The Faculty of Maritime Studies at King Abdulaziz University has renewed its Final Accreditation as a recognized Maritime Education and Training Institution by the Transport General Authority (TGA), affirming its continued leadership in maritime education and training in the Kingdom, in alignment with the highest national and international standards.
The faculty successfully fulfilled the requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This accreditation authorizes the faculty to deliver maritime education, training, and safety programs recognized by the TGA, qualifying its graduates to take the Certificate of Competency (COC) exams and enabling them to serve aboard commercial vessels both locally and internationally.
The Maritime Education and Training Institution Accreditation System follows a comprehensive framework that includes preliminary accreditation, final accreditation, and annual reviews to ensure ongoing compliance with national and international standards. As part of the final phase, on-site evaluations confirm that curricula meet STCW requirements, that a certified quality assurance system governs teaching and assessment, and that academic staff and training facilities meet required benchmarks.
This renewed accreditation reinforces confidence among the TGA and maritime industry stakeholders in the quality of the faculty’s outcomes. It enables graduates to meet the requirements for COC certification and enhances their readiness for employment aboard commercial vessels. The process also contributes to raising the standard of maritime training quality and professional competency through continuous annual oversight.
Since receiving its initial full accreditation in 2022, the faculty has graduated over 1,000 students and trained more than 300 cadets at sea over the past five years. It is staffed by a team of specialized academic professionals and maintains strategic partnerships with both public and private sector entities. The faculty plays an active role in supporting national initiatives to advance maritime education and training throughout the Kingdom.
