Seafarers Competitors

IMO is the United Nations' specialized agency responsible for safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships. With 176 Member States and three Associate Members, IMO is based in London with around 300 international staff. As a specialized agency of the United Nations, IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented. IMO's work supports the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

The World Maritime University is established within the framework of the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations. WMU’s mission is to be the world centre of excellence in postgraduate maritime and oceans education, professional training and research, while building global capacity and promoting sustainable development. The Malmö, Sweden based Master of Science in Maritime Affairs offers seven specializations: Maritime Education & Training, Maritime Safety & Environmental Administration, Maritime Energy Management, Maritime Law & Policy, Port Management, Shipping Management & Logistics, and Ocean Sustainability, Governance & Management. WMU continues to expand its programmes to ensure that it continues to meet its mandate to support one of the most globalized sectors in a rapidly changing maritime world. WMU also offers MSc programmes in China, has a growing PhD programme in Malmö, an LLM and Postgraduate Diplomas by distance learning, and an MPhil degree offered jointly with the IMO International Maritime Law Institute in Malta. WMU undertakes maritime and ocean-related research for IMO and other UN agencies, the EU and for maritime organizations and the industry worldwide. The WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (Global Ocean Institute) was inaugurated in 2018 as an independent focal point for ocean-related dialogue and capacity-building. WMU alumni hold positions of prominence around the world. They serve as senior maritime officials in ministries, as directors of shipping companies and ports, as heads of maritime academies and naval organizations, and many represent their home countries at IMO and international forums and organizations.

The Nautical Institute is an international membership organisation for maritime professionals, working at sea and ashore and a leading authority in the maritime industry. We are an educational charity dedicated to promoting the highest standards of professionalism, best practice, competence and safety in the maritime industry by providing professional development opportunities, training, publications and accreditation. Our mission: Our mission is to inspire the leaders of the future in the maritime industry; enable better decision-making by working together, sharing ideas and best practice; and to provide a safer, environmentally sound and sustainable maritime industry. Working together: Our consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other professional bodies allows us to represent the professional views of our members, who work at sea and ashore, on important matters for the industry. We actively engage with our members, industry stakeholders, governments and educational institutions to advance safety, sustainability, and innovation in the maritime sector. Through strategic partnerships with NGOs, IGOs and other organisations, we encourage knowledge exchange, promote best practice and support initiatives that enhance the industry’s future. Visit our website to find out more about membership opportunities, our courses and our publications.