A new professional development programme for graduates working in marine technology is being showcased at Shiprepair & Conversion 2000, the industry's leading exhibition and conference which takes place in London on November 15-16. The training programme, available beginning early next year, has been developed by six leading UK universities which will be represented on the Shipbuilders and Shiprepairers Association stand.

The programme features modules in 23 disciplines, each delivered by distance learning and a one-week intensive school, which can be stand-alone or combined as a master's or post-graduate diploma course in one of seven technology streams."The programme offers flexibility for full-time employees and valuable input from industry leaders," says Lisa Smeaton of the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. "It is designed to attract the graduates of today who are the managers of tomorrow."

Further new developments being featured by exhibitors at this year's ninth anniversary event include the SafeShip programme from classification society ABS which applies advanced technology to ship design, construction and maintenance in a trendsetting approach to through-life vessel integrity management.

Surveyors from The Salvage Association will present their findings on main engine and component design failures; shiprepairer A&P Group is spotlighting its mobile aluminium welding service; equipment manufacturer Hamworthy KSE is promoting improved ex-stock delivery for V-Line engine room compressors; and underwater maintenance specialist UMC International will focus on its new survey and repair facility at the UK port of Portland.