Membership

SNAME maintains a number of different membership types to recognize the achievements of members and delineate roles and responsibilities.  Members are assigned the appropriate membership type during a rigorous post-application review process in accordance with SNAME bylaws.

Society Mission and Membership Criteria


The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers is an internationally recognized nonprofit, technical, professional society of individual members serving the maritime and offshore industries and their suppliers. SNAME is dedicated to advancing the art, science and practice of naval architecture, shipbuilding and marine engineering, encouraging the exchange and recording of information, sponsoring applied research, offering career guidance and supporting education, and enhancing the professional status and integrity of its membership.

Founded in 1893, the Society comprises over 8,500 individuals throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. Membership is open to all qualified applicants in or associated with the maritime, offshore, and small craft industries.		  

The Society's scope includes all aspects of research, production, maintenance and operation of ships, submersibles, yachts, boats, offshore and ocean bottom structures, hydrofoils and surface effect ships. It administers and supports an extensive Technical and Research (T&R) Program involving over 1,000 individuals as voluntary members and permanent staff in cooperation with government and regulatory agencies, scientific and research laboratories, academic institutions, and the marine industry.

Grades of Membership

There are four basic grades of SNAME Membership.  The qualifications for each grade are explained in Article B of the Society By-Laws.  Further, the by-laws allow members to become "Life Members" in each membership class.  As stated in the by-laws, the life designation is attained by a member "making a single payment as established by the Council and by signing an agreement to conform to any future amendments to the by-laws not involving a change in the payment of dues."

Briefly, the types of SNAME membership are as follows:

Member
(approximately 43% of total)

The rank of SNAME Member may be accorded exclusively to persons having competence important experience in naval architecture, engineering, and other phases of engineering closely allied with the marine industry.

Applications must be endorsed by three persons having the grade of Member.


Toshitomo Matsui
SNAME Member
 

Associate Member
(approximately 38% of total)

The rank of SNAME Associate Member may be accorded to persons with experience in the fields of naval architecture and marine engineering whose pursuits, attainments, education, and/or practical experience qualify them, but who have not held a position sufficient responsibility lack required for grade Member or Affiliate.

Applications must be endorsed by two members of any grade, except that of Student Member.




Chris Homer
SNAME Associate Member
 

Student Member
(approximately 15% of total)

The rank of Student Member may be accorded to a graduate or undergraduate student in naval architecture or marine engineering in one of several technical institutions recognized by the Society.

SNAME actively supports the efforts of graduating students to "Stay with SNAME" and remain connected with the the Society.  Students are encouraged to use the Graduating Student Contact Form, allowing SNAME staff to provide assistance.    

 
Mark Groden
SNAME Student Member
 

Memberships of Distinction
(approximately 2% of total)

From time to time the SNAME Council may confer upon individuals one of three honorary ranks.  Those who have made exceptional contributions to the field of naval architecture and marine engineering are recognized by three specific membership types:
  • SNAME Fellow
  • SNAME Honorary Member
  • SNAME Permanent Member

 
Ken Lane
SNAME Fellow
 

Affiliate
(approximately 1% of total)  

The rank of SNAME Affiliate may be accorded to persons whose pursuits, attainments, or practical experience qualify them to advance the objectives of the Society. 
     


George Williams
SNAME Affiliate