September 29, 2025.
Iraqi Supreme Maritime Authority (ISMA) – Basra Headquarters
Attendees:
- Representatives of the Iraqi Supreme Maritime Authority (ISMA)
- Representative of the Arabian Maritime Academy
- Al Zaman Group: Mr. Abdullah Shaban, Mr. Ali Alqwaizi
The purpose of the meeting was to review and discuss the current syllabus at the Arabian Maritime Academy, identify areas requiring updates, and explore requirements for compliance with national and international maritime standards.
Key Discussion Points
1. Academic Programs and Courses
- The academy currently offers a variety of programs, including middle courses.
- Maritime College: Provides bachelor’s degrees for officers and engineers in both military and commercial fields.
- Vocational Training: Covers seafarer training for Able Seamen, deck crew, oilers, and other technical roles.
- Specialized Courses: Includes courses that must comply with International Maritime Organization (IMO) and STCW requirements, such as Certificates of Competency (CoC) and Certificates of Proficiency (CoP).
2. Updating the Syllabus
- Discussions focused on the need to provide updated versions of the middle courses syllabus.
- ISMA will provide a list of all middle-level courses currently available, along with those that are mandatory but not yet implemented.
- The requirement is to deliver the full set of courses and appendices, including charts, tables, references, videos, and other supporting materials.
3. Training of Trainers (ToT)
- It was emphasized that trainers must undergo approved Training of Trainers (ToT) programs before delivering syllabi.
- Such training can be undertaken either in Iraq or abroad, provided the institutions are officially recognized.
4. Simulator Requirements
- The academy identified the urgent need for a Bridge (Wheelhouse) Simulator, which is considered essential for a fully compliant maritime training facility.
5. Teaching Methodology and Governance
- Since the academy is under the Ministry of Defence, a specific protocol must be followed:
- Source: The syllabus originates from IMO standards.
- Higher Education Alignment: The structure must be adapted to meet the requirements of the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education (without altering technical content).
- Defence Protocol: The syllabus must also adhere to the Ministry of Defence’s internal structural requirements.
6. National Regulations
- ISMA has developed national regulations for implementing STCW standards.
- However, the official file is currently under review at the Shura Council and remains on hold.
7. Additional Requirements
- Provision of a Record Book for students, issued by the IMO, which the academy does not currently possess.
- Development and delivery of additional courses for Certificates of Competence (CoC) aimed at active seafarers seeking career progression.
Conclusions & Next Steps
- ISMA and the Arabian Maritime Academy will provide the official list of required middle-level courses, including those not yet available.
- Al Zaman Group will support in ensuring that updated syllabi, teaching materials, and simulators are provided in alignment with IMO and STCW requirements.
- Further collaboration is needed to establish ToT programs and ensure trainers meet international standards.
- Monitoring progress on the approval of ISMA’s national STCW regulations at the Shura Council remains a priority.
- A follow-up team shall be established consisting of Al Zaman Group, ISMA, the Iraqi Marine Attaché at the Iraqi Embassy in London, IBBC, and IMO. This team will coordinate on the academy’s primary requirements and additional needs, with the objective of elevating the academy’s standards and securing its recognition as an IMO-approved organization.
- Conclusions & Next Steps
- ISMA and the Arabian Maritime Academy will provide the official list of required middle-level courses, including those not yet available.
- Al Zaman Group will support in ensuring that updated syllabi, teaching materials, and simulators are provided in alignment with IMO and STCW requirements.
- Further collaboration is needed to establish ToT programs and ensure trainers meet international standards.
- Monitoring progress on the approval of ISMA’s national STCW regulations at the Shura Council remains a priority.
- A follow-up team shall be established consisting of Al Zaman Group, ISMA, the Iraqi Marine Attaché at the Iraqi Embassy in London, IBBC, and IMO. This team will coordinate on the academy’s primary requirements and additional needs, with the objective of elevating the academy’s standards and securing its recognition as an IMO-approved organization.
