Papua New Guinea Maritime College

The Papua New Guinea Maritime College was established by an Act of Parliament in 1975 to serve as the nation’s premier institution for maritime education and training. Its founding reflected Papua New Guinea’s strategic reliance on maritime transport and the need to develop a skilled, competent national workforce to support the shipping and marine sectors.

Since its inception, the College has grown into a respected centre of excellence within the South Pacific region, producing generations of seafarers and maritime professionals who serve both domestically and internationally. This reputation has been built through sustained commitment from its academic and technical staff, along with strong support from government agencies, maritime authorities, industry stakeholders, and development partners.

PNGMC is internationally recognized for delivering training that meets global maritime standards. Papua New Guinea is a signatory to the International Maritime Organization conventions, and the College’s programs are aligned with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. Since May 2001, Papua New Guinea has been included on the IMO “white list,” confirming that its maritime training and certification systems fully comply with STCW requirements. This status ensures that qualifications issued through PNGMC are internationally recognized, enabling graduates to pursue employment opportunities across the global maritime industry.

The College is strategically located in Madang, a coastal hub well-suited for maritime training. The campus is equipped with a range of facilities designed to support both theoretical learning and practical skills development. These include specialized training workshops, simulation equipment, classrooms, and access to marine environments that provide real-world exposure essential for seafaring competence.

Through its strong regulatory alignment, industry relevance, and commitment to quality training, PNGMC continues to play a vital role in developing Papua New Guinea’s maritime workforce and contributing to the broader regional and international maritime community.