The Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) is now a member of the prestigious International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU).

The institution’s official acceptance into the body should open up opportunities for global partnerships and collaboration across the maritime education landscape. In fact, CMU has engaged in its first partnership under this new membership during the IAMU Annual General Assembly, where it formalised a collaboration with AMET University, India’s leading maritime institution.

During the same event, Professor Andrew Spencer, CD, JP, President of the Caribbean Maritime University, officially received the CMU’s membership certification on behalf of the University.

“IAMU membership places us among an influential group of universities shaping the direction of maritime education worldwide. It validates the hard work our team has been doing to ensure the CMU meets the highest international standards,” he said. 

Professor Spencer added, “Our involvement in IAMU will strengthen the quality of our programmes and open the door to new research partnerships, staff and student exchanges, and curriculum development initiatives. It also means our students will benefit from exposure to global best practices, cutting-edge technology, and new opportunities for collaboration.”

CMU has also engaged in dialogue aimed at collaborating with two maritime institutions in The Philippines, the largest supplier of seafarers to the world, according to the 2023 Seafarers’ Report provided by the International Chamber of Shipping. This signals the CMU’s growing footprint in global maritime collaboration.

The International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) was founded in 1999 with seven member universities and has since grown to include 81 maritime universities and academies, along with The Nippon Foundation, for a total of 82 members. The organisation’s goal is to advance the international maritime community through maritime education and training.

Professor Spencer noted that the CMU’s induction reflects the university’s commitment to continuous improvement and its role in driving the region’s maritime competitiveness. 

“This recognition reinforces our position as a university with global standards and local impact. We are determined to keep building partnerships that advance Jamaica’s maritime ambitions and strengthen our contribution to the global industry.”

The CMU’s membership in IAMU marks another step in its mission to expand international collaboration and enhance the training and research opportunities available to students, faculty, and industry partners.