IBA, Zambales — The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) and the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to expand access to graduate education and strengthen maritime training for personnel of both institutions in Makati City.
This partnership supports continuing professional development of maritime educators and trainers by sharing academic programs, facilities, and technical expertise to align with global standards for seafarer education and certification.
PMMA Superintendent Commodore Joel Abutal said the collaboration supports closer integration of academic learning and practical shipboard competencies.
“This is more than just a formal agreement; it is a commitment to excellence. By combining our resources, we are closing the gap between classroom theory and shipboard reality, ensuring our maritime workforce is ready for the digital and green transitions of the modern shipping industry,” he said.
Under the agreement, qualified NMP officials and employees may pursue master’s degrees in Shipping Management or Maritime Education and Training at PMMA, with tuition waived by the academy and other fees covered by NMP.
In exchange, NMP will waive training fees for qualified PMMA personnel who enroll in its maritime training programs, including International Maritime Organization Model Courses 6.09, 3.12, and 6.10, which are specialized training courses for maritime instructors, assessors, and simulator trainers.
The MOA also designates PMMA as an extension facility of NMP for the delivery of Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping courses and other Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)-accredited training programs.
Both institutions will share laboratories, simulators, and classrooms for academic and training activities, subject to availability and compliance with MARINA standards.
The collaboration also includes joint maritime research, publication of studies, and development of graduate and specialized certificate programs, with NMP providing priority training slots for PMMA personnel. (CLJD/RGP, PIA Region 3-Zambales)