IAMU CHAIR'S NEWSLETTER NO. 2

Greetings from the Chair

Welcome to the second IAMU Chair's Newsletter. I hope that the Christmas season has been a happy one for everyone and that the New Year has started well.

In this newsletter, there are brief information items on the IAMU Objectives, an update on the IAMU Liquefied Natural Gas Initiative and the 6th Annual General Assembly. In addition, there is information on the Project system, the IAMU News and additional news about important initiatives by some member institutions.

I am always looking for additional information to put in the Newsletter, so please feel free to send me any important information about your institution, which you feel other members would find interesting.

Also, please forward this newsletter to anyone who you feel may find it of some value.

Best wishes
Dr Neil Otway
Chair

IAMU Objectives

Since its establishment in 1999, IAMU has had three basic objectives that have informed and driven the activities of the Association. These Objectives are:

a. To provide opportunities for critical issues and developments in Maritime Education and Training to be discussed and resolved in academic and practical ways;

b. To establish effective management systems to ensure safe operations in all sectors of the maritime industry; and

c. To develop an appropriate and recognized system for passing on maritime skills and knowledge to the following generations on a global basis.

Please remember to check out the IAMU Website. It includes all the details on the Basic Agreement, which is the fundamental document that prescribes the rationale for IAMU and its activities. The Website address is:iamu-edu.org

Update on the IAMU LNG Initiative

A significant development for this initiative is the organisation by IAMU of a Round Table of all key stakeholders in the LNG supply chain. The title of the Round Table is: "Maintaining the Unparalleled Safety Record in LNG Shipping and Terminals in the Face of Unprecedented Growth"

This event is to occur in Busan, Korea on 28th February and 1st March 2005 at the Westin Chosun Hotel and will have a range of key presentations by LNG experts throughout the world. The Secretariat, Dr Yamamoto, has been working very hard on the Round Table with the able assistance of Professors Kim and Yea of Korea Maritime University.

The purpose of the Round Table is to produce an agreed strategic and practical action plan with realistic timeframes to address the short and long term challenges facing the LNG supply chain.

IAMU members who attend this Round Table will not have to pay the Registration fee of EURO 850 and we have arranged a 25% discount on accommodation at the Westin Chosun Hotel. Please support this important development. Again, more details can be found on the IAMU Website, including the Program and a Registration Form

Annual General Assembly No. 6

Remember the next Annual General Assembly (AGA) for IAMU will be held in Malmo, Sweden from 24 - 26 October 2005. The main theme of the Assembly will be 'Maritime Security and MET'. A Call for Papers will be made shortly

The World Maritime University is hosting this event and the Chair of the Local Executive Committee is Dr. Karl Laubstein. The actual organizational works are administered by Prof. Dr. Takeshi Nakazawa, Head of LEC. Please contact Takeshi on tn@wmu.se if you have any questions

The Project System

Applications for the 3rd round of the IAMU project system close on 14th February 2005. Guidelines for submitting proposals can be found on the IAMU website under 'Project System' or by going directly to Project System

IAMU News No 12

Dr Shashi Kumar of Maine Maritime Academy is the special editor for IAMU News No. 12. He is looking for articles of no more than 1000 words describing the postgraduate courses or advanced degrees offered by your institution. Please get behind this important IAMU publication and forward articles to Shashi at skumar@mma.edu at the earliest convenience

Important Members' News

The Australian Maritime College (AMC) celebrates 25 years of operation this year. Celebrations associated with this milestone will commence at the Graduation Ceremony on 18th March and continue throughout the year.