13/04/2026
👉Did you know that the directors of all three maritime academies are ? For some time now, the ‑room officers have quietly and confidently taken the lead.
🤔Why this matters? Marine engineers bring hands‑on technical experience, practical problem‑solving and deep knowledge of ship systems to academy leadership. That strengthens curricula with real‑world training, tightens links between education and industry needs, and sharpens focus on safety, reliability and innovation below decks - where the ship's heart truly runs.
⚓️We’d also like to stress - this complements, not replaces, the vital role of deck officers. Strong maritime education depends on both navigational and engineering expertise working together to produce well‑rounded, safety‑minded seafarers.
👨🎓Students will benefit from more “how to fix it at 03:00” wisdom - and navigators can relax knowing the people shaping know what it’s like when an alarm goes off at sea.
On behalf of the Association of Marine Engineers of Latvia, we congratulate our colleagues and look forward to continued collaboration across specialties to strengthen Baltic .
Edijs Štāls, RTU Latvijas Jūras akadēmija - RTU Latvian Maritime Academy
Roomet Leiger, TalTech Eesti Mereakadeemia
Justas Žaglinskis, Lietuvos jūreivystės akademija
