The 17th Annual Assembly of the International Association of Maritime Universities was held at the premises of Vietnam Maritime University in the city Haiphong, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV) from 26 to 28 October, 2016. M.V. Miyusov, the Rector of NU «OMA», M.V. Chesnokova, Head of International Department, D.S. Zhukov, a senior lecturer of the Ship Control Department, represented National University “Odessa Maritime Academy” at the Assembly.

The work of the Assembly was preceded by the meetings of the Association’s governing bodies as well as the second meeting of the working group regarding the cadets’ on-board training. The second meeting of the working group on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (IMO HTW) took place in Haiphong, where D.S. Zhukov was a member of the working group as the representative of the Association at the Subcommittee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The solemn opening of the Assembly was held at the auditorium of Vietnam Maritime University on October 26, 2016. Before the Assembly’s opening, the cadets and university’s staff perfomed concerted numbers, sang Vietnamese national songs, danced and showed the scenes of Vietnam’s national epic.

Lurong Công Nhou, the President gave his opening speech at the Assembly. ươ ớ Besides, the representatives of the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Education of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Neil Bose, Chairman of the Association and Kenj Oguro, the representative of Nippon Foundation made introductory remarks. After the opening ceremony, the President’s Forum was held where IAMU Haiphon Statement was adopted.

About 50 reports were heard during the technical sessions of the Assembly. D.S. Zhukov made a report on the second day of the Assembly. Reports on the Association’s projects and the best presentations of cadets were heard on October 28, 2016 as well. The closing ceremony was held during the afternoon. IAMU Assembly will take place on the basis of Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy in 2107. It was agreed that the 20th anniversary of the Assembly would be held in Tokyo, 2019.

All Assembly participants feel the constant attention and support from the staff of Vietnam Maritime University. They managed to create a real holiday atmosphere, friendship and mutual understanding.