The International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU), in collaboration with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), successfully concluded the 2025 Maritime Education and Training (MET) Workshop, marking a significant stride toward digitalization and global academic excellence in the Philippines.
Held on November 20–21, 2025, the workshop was MARINA’s first-ever fully paperless event, underscoring a shared commitment to technological advancement and sustainable practices in maritime administration.
The two-day workshop convened an impressive assembly of over 79 leaders from Maritime Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs) across the Philippines. This included university presidents, vice presidents, deans, program heads, and academic directors, who engaged directly with a panel of international maritime experts from Croatia, India, Japan, Sweden, and Türkiye.
In his keynote address, IAMU Executive Director Prof. Takeshi Nakazawa emphasized the critical need for robust international academic cooperation to equip the new generation of maritime professionals with the skills to navigate global challenges.
Reinforcing this message, Mr. Samuel L. Batalla, Executive Director of the MARINA STCW Office, highlighted MARINA’s mission to ensure that the country’s maritime education remains globally competitive and responsive to the industry’s rapid evolution.
The workshop served as a key activity under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MARINA and IAMU. The primary focus of the MOU is the strategic elevation of Philippine MET programs, specifically the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT), Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE), and postgraduate studies.
Through expert guidance, capacity-building efforts, and sustained knowledge-sharing initiatives, the partnership is dedicated to harmonizing Philippine maritime curriculum with the highest global standards, ensuring the country continues to produce world-class seafarers.
