IBBC Maritime Committee at ISMA, Basra

IBBC Maritime Committee Delegation Meets Iraqi Supreme Maritime Authority in Basra

Basra, Iraq – 23 September 2025 – The Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) Maritime Committee delegation held a strategic meeting with the Iraqi Supreme Maritime Authority (ISMA) to discuss Iraq’s compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards and the steps required for the country to regain its place on the IMO White List, absent since 1993.

The IBBC delegation included:

• Mr. Colin Findlay – Head of Members, IBBC
• Mr. Ali Mashkoor – IBBC Baghdad Office Manager
• Mr. Ahmed Shaban – Chairman of the IBBC Maritime Committee and Chairman of Al Zaman Group
• Representatives from Al Zaman Group

They were received by:

• Mr. Taif Hameed – Deputy Director General, ISMA
• Rear Admiral Mahmoud – President, Arabian Gulf Academy
• Mr. Ali Hussein – Director of Ship Registration
• Representatives from ISMA and the Arabian Gulf Academy

The meeting addressed three major areas essential to Iraq’s maritime progress:

1. Maritime Education & Training

• Training Ship: Iraq currently lacks a training vessel, a mandatory IMO requirement, since its last ship was destroyed during the war.
• Curriculum & Tutors: The Academy’s syllabus is outdated and missing IMO-approved content. Enhanced programs, updated curricula, and tutor training are urgently required.
• English Language Training: Improving language skills was highlighted as vital for student competence and compliance.
• Laboratories & Simulators: The academy lacks necessary training simulators and laboratory facilities, which are required for international accreditation.

2. Certification & Regulation (ISMA)

ISMA must ensure its certifications align with IMO conventions, including crew and officer licensing, vessel documentation, MARPOL compliance, and other international regulatory standards.

3. Ports & Infrastructure 

Iraq’s ports must upgrade operations to meet IMO requirements, including ISPS Code compliance, pollution prevention, and enhanced operational standards.

The IMO President’s recent visit to Basra emphasized these gaps, identifying critical reforms across ISMA, the Arabian Gulf Academy, and port facilities.

The IBBC Maritime Committee, in partnership with Al Zaman Group, will:

• Conduct follow-up meetings with education advisors at the Arabian Gulf Academy.
• Gather detailed information on current curricula and institutional needs.
• Facilitate cooperation with UK universities and maritime education bodies to modernize Iraq’s maritime training framework.

The visit underscored the importance of international collaboration in rebuilding Iraq’s maritime capacity. By addressing educational gaps, certification compliance, and port infrastructure, Iraq aims to progress toward regaining its IMO White List status and securing a stronger position in global maritime trade.