Recognizing the global need for maritime education and training, the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) was established in 1999 by seven universities representing the five continents of the world.

These universities shared the view that it was imperative, in this era of rapid globalization of international shipping and trade, to have well grounded maritime education for all countries throughout the world.

Since its establishment, IAMU has expanded significantly and now includes 46 institutions of the world's maritime education and training universities and faculties. The Nippon Foundation, which has supported IAMU from its inception, is also counted as a member, thereby bringing total membership to 47 institutions.

All IAMU members recognize that providing well-educated human resources is the critical element in the shipping industry. Therefore, maritime education and training is a top priority. Furthermore, IAMU institutions constantly upgrade their curricula to keep pace with maritime developments and industry needs.

This effective education must include: 1) scientific and academic rigor, 2) development of a clear link between practical skills and management techniques, and 3) a focus on quality.

Based on these shared understandings, IAMU members cooperate with each other to attain the following educational goals: a) development of a comprehensive maritime education system for present and future generations, b) the establishment of an effective maritime safety management system for the international maritime community, and
c) maintenance of a highly developed, standardized undergraduate curricula in member institutions, coupled with an international certification system for competency.

IAMU seeks the participation of as many qualified maritime universities as possible through regular and on-going communication and exchange among its members. This includes the cooperative study of concrete issues by professional working groups. These groups also encourage rank and file IAMU members to present project proposals for study and action.

IAMU holds a general assembly every year for member organizations and their representatives to maintain communication and cooperation.

The IAMU editorial board also publishes academic periodicals, news, summaries of activities, and research papers. An international network of IAMU students actively maintains contacts with graduates of member institutions.

The Nippon Foundation has supported all these important IAMU efforts since its beginning.