Two diploma programs are conducted at maritime studies such as, Marine Engineering Technology and Nautical Studies. Since diplomates giving their service at on-board ships, International rules and regulations governed by International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been implemented. in the program. Professionally qualified staff members with sea experience conduct theoretical and practical content for Marine and Nautical fields. In addition to Head of the Division, Course coordinator and sub-course coordinator (for Marine Engineering) work together to plan the academic and administrative functions in Maritime studies.
Marine Engineering students undergo in-plant training in the third year (semester five and six) while the Nautical Studies students undergo their sea training during the second year (Semester three and four). Sea training to the Nautical Studies students is provided by the Ceylon Shipping Corporation and other shipping agencies.
The courses conducted at Maritime studies satisfy the required Standard of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers (STCW) as per the 1978 Convention as amended by the International Maritime Organization. This is a requirement to be satisfied by all maritime training institutions and it enables the students passing out from the university to find employment on Sri Lankan and Foreign owned vessels. The division encourages female students also to follow the Nautical Studies Course.
Merchant Shipping Secretariat (MSS) at Ministry of Ports and Shipping annually conducts quality audits to verify the standards of courses offered by the Division of Maritime Studies. Further, Maritime Studies at Institute of Technology obtained ISO 9001 : 2015 Quality Management System (QMS) certificate which is, issued by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), India. An audit is conducted annually in the division by IRS to verify the ISO standards.
Some of objectives coming under Maritime Studies are as follows,
- Maintains close contact with the local shipping community. It is also a member of the Global Maritime Education and Training Institutions (Global MET)
- Students are encouraged to obtain the Student Membership at the Institute of Marine Engineers, Science and Technology, England (IMarEST) and other professional bodies.
- The Division conducts the programme “New Horizons for Young Marine Professionals” annually, with the aim of introducing iplomats to the shipping industry.
- A physical training programme is conducted, which is compulsory for all Maritime Studies students.
- The Division conducts Maritime Training based STCW short courses for seafarers at the lowest rates in the industry.
Students also should complete the following short courses before commencing their sea training:
- Basic Fire Fighting
- Personal Survival Techniques
- Elementary First Aid
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
In the third year (semester 5 and 6), students undergo sea training as Deck Cadets on board ocean going ships of 1600 GRT or more. Cadets are expected to maintain a Cadet Record Book during the sea training phase and the Institute provides guidelines with regard to the training. Cadets are expected to perform various tasks including assisting bridge watch keeping.