(a) The grade of Member may be accorded exclusively to persons having competence and important experience in naval architecture, marine engineering or another phase of engineering or science closely allied with the marine industry. A candidate who is a graduate of a recognized technical institution or other institution satisfactory to the Society shall have had not less than five years of increasingly important engineering or scientific experience indicative of growth, competency, and achievement at least two of which shall have been in responsible charge or work. Alternatively, a candidate who is not a graduate of a recognized technical institution shall have had not less than nine years of engineering or scientific experience indicative of growth, competency, and achievement at least two of which shall have been in responsible charge of work.

(b) A candidate for the grade of Member shall submit a statement of training and experience which demonstrates that the candidate has been engaged in a responsible capacity in the marine field and sets forth the grounds upon which the application for membership is based. The statement shall be signed by three Fellows or Members, who shall certify to their personal knowledge of the candidate and of the candidate's experience.

B1-4. Affiliates

(a) The grade of Affiliate may be accorded to persons whose pursuits, attainments, or practical experience qualify them to cooperate in the advancement of the objectives of the Society. A candidate shall have had a sound education and shall have had not less than five years of increasingly important experience indicative of growth, competency, and achievement at least two of which shall have been in responsible charge of work. Alternatively, a candidate who is not a graduate of a recognized institution of learning shall have had not less than nine years of increasingly important experience indicative of growth, competency, and achievement at least two of which shall have been in responsible charge of work.

(b) A candidate for the grade of Affiliate shall submit a written statement of qualifications which shall be signed by three Fellows, Members, or Affiliates, who shall certify to their personal knowledge of the candidate and of the candidate's experience.

B1-5. Associate Member

(a) The grade of Associate Member may be accorded to persons whose pursuits, attainments, education, or practical experience qualify them to cooperate in the achievements of the objectives of the Society, but who have not held a position of sufficient responsibility or lack the experience required for the grade of Member or Affiliate.

(b) Associate Members shall be eligible to transfer to the grade of Member or Affiliate after fulfilling the necessary requirements.

(c) A candidate for Associate Member shall submit to the Society a written statement of qualifications which shall be signed by two Fellows, Members Affiliates or Associate Members who shall certify to their personal knowledge of the candidate and the candidate's experience.

(d) Associate Members may not hold office but may vote on all questions brought before the Society.