The Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific, launched in December 1997, will become a center of excellence for maritime education and training in the whole Asia/pacific Region. The facility stands on an 11-hectare property acquired by AMOSUP from the Government of the Philippines through the Asset Privatization Trust.

MAAP will only accept 180 students per year level, under a full-scholarship program, for its two major baccalaureate degrees: B.S. Maritime Transportation and B.S. Marine Engineering.

In the near future, other specialized maritime short courses and electives on port management, environment protection, safety issues and trade unionism will be offered by the academy.

The union, through the collaboration of the Embassy of the United States of America, sought assistance from experts from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) who helped in curriculum development and facilities planning. MAAP – Kamaya Point was conferred the status of a sister academy of USMMA – Kings Point.

The academy opened its doors to the first batch of cadets in August 1999. It boasts of the most complete, modern and sophisticated learning facilities and equipment in the region. It has the world’s most modern full-mission bridge acquired from the NORCONTROL, through a grant from the International Transport Workers’ Federation – Seafarers’ Trust.

MAAP also has its own pier where T/S KFO, its dedicated Training Ship is conveniently docked for the use of the academy’s cadets.

MAAP has also other modern simulators installed for cargo handling, refrigeration, air-conditioning and an actual ship’s engine in a newly constructed mock bridge with an integrated bridge control system, a free-fall survival training craft, a fire-fighting complex, plus numerous laboratories required to qualify the midshipmen for IMO certification.

In November 1999, the President of the Republic, H.E. Joseph Ejercito Estrada inaugurated the academy. It was attended by high-ranking national and local government officials, guests from the diplomatic corps, shipowners and their representatives and the relatives of the first batch of midshipmen.

In July 2003, the pioneer class of MAAP graduated with Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the Guest of Honor for the momentous and grand occasion. The President handed out the diplomas to all the graduates - 123 midshipmen and 4 midshipwomen. She also conferred the Special Awards to the academy’s 10 outstanding and deserving graduates.

With a skillful balance of academic instruction and practical experience, acquiring the solid theoretical background from MAAP and training on board T/S Kapitan Felix Oca, will provide a rare and characteristic insight into the whole range of maritime endeavors cadets can pursue – an opportunity that should always be available when seeking education and training from any learning institution.