Formation of the Association of Maritime Education and Training Institutions in Asia Pacific (AMETIAP)
In September 1996 some 30 representatives from 20 MET institutions in 9 different countries met in Hong Kong hosted by Hong Kong Polytechnic University and on 13 September 1996, with the support of IMO, formal resolutions to form an association (AMETIAP) and accept a constitution were adopted with 16 MET institutions signing as foundation members. Additionally, a five member committee comprising Singapore Polytechnic (Chair), Shanghai Maritime University (Vice Chair), AMC (Secretary), Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Treasurer) and Tokyo Maritime University (Member) was elected to conduct the activities of AMETIAP for its first year. The executive committee was to be assisted in its activities by Captain R Short who volunteered to act as Executive Secretary.
AMETIAP's Objectives are:
・to provide a forum for the exchange of views among members;
・to foster, develop and maintain close cooperation between and among members on matters relating to maritime education and training including maritime research and development and other matters of mutual and/or collective interest;
・to extend assistance consistent with its policies and capabilities to any member upon the latter's request;
・to formulate a common stand on issues of interest to the Association related to maritime education, training, research and development;
・to improve or assist in improving the services provided by members through the efficient and economic utilisation of resources;
・to represent the general membership in its collective dealings with regional and international organisations;
・to acquire, collate, process and disseminate relevant data and material of common interest to all members.
Establishing the association consumed much of 1997's activity however, when the members met in Singapore at Singapore Polytechnic for their first Conference and AGM satisfaction with progress was unanimous. During the year membership had significantly increased and the main points of the Executive Committee's action plan had been achieved.
AMETIAPs Achievements
Since its inception in Hong Kong in 1996 successful conferences/AGMs have been held in Singapore (Singapore Polytechnic, 1997) and in Shanghai (Shanghai Maritime University, 1998). These meetings have provided members with opportunities to exchange views, network, identify problems facing MET, and pose solutions to challenges.
Whilst the Annual Conference/AGM is clearly AMETIAP's flagship event, the work carried out by the Executive Committee (EXCO) and the Executive Secretary (EXECSEC) between meetings ensures the momentum generated by members continues throughout the year. Examples of activities include:
