These branches were formed in the 1950s. In 1968, the S.A. Government promulgated the Professional Engineers Act, which states that only South African Technical Societies would be recognised under this Act. Thus, in 1975, SAIMENA was founded to represent South African Marine Engineers and Naval Architects. It now has branches in Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth, with a total membership of 400. Its members are fom all sections of the industry, seagoing engineers, ship repairers, shipbuilders, marine paints,classification societies, salvage associations, the S.A.Navy, naval architects, marine consultants etc. – in fact, people who live by the marine industry.