Fellow (FNI)

Election by nomination after a minimum of five years continuous membership and significant contribution to the profession.

Associate Fellow (AFNI)

Must satisfy the Council of The Nautical Institute as to his/her qualifications, professional development and experience, and match one or more of the following criteria:

• Has held an STCW Reg. II/2 Certificate of Competency or military command qualification and has sailed in command of a commercial or naval foreign-going vessel for a minimum period of six months; or
• Has held an alternative command qualification and served in command of a vessel greater than 500GT (40 metres or over in length, if a fishing vessel) for a minimum period of one year; or
• Has served as a marine pilot for a period of not less than 5 years and been responsible for handling ships of over 150 metres in length; or
• Has served as a Harbour Master for a period of not less than 3 years and holds a relevant graduate-level qualification; or
• Has held senior management positions ashore for a period of not less than 1 year, while holding a relevant post-graduate level qualification. The role should be of equivalent standing to command at sea such as Superintendent following service as a senior sea-going officer, or appointment as Chief Operating Officer or Head of Health and Safety, typically responsible for a sizeable workforce; or
• Has other qualifications or experience accepted by Council for this purpose.

Member (MNI)

Must match one or more of the following criteria:

• STCW CoC: has been issued a deck Certificate of Competency by an IMO 'white list' Marine Administration under STCW '78/'95 as amended or has held an equivalent pre-STCW 1978 Certificate of Competency issued by a Marine Administration on the basis of examination
• STCW(F) or other Fishing CoC: holds a STCW(F) or other earlier Fishing Navigational Watchkeeping or higher Certificate of Competency issued by a Marine Administration or approved Industry Body  
• Yachts: holds a professional STCW Yachtmaster or Deck Officer of the Watch (Yacht) certificate issued by a Marine Administration (or delegated Industry Organisation)
• Nautical Institute Certifications: holds at least one of the following certificates issued by The Nautical Institute; - Command certificate - Harbourmaster certificate - Square Rig certificate - Dynamic Positioning Operator certificate
• Other Operational Qualifications: holds at least one of the following qualifications/licences; - Licence as a maritime pilot of seagoing vessels - Naval (Military) qualification equivalent to an STCW Certificate of Competency - VTS V-103 Vessel Traffic Services qualification - Harbourmaster - Marine Surveyor - Designated Person Ashore (DPA)
• Inland Waterways (Including Limited Distances To Sea), Controlling Navigation and Operations on Vessels (of at least 24 metres in length and not less than 80GT) in Tidal/River and Seagoing Waters, and other non-STCW qualifications Holds one of the following non-STCW qualifications/licences including, but not limited to, the following, issued by a national Marine Administration (or delegated Industry Organisation): Note: Qualifications specifically relevant to Inland Waterways/limited distances to sea and other operations, not falling under STCW - Certificate of Competency - Boatmaster Licence - Other (the designation of such qualifications may vary significantly between different countries)
• Miscellaneous: holds an approved qualification in one or more of the following areas; - Maritime Law - Marine Insurance - Maritime Health and Welfare - Maritime Education & Training Note: Council may also accept a minimum of three years’ experience in lieu of formal qualifications from management level maritime professionals.
• Has other qualifications or experience accepted by Council for this purpose

Associate Member (AMNI)

Must match one or more of the following criteria:

• Hold a Rating qualification; or
• Hold a non-management level maritime post; or
• Worked on board a fishing vessel for a period of at least two years; or
• Undertaking an approved course of initial maritime training or education: those who meet this criteria should apply for the grade of Associate Member Student (AMNIS).

Note: notwithstanding the criteria set out above, Council reserves the right in the maintenance of professional standards to consider all applications for membership on their merits and its decision shall be final.