Executive Director of the International Association of Maritime Universities Visits the Faculty of Maritime Studies Kotor

On Wednesday, 6 March 2024, the Executive Director of the International Association of Maritime University (IAMU), Professor Takeshi Nakazawa, visited the Faculty of Maritime Studies Kotor (part of the University of Montenegro). Professor Nakazawa was accompanied by the Head of the Maritime Department at the University of Dubrovnik, Professor Srđan Vujičić, following a two-day meeting of the IAMU working group responsible for reviewing and revising the Global Maritime Professional Body of Knowledge. The visit by the IAMUs top official was of great significance to our institution, especially considering that the Faculty has recently joined this prestigious Association, which brings together 74 maritime universities from 39 worldwide.

After the welcome reception and introduction to Faculty representatives, Professor Takeshi was given a brief overview the history of maritime education in Boka Bay and the Faculty. This was followed by the presentation of the institution and its available resources. During the subsequent part of the meeting, the conversation centered around the purpose of the Association and the opportunities it provides to its members, including collaborative development projects.

Professor Nakazawa also had the opportunity to tour the simulator rooms and visit the Faculty Center for Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. During this visit, he gained insights into the ongoing research and international projects undertaken by the Faculty.  Following this, he readily engaged with media representatives, expressing his enthusiasm for Kotor and the Boka Bay region. He was particularly impressed by the diverse and ambitious activities carried out by the Faculty of Maritime Studies Kotor. Notably, he highlighted that the Faculty, with its potential and international projects, ranks among the top maritime universities.

Furthermore, Professor Nakazawa emphasized the networking opportunities and support provided by IAMU membership. He also mentioned that IAMU serves as a platform not only for Faculty members but also students. Every year, IAMU sponsors students from member countries to participate in the Student Forum, which takes place at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters in London, England.

Considering that this is Professor Nakazawa’s first visit to Kotor and Montenegro, our guests were also given a guided tour of the Old Town of Kotor. Subsequently, during lunchtime, we continued our exchange and conversation regarding prospective cooperation.

The visit by the top IAMU official serves as significant encouragement for the further internationalization of our Faculty and our future ideas and international cooperation projects.