The official launching ceremony of GMP BoK was held on 23rd July at IMO headquarters, with academic staff of IAMU member universities, maritime attaché for IMO and representatives of maritime organizations in London. It opened with a remark made by Capt. Samuel Pecota, California State University Maritime Academy, stating the background and objective to be achieved through BoK, followed by brief explanation of BoK by Dr. Takeshi Nakazawa, Executive Director of IAMU. Ms. Heike Deggim, Director of the Maritime Safety Division of IMO, delivered a congratulatory address, highlighting that human element has been important policy matter for the Organization, shipping depends on an adequate supply of qualified professionals to manage and operate the ships. She also highlighted that IAMU was vital for the continued supply of well-trained and highly qualified people to sustain the shipping industry. Finally, she appreciated the initiative to develop BoK that would guide the work of maritime institutions globally well into the future. (Ms. Deggim’s speech) The ceremony was also attended by representatives of member universities of the Planning, Preparing and Authoring Committee of BoK:

  • Jens-Uwe Schröder-Hinrichs, Vice President of WMU;
  • Ismail Abdel Ghafar Ismail Farag, President of AASTMT; and
  • Jari Multisilta, President of SAMK.