IAMU News No.13, October 2006

Welcome

The subject matter covered in this, our thirteenth edition of the IAMU News, is varied, but there are common themes running through the articles presented: growth and expanding international cooperation in the effort to develop common training standards and to meet strong worldwide industry demand for qualified officers.

In Turkey, a new Maritime Engineering program is now underway, fueled in part by increasing demand for deck and engineering officers. What is also of real interest in the Turkish article is the level of support for this program provided by industry, including resources to help construct a modern facility for classrooms and laboratories.

A second article details a cooperative study by IAMU members in the Ukraine, Germany, Poland and the U.S. into the effectiveness of ship handling training systems.

Here at Cal Maritime, we are eagerly anticipating the completion of a new state-of-the-art Simulator Center which will allow new levels of multi-disciplinary training, and provide a new level of realism in simulations of large and small vessel operations including tankers, containerships, tugs, ferries and workboats.

We are also excited to serve as host, next spring, of a first-ever conference on "Teaching and Learning in the Maritime Environment." More details on this program can be found on our campus website at www.csum.edu We anticipate this event will serve as a catalyst for expanded communication and cooperation between IAMU members on matters of common interest.

The strong growth in the global maritime industry - tankers, bulk, project cargo, LNG, containerships, ferries, workboats, tugs, marine pilots, logistics and maritime-related business and law - has placed increasing demands on IAMU members worldwide to deliver qualified graduates, trained to internationally recognized standards. It is also clear that our ability to meet these demands will require an increased level of cooperation and support from all sectors of the maritime industry, the IAMU and between institutions.

Dr. William B. Eisenhardt, President - The California Maritime Association and Head of the IAMU News Editorial Board