Prof. Dr. Osman Kamil SAĞ
Chair of IAMU
Honorary Fellow of IAMU
Founding Dean, Faculty of Maritime, Istanbul Technical University (ITUMF)
Founding Rector, Piri Reis University (PRU)

Prof. Dr. Osman Kamil SAĞ played a pivotal role in the formation and early development of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU). Serving as the Founding Dean of the Maritime Faculty at Istanbul Technical University, he was instrumental in conceptualizing and proposing the initial framework of IAMU.

The first proposal for the establishment of IAMU was submitted by Prof. SAĞ to The Nippon Foundation and personally presented to Mr. Yohei Sasakawa. Following his discussions and the Foundation’s kind approval, the first two grants for IAMU were officially addressed to him as the Project Proposer and Founding Dean of ITU Maritime Faculty. The projects, titled International Association of Maritime Universities, were supported through The Nippon Foundation with grants amounting to 380,000 USD for the 2002–2003 term and 590,000 USD for the 2003–2004 term.

In collaboration with Prof. Hara of Kobe University of Mercantile Marine, Prof. SAĞ initiated the preparatory meeting of IAMU held in Istanbul in November 1999. With sponsorship from The Nippon Foundation, this meeting brought together seven maritime universities representing different regions of the world. Istanbul Technical University and Kobe University of Mercantile Marine served as the founding universities, while five other institutions joined as representative universities from their respective continents.

Prof. SAĞ’s leadership during IAMU’s formative period laid the foundation for its global character. Originally, General Assemblies were planned to alternate between Istanbul and Kobe; however, it was through his initiative that the hosting system was expanded to include other member universities, enabling IAMU’s growth into a truly international network encompassing over 80 maritime institutions worldwide.

Beyond IAMU, Prof. SAĞ contributed significantly to global maritime education and training (MET) and international maritime governance.

He also served as Rector of Piri Reis University (2008–2014) and Professor at its Faculty of Engineering (2008–2025). Throughout his career, Prof. SAĞ has remained devoted to the enhancement of maritime education and the development of international cooperation in MET.

His long-standing dedication, pioneering efforts, and visionary leadership have left a lasting legacy in the global maritime academic community. IAMU proudly acknowledges his contribution and expresses deep respect for his role in the Association’s early development.

Professional Record

• PRU, Professor of Engineering Faculty (2008–2025)
• Founding Rector of Piri Reis University (2008–2014)
• Founding Dean of Istanbul Technical University Maritime Faculty (ITUMF) (1992–2006)
• Chair of IAMU and IAMUS (1999–2001)
• Honorary Fellow of IAMU (2008–2025)
• 2001 Annual IAMU Award of Recognition (2001)
• Proposal of IAMU to IMO as an NGO (2004)
• Chairman of IMO STW Sub Committee (2002–2004)
• Chairing several IMO Competent Person Panels for the IMO White List Procedure of the Member Associations (1999–2004)
• Chairman of Global On Board Training Center (GOBTC) declared at Manila, Philippines (2012–2014)
• National Project Coordinator of the Japanese–Turkish JICA Project of “Enhancement of Turkish MET” (2000–2005)
• Founding Director of Seafarers Examination Center of TÜRKİYE (1997–2000)
• Founding Chair of Independent Assessment Council of TÜRKİYE (2004–2005)
• Chairman of Executive Board of Coastal Safety and Ship Salvage of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (2002–2004)
• Representing TÜRKİYE at IMO as Rector of PRU (2013)

(The information on this page was kindly provided by Prof. Dr SAĞ.)