Presidential Addresses over the years have covered a variety of subjects, mainly scientific and generally devoted to navigation. Being neither a scientist nor, strictly speaking, a navigator, I have chosen the work of the Institute as the subject of my Address. Today, the Institute celebrates its twenty-first anniversary and we can suitably reflect on its growth and achievements. We are immensely proud of the fact that Your Royal Highness consented, as long ago as 1952, to become our Patron. We are always honoured and delighted that you have been able to attend so many of our Annual General Meetings and to take the Chair. You inspire us, Sir, to keep in full view the objects of the Institute, which were laid down in 1947 and which are:

‘To unite in one scientific society those interested in navigation’ and ‘To advance the science and practice of navigation and its associated sciences’.