Past 2014 Luncheons

August 2015 Luncheon

Insights Gained from the Study of Indigenous Craft
"History doesn't repeat itself, but sometimes it rhymes" - Mark Twain

Mr. Peter Noble:
President and Principle Advisor, Noble Associates Inc.

Tuesday, August 11th, 2015
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Westchase Marriott Hotel
2900 Briarpark Dr.
Houston, TX 77042
Houston Westchase Marriott; Map

Register Now!

Abstract:

We are very fortunate in the field of naval architecture in that boats, ships and marine craft are among the earliest examples of man's creative instincts being applied to developing technology on a substantial scale. The sense of continuity with a living past obtained by the study of the work of previous generations of designers and builders, realizing that many

current problems were their problems too, is both valuable and satisfying. Ship and boat design and building have long histories. Most ideas have been tried before and it is very often possible to test a new idea against past experience.

Changes in knowledge and materials may give a different answer but often the verdict of history is correct. We should not ignore this legacy; we should study it, understand it and use it in order that we can fulfill our mission now and in the future.

Biography:

Peter Noble is a naval architect and offshore engineer with a wide range of expertise and experience in the marine and offshore industries. His career has included positions with ship and offshore design consultants, with offshore and marine research and development companies, with major classification societies and most recently as Chief Naval Architect for a major international oil company, He currently operates a small consultancy, Noble Associates Inc., which offers clients technology advisory services in offshore arctic and marine sectors

Throughout his career, Peter has been active in professional marine and offshore engineering community. He has recently completed a 2 year term as President of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. He is currently a Vice President of the IMarEST, as well as remaining active in some SNAME Committees

April Luncheon - "Challenges, Opportunities and Successes of American Marine Engineering "

Topic:
Challenges, Opportunities and Successes of American Marine Engineering past and present

James Watson, President and COO for ABS Americas

Tuesday, April 8th, 2014
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Westchase Marriott Hotel
2900 Briarpark Dr.
Houston, TX 77042
Houston Westchase Marriott; Map

Register Now!

Abstract:
James Watson will provide considerations on advancing marine technologies and the opening of frontier areas for the next generation of engineers and policy makers. He will include first some American history to set the stage for the state of marine engineering today, touching the ideas, vision and value of public service of certain policy makers he admires. Then he will comment on the wonderful commercial developments we are seeing today, including: Deep water drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, Energy exploration and increased shipping in the Arctic, LNG as marine fuel and other exciting marine technology developments and opportunities.

Jim will draw on experience as naval architect, marine safety officer, and policy maker in the USCG; current involvement in offshore energy safety within DOI; as a student at the University of Michigan Rackham School of Graduate Studies in 1985, dozens of seminars, conferences, and ad hoc learning opportunities ever since.

Biography:

James Watson is currently serving as President and COO for the Americas Division of ABS. He is responsible for all operations of the American Bureau of Shipping in the Western Hemisphere.

Prior to joining ABS, Watson served as Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement at the US Department of Interior. In this role he provided regulatory oversight for energy exploration and production on the US Outer Continental Shelf. Before becoming BSEE Director, Watson served as the US Coast Guard’s Director of Prevention Policy for Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship, where his responsibilities included commercial vessel safety and security, ports and cargo safety and security and maritime investigations. He was also designated as the Federal On-Scene Coordinator for the government-wide response to the Macondo incident in the Gulf of Mexico.

Watson earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Marine Engineering from USCGA in 1978. He received his Master of Science in Naval Architecture and his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1985. Watson earned an additional Master of Science in Strategic Studies at the National Defense University in 2001.