Members work in industry, academia, and maritime organisations worldwide, participating in the design, construction, repair, and operation of ships, boats, and marine structures in over 90 countries.

The Patron of the Institution was Queen Elizabeth II but is now King Charles III.

"[1] Founding members included John Scott Russell, Edward Reed, Rev.

Joseph Woolley, Nathaniel Barnaby, Frederick Kynaston Barnes, and John Penn.

[2] On April 9, 1919, Blanche Thornycroft, Rachel Mary Parsons, and Eily Keary became the first women admitted into the institution.