International Electronic Membership
~ Frequently Asked Questions ~
(page updated 1/23/08-ccp)

Why is SNAME introducing the IEM program?
SNAME’s objectives are “to advance the art, science, and practice of naval architecture, marine and ocean engineering . . . by (1) affording facilities for the exchange of information and ideas among its members and placing on record and disseminating the results of research, experience, and information relative to the objectives; (2) promoting the professional integrity and status of the members and affording facilities for their advancement in the knowledge of their profession; (3) cooperating with educational institutions and public education authorities for the furtherance of education in naval architecture, marine engineering, and ocean engineering; and (4) encouraging and sponsoring such research and other inquiries as may be considered important to the advancement of the art and science of naval architecture, marine engineering, and ocean engineering. In furtherance of these objectives, SNAME saw a need to make its wealth of technical information available as widely as possible, both within the United States and internationally. Recognizing that SNAME’s regular dues were beyond the means of professionals and students in many nations, the International Electronic Membership was introduced to remove that barrier.

Why is this program referred to as an International “Electronic” membership?
Because dues for IEM members are lower than those of regular members, SNAME sought to minimize the cost of the program without compromising its value. One way to accomplish that was to eliminate mail to members in the IEM. Thus, all communication with IEM members is by e-mail or through the IEM page on the SNAME website. Marine Technology is available to IEM members online. Dues billing will be by e-mail, rather than a mailed dues notice.

Who is eligible for IEM?
Anyone qualified for membership in SNAME whose permanent residence is in a country classified as ‘Middle Income’ or ‘Low Income’ by the World Bank may apply for the an IEM membership.

How much are IEM dues?
IEM members with permanent residence in nations classified as 'Upper-Middle Income' will pay one-half of the regular dues ($75.00, compared to $150.00). Those in 'Lower-Middle Income' and 'Low Income' nations will pay one-quarter of the regular dues ($37.50). IEM Student Members will all pay $25.

How do I join SNAME as an IEM member?
Separate application forms for IEM members [link coming soon] and IEM Student Members [link coming soon] are available on the IEM page on the SNAME website. Because the education and experience requirements for membership as set out in SNAME’s Bylaws apply equally to IEM members, information in certain fields on the application form is required.

What benefits does the IEM provide?
IEM members receive the same benefits as regular, full-dues members in their country, except that Marine Technology is not mailed to them; but is available online only. See IEM Member Benefits for a full list.

How does IEM differ from a regular SNAME membership?
As noted, an IEM member receives the same member benefits as regular, full-dues members except a physical copy of Marine Technology. Nothing is mailed to an IEM member at the time of joining SNAME or thereafter (unless an IEM member buys, at member price, SNAME books or journal subscriptions). Thus, whereas a regular member receives a membership certificate and membership card in the new-member kit upon joining SNAME, and an updated card each year thereafter as part of the dues notice, a new IEM member receives a membership certificate by e-mail, to be printed out by the recipient.

How do I access the IEM page on the SNAME website?
The portal to the IEM page is prominently located on the SNAME homepage (www.sname.org). The IEM page includes both public information about the program, and member-specific information that is accessible (using a password) only to SNAME IEM members.

How do I access Marine Technology online?
The online edition of Marine Technology is hosted for SNAME by Ingenta. SNAME provides the identities of paid members to Ingenta, and a Customer Identification number is assigned to all eligible members when they register with Ingenta. Click here.

Does IEM entitle me to special discounts on SNAME publications, journals,
conference registrations, etc.?
IEM members are eligible for the same discounts from List prices made available to regular SNAME members, and IEM Student Members receive the even lower Student Member prices.

As an IEM member, can I get a print subscription to Marine Technology?
No, you can only subscribe online to Marine Technology. An IEM membership brings a fixed set of benefits in return for the significant reduction in dues. You can purchase from SNAME publications (books and journals) that are not part of the IEM membership package, at the regular member prices, but there is no “member price” for Marine Technology. It is free of charge to members, in print for those who pay full dues, electronically for those in the IEM.

Can I join SNAME as a regular member, even though I am eligible for IEM?
Yes. In fact, we encourage you to do so if you can, to help support SNAME. The special low dues rates of the IEM do not represent any corresponding cost savings to SNAME, but are intended to make the benefits of SNAME membership available to those for whom full dues would be prohibitive. The Society encourages those residing in countries qualified for IEM who can afford the dues for a regular membership to join on those terms, rather than through the IEM.

I am already a SNAME member – can I convert my membership to IEM? How?
Yes, if you find regular SNAME dues are too much of a financial burden, and you are a permanent resident of a qualified country, you may take advantage of the savings provided through IEM membership. To activate an IEM membership, you will need to submit the application form online, checking the “Convert My Membership to IEM” box.

What method of payment do you accept?
Payment must be by a major credit card (American Express, MasterCard, or Visa are accepted).

Can I publish technical papers, or participate in a T&R Panel?
Yes, all members are encouraged to participate in SNAME activities. Technical papers may be submitted (subject to review) for publication in a SNAME journal or for presentation at the annual SNAME Maritime Technology Conference & Expo/Ship Production Seminar (SMTC&E/SPS). Author instructions are provided here. Members may participate in a T&R Panel or Committee by e-mail. Instructions are here. [link coming soon]

How can I earn SNAME Dollars?
SNAME Dollars are offered as an incentive to members and institutions (schools or companies) who introduce non-members to SNAME’s IEM and convince them to join. For every five new members, a recruiter will be awarded ten SNAME Dollars. These can be used for any transaction with SNAME – paying dues, buying publications or journal subscriptions, attending meetings – to reduce the actual amount that must be paid. There is a line on the membership application requesting a new member to identify the recruiter, so you should remind your recruits to enter your name there.

If you have additional questions, need more information please contact Brenda Elmore-Feliciano at:
belmore@SNAME.org