MLP Field Study to Chile, 2014

From 1-10 June, nineteen students in the Maritime Law and Policy (MLP) specialization participated in a field study to Valparaíso, Chile accompanied by Patrick Donner, WMU Acting Vice President (Academics). It was the third annual field study hosted by the Directorate General of the Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine (DIRECTEMAR).

WMU alumnus and member of the Board of Governors, Rear Admiral Ivan Valenzuela Bosne (M.Sc. MSA(N) 1994) who serves as the Director of Maritime Security and Operations for DIRECTEMAR, played an instrumental role in making the field study visits to Chile possible as well as a recurring event. The group had the opportunity to meet with Rear Admiral Valenzeula as well as additional alumni including CN LT Otto Mrugalski (M.Sc. MSA(N) 1998), Maritime Interests Acting Director, and Lt. Cdr Dinson Luis Baack Vasquez (M.Sc. MSEA 2012) who met the group on their arrival and accompanied them throughout their visit.

The DIRECTEMAR organized a comprehensive schedule which included their headquarters to gain an understanding of the agency’s scope of responsibilities. The operating units presented included the Directorate of Maritime Security and Operations, the Directorate of Maritime Interests and Marine Environment, the Maritime Instruction and Training Centre, and the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service.

Additional visits were arranged to the Valparaíso Port Company and the South Pacific Terminal. Aside from their busy schedule in Valparaíso, the group had the opportunity to spend some time sightseeing in Santiago.