IRClass Academy, aiming to strengthen marine capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region, conducted the International Marine Professional Development Program (IMPDP 2026) for six days at Politeknik Ilmu Pelayaran (PIP) Makassar, Indonesia. The program was attended by senior marine executives, leaders of maritime academies, regulatory bodies, faculty, and ship inspectors from Indonesia and other countries in the region.
Details of the IMPDP 2026 Program
This program was executed in collaboration with PIP Makassar, IRClass Academy, and May Maritime Services Sdn Bhd from Malaysia. PIP Makassar, as an educational institution with 105 years of experience in maritime education, provided an appropriate platform for conducting this course. Meanwhile, IRClass Academy enhanced the program's content by offering international expertise in navigation and practical industry insights.
IMPDP 2026 focused on the vital role of shore-based professionals and translated legal requirements into effective practices on ships. This program went beyond traditional STCW certifications to address ISM, ISPS, and MLC 2006 requirements along with safety audits, human factors, cybersecurity, root cause analysis, risk management, and oversight of commercial vessels.
Addressing the Growing Needs of Ships
During this course, emphasis was placed on the need for compliance to go beyond documentation and move towards practical risk controls. Participants examined legal requirements alongside the actual operations of ships, gaining a better understanding of the gap between what is taught, regulated, and implemented on vessels.
The program also addressed the increasing demands placed on ship operators by Port State Control inspections, oil assessments, and more complex technical, digital, and human risks. According to Amit Batnagar, President of IRClass Academy, “IMPDP 2026 represents IRClass's commitment to developing marine capabilities alongside its core role in safety. Creating a space where academia, regulatory bodies, and industry professionals come together provides an opportunity to examine international maritime requirements in the context of actual ship operations.”
