Caribbean Maritime Institute

The CMI is a dynamic ISO 9001:2008 certified institution and the Regions Centre of Excellence for tertiary maritime, logistics, engineering training, research and consultancy. It is a corporate body established under the Jamaica Maritime Institute’s (JMI) Act of 1992 and operates under the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing. The institution is proactive in identifying the needs of the market (locally, regionally and internationally) and seeks to expand its programme offerings in “oeparipasu with the expansion of market demand.

The history and growth of the Institution over the years demonstrate an intimate connection with the needs of the international shipping industry. From just two programmes at its inauguration in 1980 and 30 students, the Institute has grown to become the tertiary centre of excellence in the region, offering over 16 programmes including Masters and Bachelor Degrees and a multiplicity of demand driven customised programmes.

In recognition of the diversity of the technical and academic competencies within the Institute and in the interest of good governance and accountability, the CMI is organised into three Schools Marine and Professional studies, Academics and Advanced Skills.

The Marine and Professional School focus on the core seafarers Standard of Training, Certification and Watch Keeping Convention (STCW 95), IMO courses leading up to the level of captain, chief engineer and chief mate. The Academic School manages the Associate Degrees, Diplomas, Bachelors and Masters Degrees and spearheads general research based activities. The School of Advanced Skills concentrates on hands on competency based training to meet the needs of the growing shipping and logistics sectors including, alternative energy, engineering projects, business development, entrepreneurship and the Career Advancement Programme (CAP).

In an effort to ensure the highest standards of education and training within the three Schools, the CMI has adopted relevant quality assurance measures. The University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) provides the quality framework for the entire programme offerings of the School of Academic Studies. The offerings of the Marine and Professional Studies School are authorised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). With a view to ensuring quality standards of training in the Advanced Studies School, National Council on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NCTVET) accreditation status has been attained by the Institute. The accreditation of these programmes is one benchmark of excellence that the Institute upholds.

The foremost aim of the CMI is to alleviate local unemployment and exploit the worldwide acute shortage of seafarers. Indeed the Maritime Industry Analyst, Drewry Shipping Consultants have estimated a worldwide shortage of 34,000 qualified officers, against a total requirement of 498,000. Moreover, based on Drewry’s fleet growth projections and the assumption that officer supply will only increase at the current rate, the report predicts that by 2012, the officer shortfall will have grown to 83,000. It is within this context that the continuity of education and training for seafarers up to the management level at the CMI is of utmost importance.

The potential for growth is tremendous in this dynamic industry, especially in the area of energy and in particular, its conservation. CMI has embarked on a number of energy based projects which are managed and executed through the Institute’s Renewable Energy and Productivity Centre under the School of Advanced Skills. These projects include, but are not limited to the assembly, installation and distribution of alternative energy equipment and water purification. They facilitate training, avenues of employment, entrepreneurship, certification, innovation, safety, discipline and environmental protection – tenets which are highly promoted by the Institute.