National University ‘Odessa Maritime Academy’ presented with top IMarEST Award
The National University ‘Odessa Maritime Academy’ (NUOMA) has been awarded the 2022 IMarEST Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by P&S Automation. The award has been presented for the Academy’s excellence and commitment to marine education, and in special recognition of its resilience and determination to continue its mission in the face of extreme adversity.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine the Academy has continued to educate its students, taking measures to adapt to the disruption created by air raids, power outages, curfews, lack of internet, etc. Despite operating under martial law, it welcomed 400 first year cadets for in-person initiation at the end of September 2022.
NUOMA was founded in 1944 is renowned for providing high standard maritime training. The IMarEST has accredited the Academy’s courses since the 1990s. Its programmes provide a blend of academic and practical education, equipping cadets with the knowledge they need to address issues they may encounter in seagoing careers. Cadets undertake onboard training in local and world shipping companies and gain sea time as an integral part of their studies, leaving the University not only with an academic qualification but also with a Certificate of Competency (CoC), entitling them to embark immediately upon a seagoing career.
Gwynne Lewis, Chief Executive of the IMarEST, says: “Our award recognises the ongoing commitment to deliver excellence in maritime education despite many adverse conditions. The National University ‘Odessa Maritime Academy’ and the quality education it provides has contributed greatly to the prevalence of Ukrainian seafarers, especially officers, employed in the global fleet.”
Mykhaylo Miyusov, Rector, National University ‘Odessa Maritime Academy’, says: “We are honoured to receive this award. It is a testament to every member of our team and our cadets who have adapted so well to allow us to continue delivering outstanding education and preparing young people for future careers at sea.”
In addition to holding IMarEST accreditation for its courses, many of NUOMA’s academic staff are IMarEST members and play an active part in the Institute’s Odessa Branch which is located within the University’s building.
As well as continuing its education programme throughout the war, the Academy has also maintained its international activities including attending and speaking at conferences, seminars and events, and together with the IMarEST Odessa branch organising and hosting seven online and in-person conferences.
In 2023, NUOMA together with the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy (NVNA) will co-host the 28th International Maritime Lecturers Association Conference (IMLA28) and 33rd International Maritime English Conference (IMEC33) “MET MARITIME HERITAGE: Traditions and Perspectives.
