Piri Reis to Support Somalia’s Maritime Education

“The institutional cooperation protocol signed between Piri Reis University and the Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport of the Federal Republic of Somalia is not limited solely to education and training activities; it constitutes a multidimensional strategic partnership encompassing maritime education and training, port management, maritime transport, logistics, research and development activities, technical consultancy, international projects, and institutional capacity-building,” says Prof. Dr. Nafız Arıca, Rector of Piri Reis University, introducing the scope of the cooperation. He outlines the planned activities as follows:

In the first phase, vocational training and certification programmes, in-service training, technical training on port management and terminal operations, as well as simulator-based practical training in the fields of bridge operations, engine room operations, vessel traffic management and port operations are envisaged in line with Somalia’s needs assessments.

In the medium and long term, the parties aim to develop joint research projects, international funding programmes, scientific events, academic mobility, postgraduate education cooperation, and projects aimed at developing Somalia’s maritime education and training infrastructure.

Scope of the Protocol

Stating that the cooperation is not limited solely to education and training activities, Arıca explains: “Joint scientific research, international publications, faculty exchanges, joint courses and scientific consultancy activities are also covered by the protocol.

Simulator training plays an important role in education and training in areas such as bridge operations, engine room operations, port operations and vessel traffic management. In addition, support is envisaged for the establishment of simulator systems, laboratories and maritime education and training centres in Somalia.

In the fields of research and innovation, the parties aim to develop joint projects focusing on green ports, sustainable maritime transport, digital transformation, smart port systems and maritime technologies.”

Objective: Sustainability

“Qualified human resources are at the heart of the maritime industry. As Piri Reis University, our objective is not only to provide education and training, but also to contribute to the sustainable development of Somalia’s own maritime education and training capacity,” says Arıca, continuing:

“Through technical training, postgraduate education, academic consultancy, joint research and train-the-trainer programmes, we aim to support the exchange of knowledge and experience at an institutional level.

Overall, this protocol is a strategic partnership that addresses education and training, research, technology, simulator training, capacity building and international cooperation in an integrated manner. The ultimate objective is to establish a sustainable academic cooperation model that will contribute to the development of Somalia’s maritime sector in accordance with international standards. The cooperation agreement signed between the two parties represents a long-term strategic partnership model based on knowledge generation, research, technology development and the training of qualified human resources between the two countries.”