SHARJAH, 9th May, 2023 (WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and President of Sharjah Academy for Maritime Transport (SAMT), met with students at the academy’s Khorfakkan campus to discuss development plans and projects aimed at making SAMT a leading institution in the region. The plans include improving academic and teaching levels, training and practical systems, study facilities, and international cooperation and curricula to ensure students’ skills are honed and they graduate according to approved standards and international specifications in their marine specialisations. In accordance with Law No. (2) of 2023 AD, the Sharjah Academy of Maritime Transport has been established as a government institution, with the aim of becoming a leading maritime institution in the world. The Ruler of Sharjah highlighted the academy’s goal to support and develop the maritime transport sector, and prepare skilled personnel to work in various fields related to this vital sector. He also mentioned the addition of an extra academic year for current students to refine their skills and upgrade their practical and scientific competencies, in accordance with the approved standards of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Sheikh Sultan discussed the Sharjah Academy of Maritime Transport’s plans for improving their maritime education and training programmes, emphasising the importance of practical and field training for students seeking certification and academic accreditation from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). To achieve this, the academy will increase the hours allocated for practical training, develop simulation center devices using the latest navigation and engineering technologies, integrate virtual reality programs for exploring marine scenarios, and provide intensive workshops and a ship’s turret simulator for combining theoretical knowledge with real-world experience. The Sharjah Ruler mentioned the Academy’s ambitious international plans in various educational fields. He stated, “We aim to strengthen international cooperation with institutional companies, expand our network of partnerships with specialised and prestigious international bodies and universities in the maritime transport field. Our goal is to exchange knowledge, develop programmes, emphasise best international practices and standards. The SMTA will appoint a number of experts within its Board of Trustees to exchange experiences, provide training opportunities, and manage human resources for students aspiring to work in the maritime transport industry. The two appointed experts are Professor Jens Uwe Schralder-Hinrich, Vice-President (Academic Affairs) of the World Maritime University (WMU), and Professor Syamantak Bhattacharya, Pro Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Solent University, UK.” Concluding his speech, the Ruler of Sharjah prayed for the safe return of the Academy’s students who travelled abroad to learn how to navigate ships on the high seas and wished them the best of luck.
Source: Emirates News Agency