The Regional Maritime University (RMU), Accra, Ghana, is an international tertiary institution. She attained full University status on the 25th of October, 2007 and was launched as such by His Excellency, John Agyekum Kuffour, President of the Republic of Ghana. The RMU occupies the premises of the old Ghana Nautical College which was established in 1958 to train ratings for the erstwhile State Shipping Corporation (Black Star Line).
On 1st October, 1982, the Government of Ghana promulgated the Regional Maritime Law 1982 which was followed by the signing of the instrument of transfer, handing over the College to the then Ministerial Conference of West and Central African States on Maritime Transport (MINCONMAR), now known as Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), which negotiated for its regionalization.
The College was then re-named The Regional Maritime Academy (R.M.A.). The formal inauguration of the R.M.A. took place on Thursday 26th May, 1983 with the following countries as founding members: Republics of Cameroon, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The overall objective for the establishment of RMA was to promote regional co-operation in the maritime industry focusing on the training to ensure the sustained growth and development of the industry. The RMU also maintains the same overall objective.
Within the next decade, the Regional Maritime University (RMU) will be known and recognized as the tertiary institution of first choice in advanced maritime education and training, research and consultancy in Africa and beyond”.
A sub-regional tertiary institution that exist to enhance the development of the maritime transport sector and the fishing industry in member states through the maritime education of students, training of marine personnel, research and consultancy and promotion of maritime co-operation. The hallmarks of its operations are meeting international standards, teamwork, discipline and professional integrity.
The objectives of the University are as follows:
Dedicated to the consistent development of human capital in the maritime industry of the sub-region and beyond, the University has trained thousands of personnel for the maritime and allied industries.
Furthermore, the RMU has a Quality Management System. In view of the fact that the institution wants to reach higher levels of excellence, it has developed its Quality Management System on the requirements of ISO 9001:2000 and was given ISO 9001:2000 certification in September, 2007.
The RMU has institutional accreditations from the Department of State for Education of The Gambia and the National Accreditation Boards of Ghana and the Republic of Liberia, for the running of its degree programmes.
In fostering globalize academic cooperation, the University entered into intellectual networks with established institutions in the form of collaboration and affiliation.
UNIVERSITY OF GHANA, LEGON for the Master of Arts (MA) in Port & Shipping Admin. programme.
KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY – for Laboratory Practice;
JOHN MOORE UNIVERSITY, LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Post graduate programmes
UNIVERSITY OF DOUALA, CAMEROON – Fisheries Department;
SHANGHAI MARITIME UNIVERSITY, CHINA – Joint Undergraduate/Post Graduate programmes;
SMTC MALAYSIA – Offshore Oil and Gas Safety Training.
The Regional Maritime University is committed to the efficient and effective utilization of its resources to continually improve its Quality Management System in the provision of maritime education and training that meet prevailing international standards.
This quality policy shall be communicated and understood within the organization and periodically reviewed to meet the quality objectives and overall corporate goals of the institution.
The Board of Governors is the highest policy making body of RMU and comprises the Ministers of Maritime Affairs of the respective founding members (Cameroon, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone), the Secretary-General of MOWCA and the Rector of the University. The Vice Chancellor is the Chief Executive of the University and responsible for its day to day management.
The language of instruction at RMU is English. However, French is taught as a subject to increase the worth and versatility of students on the job market. Additionally, an intensive English programme is organised for non-English speaking students.
RMU combines lecturing with other teaching methods such as role-playing simulation, project assignments, field trips, video display, workshop practice and seminar discussions.
The University has a Medical Centre where health service is provided for both students and staff by RMU’s qualified medical team on campus. Their services are complemented by a visiting medical doctor and other accredited medical facilities.
The University has high calibre teaching and non-teaching staff. The teaching staff are responsible for the instruction and guidance of students, whilst the non-teaching staff play an invaluable supportive role which ensures the success of all academic programmes. Members of teaching and non-teaching staff hold Doctorate, Masters and Bachelor degrees as well as relevant professional qualifications.
The RMU has an Alumni Association which seeks to promote the cause of its members.
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