The organizers of the International Conference Design and Construction of Small Commercial Vessels, the Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology (IMarEST) have issued a call for papers. This conference (1-12 September 2002) will discuss the challenges that must be addressed in the design and construction of small commercial vessels. It will focus on the technical issues to small vessels including powering, sea keeping, stability, the selection of material, construction processes, and in addition the related issues of the regulatory framework, research strategies, design for safety.

Technical papers are sought on all aspects of the design and construction of small commercial vessels. Papers should be of interest to designers, builders, operators or regulators and be based on research or design work, or on operational or construction experience. Papers will be reviewed and selected on the basis of technical quality, relevance and their potential for generating discussion. Prospective authors are invited to submit titles of papers and an extended 2-page synopsis, which is to include the principle points and conclusions of the proposed paper.