The International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) serves as the foremost network of maritime colleges and universities, boasting over a century of collaborative history. Originating in the UK, IAMI has significantly broadened its international footprint over the last decade, now encompassing a diverse range of maritime education and training providers from around the world. This expansion has enhanced IAMI's role as a global platform for promoting communication and collaboration between maritime regulators, employers, and educational bodies.
IAMI's influence in maritime education is reinforced through its active engagement with key stakeholders, such as the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Chamber of Shipping, the Maritime Skills Alliance, European educational forums, and the Superyacht Alliance for Professional Standards. These collaborations enable IAMI to contribute to the development of current practices and future innovations across all maritime training, ensuring that the Maritime Industries remain adaptive and forward-thinking.
To address the diverse needs across all maritime sectors, IAMI operates four specialized sub-groups focusing on Deck/Navigational Training, Engineering Training, Restricted (tonnage) Training, and Yacht Training through its GUEST Program. The significant subgroups to the Superyacht Sector include both the Restricted and GUEST subgroups, as they specialize in Superyacht training, covering mandatory seafarer educations in crucial aspects like the onboard Deck and Tech departments, as well as Head of Department roles, hospitality services, and industry shore-based training. Members of these sub-groups actively engage in discussions with regulators and the various maritime industries initiatives to address emerging training issues and establish qualification standards, ensuring that all Maritime workforces are well-prepared for the demands of the modern maritime environment.
The IAMI GUEST Accreditation Body plays a specific and critical role in overseeing and accrediting superyacht training programs, maintaining rigorous standards that emphasize industry-led professionalism and quality. This ensures that all onboard crew, hospitality personnel, and relevant land-based personnel are able to receive top-tier training, aligning with the evolving needs of the superyacht sector.
Additionally, IAMI is responsible for managing the examinations, assessments, and certification processes for both Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and GUEST courses, as well as conducting end-point assessments for various maritime training programs. This comprehensive oversight ensures that learners meet the stringent standards and competencies required upon completing their training.
One of IAMI's key activities for the superyacht sector is the issuance of the IAMI Yacht Hospitality Certificate of Competency (CoC), an internationally recognized qualification within the superyacht industry. This CoC attests to an individual's completion of rigorous training and assessment programs that meet the highest industry standards. By offering the CoC, IAMI ensures that superyacht professionals are equipped with the essential skills, knowledge, and competencies required for roles within the various Interior onboard departments. The CoC not only enhances individual career prospects but also upholds the standards of safety, service, and operational excellence within the superyacht sector, reflecting IAMI's commitment to promoting professionalism in maritime education and training.
Beyond its core activities, IAMI holds memberships in key industry bodies and has representation on the Technical Committee of the Merchant Navy Training Board and the Board of the Superyacht Alliance. By collaborating closely with stakeholders like the Maritime Skills Alliance and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, IAMI ensures that its initiatives align with broader industry goals and regulatory frameworks.
The association's Annual General Meeting and Conference serve as pivotal events for members and stakeholders to engage in discussions on marine education and training issues, fostering a continuous exchange of ideas and best practices. Through these efforts, IAMI remains a driving force in maritime education, shaping the future of the industry with a commitment to excellence and collaboration.
Services
Accreditation and Quality Assurance:
IAMI provides accreditation for maritime training programs, including the GUEST Program for the superyacht sector, ensuring that courses meet high standards of professionalism and quality.
Exams, Assessments, and Certification:
Administering exams, assessments, and issuing certifications for both MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) and GUEST courses, including the Yacht Hospitality Certificate of Competency, to ensure learners meet industry-required standards and competencies.
Regulatory Liaison and Advocacy:
Acting as a liaison between maritime training providers, regulators, employers, and educational bodies, facilitating communication and the exchange of perspectives on training and certification standards.
Collaboration with Industry Stakeholders:
Working with organizations like the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Chamber of Shipping, Maritime Skills Alliance, and the Superyacht Alliance for Professional Standards to shape current practices and future developments in maritime education.
Specialized Sub-Groups:
Operating four sub-groups focusing on key areas of maritime training:
-Deck/Navigational Training
-Engineering Training
-Small Craft Training
-Yacht Training (GUEST Program)
These sub-groups address training issues, develop qualifications, and ensure that education meets industry needs.
Education Guidelines and Standards Development:
Developing and setting learning outcomes and assessment standards for a range of maritime training programs to ensure high-quality education and training.
End-Point Assessments:
Conducting end-point assessments for various maritime training programs, ensuring that trainees have met the necessary standards before entering the industry.
Conferences and Networking Events:
Hosting an Annual General Meeting and Conference to provide a forum for members and stakeholders to discuss marine education and training issues, share best practices, and network with industry professionals.
Membership Services:
Providing a platform for maritime colleges and universities to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and access resources that support their training programs.
Industry Representation:
Representing maritime training institutions on various industry boards and committees, such as the Technical Committee of the Merchant Navy Training Board and the Board of the Superyacht Alliance, to advocate for the interests of maritime education providers.
Contact information
Gary Hindmarch
International Association of Maritime Institutions
IAMI Secretary (BoD)
IAMI
The International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) is the largest network of maritime colleges and universities, with a century-long history of collaboration. While it began in the UK, IAMI has expanded globally in the past decade, and now welcomes maritime education and training providers worldwide. Its core mission is to facilitate communication and collaboration across all maritime industries between regulators, employers, and educational bodies involved in delivering maritime training.
