In late May, I had the opportunity to attend the 4th World Maritime Technology Conference (WMTC) in St. Petersburg, Russia. The conference lasted for three days, and included delegates from technical societies all over the world. The topics covered were broad, and in addition to all of the many facets of the design, engineering and construction of floating structures, there were presentations covering operations, ocean research and submersibles and developments in technology across the board of maritime fields. There was much to learn and a very diverse pool of attendees to speak with about a wide range of subjects.
In addition to the WMTC, Mark Groden (the Student Steering Committee Chair) and I were also afforded the opportunity to be delegates to the Forum of Young Maritime Leaders, or FYML, on the fourth day. This event included a great deal of students and young professionals (YPs), and all of these delegates were able to present to the Forum about the theses and dissertations they were working on in school, or the work they do in their careers as YPs. There were a great number of presentations given, in English and in Russian, and it was quite interesting to learn about the projects that were going on in the parts of the world that I am not particularly familiar with. There were a great deal of projects dealing with problems that I was aware of, as well as others I was not. Many of these problems were being solved by methods I had been exposed to before, while others--particularly in the field of UAVs--I had not heard of before.
I had the chance to meet a great number of interesting professionals and students in my field of naval architecture, as well as in complementary professions. The networking and technical enrichment opportunities were very worthwhile and fulfilling.
The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers will be hosting the next WMTC in 2015, and I look forward to working with the SNAME leadership and with the World Maritime Technology Congress representatives to make the 5th WMTC even better. I will be working to create a program for the next Student and Young Professional event at the WMTC, and I invite anyone with good ideas for the program to get in touch with me. We will certainly put on a great event, and I hope to hear from you.
Thank you.
Stefan Wolczko
Chair | Young Professionals Committee
Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
stefan.wolczko@gpai.com