Traditionally a biennial event, the change in frequency is the result of a desire on the part of the organisers to provide a more regular platform from which to address the main issues of the day relating to marine safety matters. The 2008 seminar programme will explore four key themes; regulation, shipboard emergencies, electronic navigation systems, and training & education.

Peter Cardy, chief executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, will open the seminar programme. Other speakers include Dr Heike Hoppe, secretary of the Ship Design and Equipment Sub-Committee of the Maritime Safety Committee at the IMO; James Wood, policy officer for marine equipment at EMS; and Ben Strong of the US Coast Guard. The four seminar sessions will be spread across the two days, with entrance to each session costing £125 + VAT.

New to SASMEX will be a demonstration by HM Coastguard and the RNLI of core skills in search and rescue. The demonstration will include a man overboard exercise with recoveries by the Brighton lifeboat and an HM Coastguard SAR helicopter. There will also be a winching demonstration from lifeboat to helicopter(subject to operational availability).

Also returning to SASMEX are the Safety at Sea International Awards, which recognise innovative and original developments in the areas of equipment, systems, training, and operations/management.

Judged by an independent judging panel, the winners of each category will be presented with their awards by Peter Cardy at a special Awards Dinner on the evening of 16 April. Opening the proceedings will be guest speaker Robin Middleton, the recently retired former SOSREP.

For further information visit Website: www.sasmex.com, Email: events@lrfairplay.com, or Tel: +44 (0)1737 379135.