National Transport Authority accredits Emirates International Maritime Academy
The UAE’s National Transport Authority (NTA) has given full accreditation to all the educational programmes and courses being offered by Emirates International Maritime Academy (EIMA) following a thorough review by the NTA of the academy, which covered the educational staff and curriculum in addition to evaluating its strategies and future plans to determine its overall direction and whether it is inline with international standards. The announcement comes as a reflection of the quality of courses and programmes on offer by EIMA and its commitment to global standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), as well as its aim at maintaining this accreditation when the NTA conducts its annual evaluation.
Dr. Nasser Saif Al Mansoori, NTA General Manager, commented by saying: “We are pleased to announce the accreditation of the programmes on offer at Emirates International Maritime Academy and the certificates issued by it, as it met the strict academic standards that we have set, which are inline with those adopted by the IMO. It was very clear that EIMA has committed to the highest standards that are aligned with the latest developments within the maritime sector. It is certainly a great start for EIMA, as the industry can now be confident of the certificates issued for its academic courses and programme. We now hope that the academy brings the UAE at the forefront of leading international maritime educational institutions.”
Amer Ali, Executive Director of Dubai Maritime City Authority, said: “It is a proud moment for all of us here at EIMA, as the combined efforts of all the academy’s members and staff have now paid off. We have, since the start of our work, insisted on selecting talented and experienced personnel in the field of maritime education and training to ensure that EIMA will achieve its goal of becoming the UAE’s leading maritime education and training institution.”
Ali continued: “With this accolade, we now carry a great responsibility that only motivates us to further enhance and improve the academy and its programmes to accommodate the large numbers of students and trainees that will potentially enter the maritime sector. We have strong and big ambitions that, through the continued support and encouragement we have seen from government entities and the maritime sector, will make EIMA a landmark maritime institution that the whole region can be proud of.”
Achieved within a short duration, the accreditation comes as a major boost to EIMA, giving its certification international recognition and making its graduates ideal candidates for the international maritime community.
On his part, Captain Jaafar Sidin, Director of EIMA, said: “The academy has started its operations from a temporary site within Dubai Maritime City, offering a range of courses that cover security, safety and the marine environment, as well as master near coastal less than 200 gt course and sailing of pleasure crafts and yachts. We will soon be introducing courses in marine engineering and navigation aimed at UAE and regional citizens and residents with relevant high school qualifications who are interested in a career within the maritime sector. In the meantime, EIMA continues to expand its ties with various international maritime educational institutions and will soon be announcing details on its Master’s in Maritime Studies that will be introduced in collaboration with some of the world’s leading maritime universities.”
The academy intends to move into Dubai Maritime City Campus, which is currently under construction. The complex will contain state-of-the-art educational facilities including a variety of the latest simulators and marine research laboratories. Also integrated into the facility is an accommodation complex for students, as it aims to attract students from across the region to benefit from the various institutes and colleges that will be based within the campus.
