicopters for over the horizon surveillance and advanced airborne anti-submarine warfare. Back in Australia he was posted as Superintendent of Missile and Torpedo Maintenance at the time the UK-built Oberon class submarines were undergoing the Submarine Weapons Update Project designed and proven at the Submarine Warfare Systems Centre in Sydney. His final major posting was as the New Surface Combatant Project Director that became the ANZAC frigate program of 10 ships including two for New Zealand. Thereafter he worked in defense and transportation industry management roles and finally as a lecturer on Intelligent Transport and Logistic Systems at The University of Sydney Business School. Throughout this period his interest in submarines persisted and led to him joining the Submarine Institute of Australia where he has performed various roles, until recently Treasurer. In other related matters he is a member of the Australian Nuclear Association and the Nuclear Engineering Panel of Engineers Australia. This has all converged in his current primary focus to edit the private venture publication 'Nuclear Propulsion Roadmap for Australia (R)'. He was recently elected to the Board of the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies where he presented an appreciation of the AUKUS Agreement. Invitations will be sent to Members. Do we have your correct email address? Please refer to the Contact Page on how to get in touch with us.

The Nautical Institute South East Australia Branch
Wednesday February 2, 2022, Dinner 6pm to 10pm
Noah's on the Beach, Newcastle NSW

Guest speaker Captain Michael Squires, Marine Accident Investigation. Michael spent 28 years at sea, the final 12 as Master. He then came ashore and joined the ATSB's surface investigation section. Michael also controlled much of the marine input for the Diploma of Transport Safety Investigation used in training investigators and was heavily involved in the formulation of a Commonwealth Act (Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003). He holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and a Graduate Diploma of Management from Curtin University. He retired from ATSB in 2014 and is now involved as a consultant in a number of maritime and safety roles including training, VTSO qualifications and simulator training, investigations and marine surveys. Registration: $75 per person, $600 for a table of 8, $750 for a table of 10. Ticket booking link https://www.trybooking.com/BWCQO

The Navigators Lunch
Thursday, March 10, 2022
Kirribilli Club, Milsons Point

A lunch group started by ex-cadets from two UK Training Ships and now includes others interested in ships, ports and the sea. Details and bookings contact Peter Hay peterhay40@gmail.com and Malcolm Burgess malntinaburgess@gmail.com

P&O/E&A Reunion Luncheon
Thursday, March 24, 2022
Chatswood RSL Club

Further details and reservations contact the organising committee. Gordon Fensom gordonfensom@bigpond.com or John Ciardi g_ciardi1@yahoo.com.au

League of Ancient Mariners of NSW
Annual General Meeting
March 31, 2022 at 11.00am

The 2022 AGM will be held on the above date & time at The Barracks on Barrack, 2nd Level, 5 – 7 Barrack Street, Sydney.

April 17, 2022 at 1100
Annual Merchant Navy Service
Rookwood Cemetery

April 25 2022
ANZAC Day

September 3, 2022 at 1100
Merchant Navy Day Service
Mosman War Memorial

September 29, 2022
World Maritime Day

November 11, 2022
Remembrance Day