Maritime transport plays a vital role in the economics of most countries. Meantime, a high level of safety and efficiency in shipping and related enterprise is vital. The considerable influence that manpower has on efficient and economic operation of ships con not be overlooked.

The two basic components which make up an efficient merchant fleet are the ships themselves and the personnel who man them and ensure their safety and seaworthiness. It is well known that ships can be acquired, provides the prospective owner can arrange the finances. However, trained and qualified maritime personnel, can not just be picked off the peg. It is here that specialized institutions play their role to provide maritime education and training facilities for all categories of sea-going personnel including rating.

Jordan Academy for Maritime Studies (JAMS) was established in 2004 as an international leading provider of maritime education, training, research and consultancy. The Academy has its chief purpose preparing the seafarers to carry out their duties efficiently, in order to insure the highest possible standards of operating efficiently and also of safety onboard ships, according to national and international standards.

JAMS has developed a wide range of training services, ranging from basic first aid to certificate of competency courses for both navigation and engineering officers. School leavers entering the industry may join the Academy from the basic studies phase to ships master and chief engineer certificates of competency. Additionally, the Academy provides the continuous professional development programs needed to update seafarers skills throughout their careers. The Academy provides a wide range of training for those officers in order to operate modern ships in a safe and environmentally sensitive way.

At JAMS training and certification schemes for officers meet the standard required by the International Convention on the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watch keeping for seafarers, 1978 (STCW), and its amendment. In may 2008 International Maritime Organization (IMO) confirmed Jordan to have given full and complete effect to the provisions of the STCW Convention, as amended.

At JAMS an approach to education and training has developed to satisfy international needs, with the continuous review as the maritime industry requires from time to time.

Dr Mustafa A Massad, PhD,CEng

FIMarEST, FCILT, FCMI , MRINA, MSNAME, MASNE, MIMMTA

President