Korea Maritime and Ocean University (KMOU) operates the World Wide Academy (WWA) Aids to Navigation Manager Training Course (Level 1) of the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) from July 3 to July 28. The four-week course is prepared for 11 manager-level public officials related to navigation aids in the Asia-Pacific region.  

Supported by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, this year’s course aims to strengthen competencies of navigation aids-related officials in developing countries, promote the sea traffic safety and improve competitiveness in the world. With cooperation of IALA WWA, the training is co-operated by KMOU and the Korea Association of Aids to Navigation (KAAN).

During the course, trainees from 8 countries in the Asia-Pacific region are expected to be given a useful education to increase their capacities in managing navigation aids. Various programs include lectures to introduce Korea’s advanced systems, skills and education programs on navigation aids, and field trips to related facilities such as the training ship HANBADA, Busan New Port, navigation aids professional education center and test/education center of KAAN.  

As part of the development and planning capacity building program for developing countries supported by Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), KMOU has continuously provided Navigation Senior Manger Training Course, Navigation Manager Training Course and Navigation Technicians Training Course. Furthermore, KMOU was officially certified as an institution for the Manager Training Course (Level 1) in last April. 

Prof. Gug Seung-gi, a chief education officer of the course in KMOU, said, “Taking this opportunity, we where make KMOU the world-class navigation aids education center to promote the international sea traffic safety by continuous monitoring and analysis on the course.”