The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korea Maritime & Ocean University (KMOU). 

It took place aboard KMOU’s T/S Hannara which was docked at Pier 15, South Harbor in Port of Manila.

PMMA Superintendent Commodore Joel Abutal said the MOU signals the start of the collaboration and cooperation between the two maritime higher education institutions, focusing on common areas of interests that are beneficial to both parties. 

“Korea is becoming the number one producer of ships while the Philippines is the leading supplier of seafarers. Together we can become a global maritime superpower,” he pressed.

PMMA, as the pioneer maritime education institution in the country, envisions to fulfill its mandate of leadership role in producing competent and qualified officers who will lead the global maritime industry – be it as a merchant marine officer, Navy, or Coast Guard.

For his part, KMOU College of Maritime Science Dean Kim Jin Gwon said the opportunities for exchanges between the two educational institutions would greatly contribute to the shipping industry both in the Philippines and Korea. 

He also expressed his hope that friendly relations between the two countries will prosper. 

KMOU is the only specialized maritime university in Korea that has been producing experts in the maritime field, including the shipping industry. 

The MOU seeks to establish programs of exchange and collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

These include sharing of resources for academic and administrative documents, providing students with opportunities for vessel training with commercial boats or training ships (conditional), collaboration on research and development projects, and academic mobility through international fellowship, international students, and faculty exchange among others. (PIA Region 3)