Marina, IAMU deepen partnership for MET

THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing maritime education and training (MET) in the Philippines through a renewed memorandum of understanding.

Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan expressed enthusiasm for the partnership renewal, marking a new beginning of strengthened collaboration. She emphasized the agency's goal to sustain these partnerships with IAMU, highlighting the benefits of IAMU's membership, network and global best practices.

The original agreement was signed in February 2015, establishing cooperation in academic endeavors.

IAMU pledged to provide academic advice and recommendations to MET institutions to improve curricula for officers on board and post-graduate programs for shore-based maritime professionals.

The agreement outlines the organization of academic workshops by IAMU and MET institutions to enhance teaching methodologies and refine subject content. It facilitates the exchange of outcomes, ensuring mutual benefit.

A recent site visit was conducted by IAMU and the Peer-Assisted Evaluation Scheme – Philippines Working Group, including representatives from Marina and the University of Rijeka, Croatia, at the College of Maritime Studies of the University of Antique (UA) from April 22-23.

Experts provided peer-assisted evaluation and academic advice to UA during the site visit, aligning with the objectives of the agreement between IAMU and Marina. The visits assessed the quality of maritime education and training programs, offering tailored recommendations for improvement.

IAMU Executive Director Takeshi Nakazawa, representing IAMU Chairman Adam Weintrit, delivered a comprehensive overview of the collaborative activities between IAMU and Marina, emphasizing their shared commitment to advancing maritime education standards.

Professors Damir Zec and Srdan Žuškin from IAMU member University of Rijeka provided a brief report and recommendations based on their PAES-P site visit to the UA, further contributing to the collaborative efforts to enhance maritime education and training in the Philippines.

IAMU and Marina are collaborating