Annual Registration Fees - Members of the Professional Register will be billed annually to remain on the Register. Annual fees are listed below. The program year runs from 1 October to 30 September. We will collect the annual fee each year prior to 30 September. 

Continuing Professional Development

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities are available at MTS and SUT events throughout the year. 

Registrants may also submit CPD units earned at other marine science events, at university offerings, at company-sponsored events, online, or other opportunities. Applicants should discuss their continuing professional development plans with the Interview Panel prior to termination of the interview to ensure that suitable CPD opportunities have been identified.

Per the candidate handbook and application, Registrants are required to complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) annually to maintain their Registered status. Registered members are expected to submit a CPD plan during the application period and must continue to demonstrate a commitment to CPD to maintain their Registered status. Details of this requirement are enumerated below.

Requirements

ALL CHARTERED MEMBERS MUST COMPLETE A MINIMUM OF 8 HOURS CPD EACH PROGRAM YEAR.

• The program year shall run from July 1 – June 30.
• You must be able to demonstrate completion of required hours by June 30 in each year.

Eight (8) hours of CPD are required annually to maintain Registered status. Of the required 8 hours:

• At least 2 hours must be obtained via MTS or an MTS-sponsored program or event.
• At least 4 hours must be within the domain of your technical expertise.
• At least 4 hours must be formal CPD. The remainder can be informal CPD.

Examples of formal CPD include:

• Completing or participating in a structured activity either as a delegate, speaker, panel member or other participant. This includes but is not limited to conferences, seminars, training courses (classroom, online), workshops, panels and group meetings.
• Webinars
• Participation in staff development training courses/activities provided by employers
• Sharing professional knowledge in a formal setting
• Writing relevant books, articles and papers
• Lecturing, teaching and addressing meetings on relevant subject matter
• Being an examiner or being involved in professional or higher education that is relevant.

Examples of informal CPD include:

• Reading, researching information via the internet, reviewing books or articles for professional purposes
• Experiential/workplace learning, reading and research
• Reading a relevant industry Journal or publication
• Reading a relevant book or publication
• Reading other professional body magazines or publications
• Professional research undertaken in the course of work
• Preparation of research for workplace projects
• Workplace learning/support
• Coaching, mentoring, peer review, work shadowing/secondments, meetings or project work

EACH YEAR, MTS WILL SAMPLE UP TO 50% OF ALL REGISTERED MEMBERS TO ENSURE CPD REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN MET.

• CPD activity may be recorded and tracked online. If you track your CPD online, responding to a request from MTS orSUT for evidence of CPD completion will be simplified.
• If you intend to track your CPD online, MTS will require that you enter your CPD information in our online tracking system within one (1) month of completion of any CPD event.
• You may also track your CPD offline, however, when responding to a request from MTS or SUT for evidence of CPDcompletion, please be sure to have the following information available:
• Number of hours completed
• Within your technical domain
• Formal vs. Informal CPD
• Session information and evidence of completion
• Name of sponsoring organization
• Name of course/lecture/webinar/seminar/workshop
• Length of session in minutes
• Date of learning
• Lecturer/presenter
• Certificate of completion or copy of presentation

IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES IT MAY BE DIFFICULT TO MEET OR MAINTAIN THE MINIMUM CPD REQUIREMENTS.

• For example:
• Those on maternity, paternity, adoption or family raising leave;
• Members who are unemployed;
• Those who are on long-term sick leave;
• Those who may currently be non-practicing for other compassionate reasons.
• In these circumstances we will ask that Registered members keep up to date at least informally and that they consider their learning and development needs prior to returning so they are ready to competent to return to work when ableto do so.
• Registered members who feel that they may have difficulty in meeting the requirements should contact MTS as soon as possible.

If you are non-compliant with CPD requirements and payment of fees for a period of three (3) years, you will be removed from the Register, and will have to re-apply to be re-listed.

Preview the online application. Your progress will automatically be saved where you left off for completion the next time you login.

Marine Technician (MarTech)

Marine Technicians are professional Scientists or Technologists, who harness, exploit, manage, use or apply marine science or marine technology in the pursuit of research, wealth creation and/or the provision of services in the marine sector. Marine Technicians are involved in applying proven techniques and procedures to the solution of practical scientific and technological problems. They carry supervisory or technical responsibility and are competent to exercise creative aptitudes and skills within defined fields of science and technology. Marine Technicians contribute to the design, development, manufacture, commissioning, operation or maintenance of products, equipment, processes, research or services.

Marine Technicians are required to apply safe systems of work and possess effective interpersonal skills. Marine Technicians continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and competence to a high level and are bound by the MTS Code of Conduct.

Applicants seeking professional registration as a Marine Technician, who do not work in these areas, will need to demonstrate through their professional education/training and experience in roles directly related to the use or management of marine technology that they are eligible for Marine Technician Registration.

The Marine Technician designation has many benefits for individuals, employers and the public as a whole. MarTech ensures high and improving standards across all scientific and technological disciplines; it reflects best practice and is set at an internationally recognized benchmark level. MarTech encompasses high-caliber professionals in the practice, application and teaching of technology, and recognizes the increasing focus on interdisciplinarity for the future of science, engineering and technology. Furthermore, MarTech registration provides employers with additional assurance of the quality of their workforce. It is of benefit to:

• Society, which will be more confident in the competence of an individual and need no longer be confused by a platform of letters and descriptions.
• Individual practitioners, by identification as a professional that sets them at the forefront of their profession and offers a passport to job mobility.
• Employers, with confirmation, through the designation, of the quality of a job applicant’s qualifications.
• Government offices, seeking to hire or appoint permanent staff, advisers, or consultants would have an assurance about the level of an individual’s expertise.
• Professional societies and organizations, by providing - through the new designation - additional opportunities to benchmark their qualifications.
• Higher education, which will be better able to set and monitor benchmarks for their technology courses, and to promote programs of study to meet the high standards required of a Chartered Marine Technologist.
• Regulatory Authorities, who could be confident in specifying the designation in legislation and regulations.
• Legal credibility, enabling expert witness participation at a defined standard.
• Professional standing, recognizing equality of excellence across the technology professions.

Required Level of Knowledge & Competence

Marine Technician is open to everyone who can demonstrate the required knowledge, understanding and professional competence. The exemplifying educational standard is a Level 3 NVQ or an advanced modern apprenticeship in an approved subject. There are many routes that can be offered to meet this standard, including a combination of academic awards, vocational qualifications and experiential learning through work competence includes the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin performance.

Marine Technicians are required to maintain their professional competence, working within professional codes of conduct and participate actively within their profession. There is also a requirement for continuing professional development.

Assessment of knowledge and competence

To become registered as a Marine Technician, applicants must have their competence assessed by MTS or SUT. The assessment is made against standards rigorously assessed by MTS and SUT as being suitable for MarTech.

The process of assessment starts with a written application. Claims to qualifications, experience and training will require formal documented evidence. In giving details of experience, applicants will need to show how this relates to the required competencies for MarTech.

Following a review of the documented evidence, the Membership Committee may require the applicant to undertake a professional review interview (PRI), or may forward the application directly to the Registration Panel. Administrative Staff will inform the candidate of the necessary procedures. If deficiencies in the application emerge, the Registrar will usually be able to suggest ways in which they can be addressed (this may involve further learning, training or additional experience). If the Candidate is forwarded for a PRI, following the PRI, the application will be forwarded to the Registration Panel for a final disposition. If a candidate receives a positive decision on their application for MarTech, they will become registered as a Marine Technician and their details will be included on the Society’s Register of Marine Technicians. If the Candidate’s application is not approved by the Registration Panel, the Candidate may be granted a second interview, may be asked to resubmit under a different registration category, or may be asked to mitigate application deficiencies prior to re-application. Retention of the designation will require continued membership in the Society, completion of professional development requirements, and payment of the required annual dues and credential subscription. 

Assessment Standards: MarTech

All Candidates for registration must have at minimum of five (5) years of experience in their professional field. The following table details the generic competencies that must be demonstrated in order to achieve registration as a Marine Technician. Given the diverse nature of scientific and technological practice, achieving the required level for these professional competencies will involve a broad range of activities. Candidates, who believe they meet these or who wish to work towards them, should approach MTS to obtain further details on how to apply for registration.

Education

Normally, formal education is a pre-requisite for registration, as it demonstrates the underpinning knowledge and understanding for professional competence. The following qualifications exemplify the required knowledge and understanding for Marine Technician registration.

Standard Route

Integrated training and experience such as is provided by many Advanced Apprenticeships can provide most, or all, of the knowledge and experience necessary, and may lead directly to Marine Technician registration. Other qualifications can provide a straightforward way of demonstrating that part of the necessary competence has been acquired. The following are examples of qualifications which an applicant for Marine Technician registration might hold:

• An approved National Certificate (UK), Certificate (US), National Diploma (UK), or Diploma (US)
• An approved qualification at level 6 in the Scottish Qualifications and Credit Framework
• A City & Guilds Higher Professional Diploma (UK)
• A technical certificate as part of an Advanced Apprenticeship Program
• An NVQ3 or SVQ3
• A work-based learning route
• Qualifications in similar areas providing they are assessed as equivalent by MTS or SUT
• An accredited Associate’s Degree program.

Qualifications at this level are subject to change as a result of policy developments. Please consult MTS for details of any changes or additions to this list. 

Individual Route / Career Appraisal Route

Many potential professional Marine Technicians will not have had the advantage of formal training and will need to demonstrate they have acquired the necessary competencies through extended experience, some of this supervised. Experienced, practicing professional Marine Technicians are often found to have gained the necessary knowledge and skills for their job through working closely with other skilled colleagues over a number of years. Thus, individuals without the types of qualifications listed above may apply for an Individual Route assessment. This separate procedure, administered by MTS and SUT, involves an in-depth appraisal of the applicant’s competence. Evidence of employer recognition of competencies and relevant skills will assist in achieving registration. MTS may be able to provide a mentor to help applicants to address any gaps in their training and experience portfolio.

If one of these approved qualifications is not offered, it is possible to demonstrate the appropriate level of achievement through a combination of academic awards and/or appropriate experiential learning. Candidates applying through this route must clearly demonstrate that they have achieved the same level of knowledge and understanding as those with the accredited qualifications. Candidates must respond to each of the Competency Standards with specific examples of how they have met each standard through experiential learning. Candidates should be careful to explain what was learned from each experience. If you do not possess the requisite academic credentials, but you believe your career or professional experience will merit consideration under the individual route, please fill out and submit the Career Appraisal Route Form with your application. 

Competence

Marine Technicians must be competent throughout their professional lives using a combination of their knowledge, training and experience to be able to:

Professional Development

Professional development is a key part of developing the competence required to achieve the standard for Marine Technician registration. Aspiring Marine Technicians learn to apply their knowledge and understanding and apply professional judgment through professional development. Candidates may rely on professional development opportunities offered via MTS events, university training, workplace training, accredited professional development schemes, or other high-level professional development opportunities. For candidates seeking additional information about professional development, the Registrar will be able to provide information and guidance necessary and may be able to put them in touch with a mentor to assist them through the process and help to identify any skills gaps in their development.

Anyone seeking registration as a Marine Technician should maintain a detailed record of their development, responsibilities and experience, verified by referees, in order to be best prepared to provide the evidence of professional competence commensurate for MarTech registration.

Maintaining Competence & Demonstrating a Commitment to CPD

Once MarTech registration has been achieved, Marine Technicians have an obligation to maintain professional competence. MTS will develop an online tracking system for professional development units, which will be made available to those registered if the pilot program is continued. View the CPD Plan form online.

Code of Professional Conduct

All successful candidates are required to make a personal commitment to live by the appropriate codes of professional conduct, recognizing their obligations to society, the marine professions and the environment. The MTS code of conduct is available online here. 

The Application Process

*Note that not all candidates for MarTech will be required to undergo a Professional Review Interview. Most candidates will be able to complete the application at the documentary review stage.

Initial Application

Please review the competency standards in advance of your application. If you think you meet the criteria for MarTech registration, submit the Initial Application Form included in this Handbook. Your application will consist of:

• Completed online application
• Referee Form (PDF)
• Professional Development Report (PDF) – please choose the appropriate form
• CMarTech
• RMarTech
• MarTech
• Your CV
• Photocopies of your academic certificates – initialed by your referee
• Career Appraisal Route Form, if applicable
• Registration fee (see the worksheet in the application below)
• CPD Plan Form

Once you have submitted your application, your materials will be forwarded to the Registrar. The Registrar will review your submission and will render a decision within seven (7) business days, either to recommend your application to the Registration Panel, to forward your materials to the Interview Phase, or to reject your application. Unsuccessful applicants will receive feedback from the Registrar indicating the areas in need of improvement for future application on the Professional Development Recommendation Form, as well as information about the appeals and reapplication process. We strongly encourage unsuccessful applicants to review the Professional Development Recommendation Form to determine which areas of the application need improvement prior to reapplication. Reapplication is encouraged.

The Interview

Some Applicants may need to participate in a Professional Review Interview, if deemed appropriate by the Registrar. The Registrar will review the application and select appropriate interviewers for the specific applicant based on experience and knowledge of the applicant’s specific domain of work in marine technology. The Registrar will identify at least three (3) available dates and times for a proposed interview of the applicant and will schedule the interview with the applicant according to his/her preference of proposed interview dates/times. Scheduling of the interview may occur digitally. Interviews must take place within six (6) months of initial application. Exceptions may be made based on circumstances; requests for extensions must be made in writing. Extensions are not guaranteed.

The Interview is a critical step is assessing the full range of mastery of each applicant. Interviews are conducted by no fewer than 2 panelists, at least one with broad marine technology knowledge, and at least one with knowledge specific to the applicant’s domain of work. The applicant will be questioned on his/her academic experiences, professional development accomplishments, and continuing professional development plans. Questions will align closely with the domains of competency outlined above. Assessors will make note of the strengths and weaknesses of the applicant and will record recommendations on the Professional Development Recommendation Form. Within seven (7) days of the interview, panelists will forward their recommendation to the Registration Panel, which will make the final decision on disposition of applications. Applicants will be notified in writing of the determination of the Registration Panel following their decision. Possible outcomes include:

• Application approved
• Application not approved
• Second interview requested
• Application under another registration category requested
• Candidate encouraged to mitigate application deficiencies prior to re-application

Registration

Successful applicants shall be awarded the title Marine Technician. Applicants may use the title under the following conditions:

• A successful decision has been rendered by the Registration Panel, and has been confirmed in writing by the Society
• The applicant remains a member in good standing with either or both Society
• The applicant has paid all fees according to the fee schedule below
• The applicant abides by the terms of Continuing Professional Development
• The applicant abides by the terms of the Code of Professional Conduct and the Member Conduct Policy.

Successful applicants may purchase a signed certificate for display. Details on how to purchase a certificate will be made available to successful applicants. Successful applicants agree to be listed on the Society register.

Appeals

The Appeals Panel (AP) is responsible for managing requests for appeal of rejections for Registration. Requests for appeal may be sent to [email protected]. Those requesting an appeal should attach all original application materials and any communications from panelists to their request, along with a narrative explaining why the appeal is sought. Requests for appeal will be processed within thirty (30) days of receipt of the request.

Fees

Fees are set by IMarEST, are published on the MTS website, and are subject to change. Fees are payable in US dollars and may be submitted by credit card at the time of application, or you may request an invoice. Note that all fees submitted via the MTS website are collected in US Dollars. Currency exchange fees may apply. Applicants may not receive a scheduling request for the PRI and may not receive a final determination from the Professional Review Interview until all fees have been paid. Note that successful applicants must remain a member in good standing with the Marine Technology Society and pay an annual registration fee to remain registered. In addition to the annual membership fee, the application fees are as follows:

Application Fee - The application fee is $250 / £180 and is not refundable. Applicants are strongly encouraged to speak with a Registrar in advance of application to gauge whether or not their application will likely be successful. 

Registration Entrance Fees - The Registration entrance fee must also be paid at the time of application, but is refunded if the application is not successful. 

• CMarTech - $133.00 (£98.00)*
• RMarTech - $122.00 (£90.00)
• MarTech - $86.00 (£63.00)

*note that exchange rates may vary