Addressing the importance of raising ocean health awareness among the youth for the planets survival, the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST)' s new President Dr. Andrew Tyler highlights IMarEST's partnership with Encounter Edu.

In his open letter to members, he writes: "The Institute has no future unless we attract the world's young people into our amazing sector and support fulfilling careers of professional growth and development".

IMarEST's focus on youth is enhanced by the IMarEST- Encounter Edu partnership aimed to introduce 10 million young people to the oceans by the end of 2020. The bold target will be shared through the IMarEST Sea Your Future campaign, part of which focuses on inspiring school-aged children with the unique opportunities available through marine-related career.

Taking a look at the current marine professions, Tyler points the formation of the IMarEST Women's Network as an initiative to bridge the gender gap and grow the ratio of women in the marine industry. Read full letter below.

Interested a yearlong free membership? Click here and enter ENCEDU19 for the trial. Membership is free for university students.

"Encounter Edu is an education agency providing children with immersive experiences that inspire a curiosity in the world and give them the skills needed to tackle some of the more pressing issues around them, such as ocean health, climate change and artificial intelligence. The organisation creates programmes relating to STEM and global citizenship which integrate virtual reality, virtual exchange and live broadcasts of expeditions, where students can ask explorers questions which are answered directly from the field!"