PRESS RELEASE
14 July 1995
Maritime training for better
and safer international shipping

Founded in 1983, the World Maritime University (WMU) was created by the International Maritime Organization, (IMO) the UN agency responsible for developing international treaties and promoting safety and environmental standards within the international shipping community. During the past twelve years, the university has gained a strong reputation as a centre of training for specialist maritime personnel, largely from developing countries. So far, more than 1,150 students from 128 countries have enrolled at the WMU which is based in the southern Swedish city of Malmö. Recently, the university introduced five new eleven month MSc courses in general maritime administration and environmental protection, maritime education and training, port manage- ment, safety administration and shipping management.

The University’s close links with the IMO mean that the objectives of this multi-nation organization can be implemented throughout the world, even in developing countries, helping to ensure safety and quality standards at sea and in port. Candidates are carefully selected and must either hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent such as a Master Mariners certificate of competency. For the new eleven month courses, a postgraduate qualification is also necessary.
The academic standards achieved by the WMU are high and many of the university’s students already hold key positions within commercial shipping, maritime adminis-trations or port management.
”After completed training, many of our students go on to high-level jobs in the industry; some as professors others as heads of educational institutions, government agencies, maritime administrations or in ports and shipping companies”, comments Danny Waters, Rector of the World Maritime University. ”In this way, the aims of the IMO are furthered by the input of WMU graduates across a broad spectrum of shipping and related industries in many countries.”

High standards
Despite the high tuitional standards, the cost of a graduate course at WMU is low, just USD 20,000 per year including accommodation and meals.
”Thanks to the generosity of our donors - our host country, Sweden, Norway, Japan and Germany among others - we can maintain a high academic standard and reasonable fees”, says Danny Waters. ”Students are nominated for a place here by their employers who clearly put considerable value on the training we offer.”
Only a select few gain a place at the WMU each year; the maximum annual intake is limited to 100 students who are tutored by the resident faculty assisted by some 100 visiting professors. These come from all walks of life including academic institutions and leading positions in almost every sector of the shipping and related industries.
The accelerated programme covers the second year of the 20 month course, plus additional special modules for students with an advanced standing. Students on the accelerated programme are specially selected for their academic calibre and high level of professional experience. So far, results have been good and the eleven month course has proved popular among students.
”The shorter courses have been designed for the most able and experienced students”, says Danny Waters. ”Other-wise they have trouble keeping pace with the curriculum. Ultimately, these graduates should have the same detailed knowledge after 11 months as he or she would have had after 20 with the added advantage to their employer that they return home after only one year in Malmö.”

Caption:The World Maritime University has recently introduced five eleven month MSc courses in general maritime administration and environmental protection, maritime education and training, port management, safety administration and shipping management.


For further information please contact:
The World Maritime University, Susan Jackson,
Box 500, S-201 24 Malmö, Sweden
Tel: +46 40 35 63 32, Fax: +46 40 12 84 42