Foreword

Engineering work continues to be an important factor in the progress of civilization and the welfare of the community. The Engineering Profession is held responsible for the planning, construction and operation of such work, and is entitled to the position and authority that will enable it to discharge this responsibility and to tender service to humanity. Honesty, justice and courtesy from a moral philosophy that, associated with the mutual interest among peoples, constitutes the foundation of ethics. As professionals naval architects and marine engineers should recognize such standards, not by passive observance, but as a set of dynamic principles to guide conduct.

Fundamental Principles

Naval Architects and Marine Engineers should maintain and advance the integrity, honor and dignity of their profession by:

• using their knowledge, experience and skill for the enhancement of human well-being and as good stewards of the environment,
• striving to increase the competence of the professions of naval architecture and marine engineering, and
• being honest and impartial, and serving with fidelity the public, their employers and clients.

Specific Canons

Naval architects and marine engineers shall:

1. Carry on their professional work in a spirit of fairness to employees and contractors, fidelity to clients and employers, loyalty to their country, and devotion to the high ideals of courtesy and personal honor.

2. Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public in the performance of their professional duties. They will interest themselves in the public welfare, in behalf of which they will be ready to apply their special knowledge, skill and training for the use and benefit of mankind.

3. Refrain from associating themselves with, or allowing the use of their names by, any enterprise of questionable character.

4. Adervtise only in a dignified manner, being careful to avoid misleading statements.

5. Regard as confidential any information obtained by them as to the business affairs and technical methods or processes of a client or employer.

6. Inform a client or employer of any business connections, interest or affiliations that might influence their judgment or impair the disinterested quality of their services.

7. Refrain from using any improper or questionable methods of soliciting professional work and will decline to pay or accept commissions for securing such work.

8. Accept compensation, financial or otherwise, for a particular service from one source only, except with the full knowledge and consent of all interested parties.

9. Build their professional reputation on the merits of their services and shall not compete unfairly with others.

10. Perform services only in the the areas of their competence.

11. Cooperate in advancing the professions of naval architecture and marine engineering by exchanging general information and experience with their fellow naval architects and marine engineers and students, and also by contributing to the work of technical societies, schools or applied science and the technical press.

12. Continue their professional development throughout their careers and shall provide opportunities for the professional development of those naval architects and marine engineers under their supervision.