The Friends of the World Maritime University (FWMU) was established to support the University's work in delivering high-quality postgraduate education in the maritime field to the whole international maritime community.

The University receives no recurrent financial support through the UN system; it is entirely funded by voluntary contributions, both in cash and in kind, from a range of countries and organizations. The role of The Friends of World Maritime University is therefore crucial, in both fund-raising and friend-raising. The Friends have supported a variety of programs and activities, including major capital contributions to enhance WMU's transport facilities, library provision and communications/ PR resources. The Friends have also provided much-needed resources to assist in the dissemination of the findings of students' research projects. The success of the Friends of World Maritime University, Inc., has led to establishment of similar organizations in other countries, including France and Japan.

Issue
Over 80% of accidents at sea are caused by human error, according to the International Maritime Organization, a specialised agency of the United Nations. Ship collisions, groundings, fires and explosions cause loss of human life, damage to the marine environment.

The World Maritime University
An international problem demands an international solution. As part of this solution, IMO established the World Martime University (WMU) in 1983, to provide postgraduate education and training for senior managers, administrators and educationalists from countries across the world. By 1999, over 1,500 students from almost 140 countries had enrolled on the WMU program. The University offers a 17-month Master of Science in Maritime Affairs program, within which students are provided with the opportunity to specialize in six different areas: Maritime Safety & Environmental Protection; Maritime Administration; Port Management; Shipping Management; and Maritime Education and Training.