Faculty of Maritime Studies Participates in Maldives Maritime Conference 2026
VILLA NAUTICA RESORT, 5 October 2026 – The second edition of the Maldives Maritime Conference (MMC 2026), organized by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), was held at Villa Nautica Resort. The conference addressed critical developments in port security, maritime law, maritime education, and emergency response protocols.
The landmark event commenced with opening remarks by MPL Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Hussain Shafeeq, followed by the official keynote address delivered by the Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, Hon. Mohamed Saeed.
Representing the academic and maritime training sector, the Faculty of Maritime Studies (FMS) of the Maldives National University (MNU) maintained a strong presence at the conference. The Deputy Director of FMS participated as an official delegate, while Dean Capt. Mohamed Zaid played a prominent leadership role throughout the programme as a presenter, moderator, and panelist.
A key highlight of the conference was a featured presentation by Capt. Mohamed Zaid titled:
“The Comprehensive Review of the STCW Convention and Code: Implications for the Future of Maritime Education and Training in Small Island Developing States.”
In his presentation, Capt. Zaid outlined the key drivers behind the ongoing revision of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention and Code. These include the introduction of alternative fuels, emerging energy-efficiency technologies, and the need to support the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.
The presentation emphasized the growing demand for seafarers with advanced competencies to operate increasingly sophisticated vessels and manage complex maritime operations. Capt. Zaid highlighted concerns regarding the adequacy of the current STCW competencies in addressing future industry requirements.
The presentation also provided an overview of the 22 thematic areas under review and the two-phase review process of the STCW Convention and Code. Phase 1, the gap analysis stage, was completed in January 2025 and identified more than 400 gaps requiring attention. The comprehensive revision of the STCW Convention and Code is expected to be completed by 2030.
Capt. Zaid further highlighted how the University’s academic quality assurance mechanisms, including the Maldives Qualifications and Assurance Framework (QAAF) and the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), provide a dual-layer quality assurance system that strengthens maritime education and training at FMS.
The presentation also examined the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in implementing the anticipated changes arising from the revised STCW framework. To address these challenges, FMS proposed a Five-Dimensional Maritime Education and Training (MET) Capacity Model for SIDS, aimed at supporting sustainable capacity development and institutional resilience in maritime education.
In addition to his presentation on maritime education, Capt. Zaid actively contributed to major policy discussions throughout the conference. He served as moderator for a panel discussion on Safety at Sea, Emergency Response, and SOLAS Implementation, facilitating dialogue among representatives from UNCTAD, Maldives Ports Limited, and Maldives State Shipping.
Later in the programme, Capt. Zaid joined a panel of maritime and defence experts to discuss emerging maritime security threats, International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code compliance, and other non-traditional risks facing the region.
The active participation of Dean Capt. Mohamed Zaid and the FMS Deputy Director reaffirmed the Faculty’s pivotal role in shaping maritime education, supporting national maritime development, and aligning educational programmes with evolving international standards and industry requirements.
