(NEWS) International Maritime Lecturers Association Conference, 2015

August

2015

International Maritime Lecturers Association Conference, 2015

The International Maritime Lecturers Association (IMLA) 23rd Annual Conference opened on 30 June, 2015, in Durban under the supervision of Durban University of Technology (DUT). Held in South Africa for the first time, the four-day Conference included maritime lecturers, administrative officers, and shipping operators. WMU graduates from across the globe were in attendance.

WMU Associate Professor Clive Cole, the IMLA Honorary Secretary, read the message of goodwill and appreciation sent by Mr. Andrew Winbow, the IMO Assistant Secretary-General and Director of Maritime Safety Division. Associate Professor Cole also chaired the first session, participated in panel sessions throughout the event, and delivered the closing address on the final afternoon.

Seven corresponding panel discussions included the topics of E-Learning and Education Technology, Human Element, Specialized Training, Maritime Education and Training, Maritime English, Employability and Regional Experience. Three special workshops with the themes of Maritime English, building maritime research capacity and post-graduate qualifications, and developing graduates that are culturally and socially aware within the global context were also held in parallel with the papers’ presentations and panel discussions.

IMLA is a no-border forum that provides a round table for discussions on sea-related issues and is dedicated to mediating in the process of Maritime Education and Training (MET). Founded in 1977, IMLA held its first major conference in June 1980, when the Association’s constitution was adopted with the aim “to promote contact and cooperation between Maritime Lecturers of all disciplines and to develop a body of professional expertise”.

WMU has a long-standing association with IMLA as former WMU Vice President, Günther Zade, was a founding father and served as its Honorary Chair, President, for over two decades. WMU has consistently participated in IMLA conferences with WMU Presidents delivering keynote speeches, faculty members contributing papers/ presentations, MET students attending in the study visit context, and graduates acting as hosts & participants.

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