The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) has officially accredited the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy (ADMA) as an International Training Center (ITC).
This recognition follows a comprehensive audit led by Krishnan Subramaniam, Vice Chairman of ICS, and Ali Canani, Chairman of ICS Middle East Branch. This award is an important milestone for ADMA and cements its role as a hub for professional maritime training in the Middle East region, according to the ICS.
“The ADMA team is well deserving of this recognition,” said Subramaniam. “Their commitment to quality training and professional development in the maritime sector has been demonstrated in our long-standing partnership. We are excited about the new opportunities this accreditation will open up across the Middle East maritime network.”
Strengthening global maritime education
ICS supports a global community of students through its network of branches, partners and international teaching centers covering major maritime hubs around the world. With the addition of ADMA to the list of fully accredited centers, the United Arab Emirates is expanding access to ICS curricula.
Captain Muhammad Khurshid Khalid, member of the ICS and Director of Logistics and Surveying at ADMA, expressed his pride: “This accreditation is a significant milestone for both myself and the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy,” he said, “It demonstrates our commitment to excellence in education and training and shows that we are able to provide high caliber training that meets global standards.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the ICS team to develop and deliver programs that make a significant impact in the maritime education sector,” Khalid continued. “This accreditation will allow us to expand our offerings, enhance our reputation and provide students with valuable opportunities for growth and development.”
Local impact, global standards
The Logistics and Surveying Department at ADMA, led by Capt. Khalid, has played a central role in building the relationship with ICS. Over the past five years, the department has regularly delivered ICS-accredited programs, including the Foundation and Advanced Diplomas.
To date, 63 Emiratis have completed the ICS Foundation Diploma, four have achieved the Advanced Diploma and one candidate has achieved full ICS membership (MICS). According to the institute, the academy has consistently achieved excellent results in the ICS Foundation Diploma examinations over the past three years.
Canani welcomed the academy to the global ITC family and emphasized the region’s growing role in international shipping. “The accreditation of Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy as an ICS International Teaching Center is an important step in strengthening the Institute’s presence across the Middle East.”
Its success with students and high quality facilities reflected the caliber of partners driving maritime excellence in the region. This development underlines the growing role of vocational training in supporting the long-term progress of the sector, he added. “As the ICS Middle East Branch, we look forward to working closely with ADMA in the coming years to further strengthen maritime skills in the region,” said Canani.
About the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers
The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers is the only internationally recognized commercial shipping professional body representing shipbrokers, ship managers, agents and all members of the shipping industry worldwide. The Institute was founded in 1911 and was granted a Royal Charter in 1920. It has 27 branches in key locations worldwide with more than 3,000 individual Fellows and Members. The Institute sets and reviews the curriculum for membership, ensuring that the shipping industry is continually supplied with highly qualified professionals. Members of the Institute are committed to maintaining the highest professional standards in the shipping industry and enjoy the benefits of a better career in the shipping industry as a member of a professional association.
