The Humber branch of an institute which supports seafarers and maritime professionals has re-launched in the region.
The Nautical Institute has returned to the Humber in support of two major ongoing projects.
The global organisation has joined the campaign to bring historic steam trawler Viola – currently stranded in South Georgia – back to its home city of Hull.
The institute has also thrown its weight behind Hull’s bid to become Yorkshire’s Maritime City.
After a time away from the Humber, the Nautical Institute is back, and is also offering opportunities to young people looking to pursue careers at sea.
Jamie Simpson, honorary secretary of the Humber Branch, said: “The Humber branch of the Nautical Institute used to be very active in the past but has stagnated and is now being re-launched by people who have a lot of passion for the maritime industry and who want to organise more events.
“The industry in the Humber is a lot bigger than many people realise. The Viola and Yorkshire’s Maritime City are very exciting projects which are of interest to our members and the wider marine community.
“In addition to promoting those we are planning to sponsor membership of the Institute for anyone from Trinity House Nautical College who is commencing a career as a deck officer at sea until they qualify.”
As part of the institute’s re-launch in the Humber, leading faces in the region’s maritime industry will gather for a special event held in Hull next month.
The conference, at the Guildhall in Hull, will take place on Thursday, September 5.
It will include a speech from Captain John Simpson, senior partner at Solis Marine Consultants, which has carried out a survey of the Viola at her current location in Grytviken.
Captain Simpson will speak about the technical challenge of salvaging and returning the historic steam vessel to the city.
The Viola was built in 1906 in Beverley Shipyard, before leaving Humber Dock two years later.
It now sits in South Georgia, in the Atlantic Ocean, after it was targeted by Argentinian ships in an incident that was one of the precursors to the Falklands War.
The Viola Trust has secured clearance from South Georgia authorities to bring the ship back to Hull, and ABP has agreed to provide a site where she can be restored, with training bodies standing by to provide young learners.
However, funds still need to be raised in order to pay for the transportation and logistical costs from South Georgia to Hull, leaving the Viola’s return hanging in the balance of benefactors.
The event next month will also feature talks from Dr Robb Robinson, a member of the Viola Trust, and Simon Green, director of cultural services at Hull Culture & Lesure.
For details of the Nautical Institute re-launch event, and to register, visit https://www.nautinst.org/branch/uk-humber.html .
