History

Maritime education in Latvia has a long history. The first Nautical School was opened in Riga in 1789. Latvian Maritime academy was founded in 1989 as a constituent part of Riga Tehnical University, but as an independent educational establishment it was founded on 8 January 1993. Latvian Maritime Academy (LMA) is the first and only marine-oriented institution of the higher education in Latvia.

The first students graduated from the Latvian Maritime Academy in 1994. LMA graduates have well-paid job offers and there is an increasing demand for maritime professions both on the Latvian and international markets.

The quality of maritime studies at LMA is recognized at the national and international levels. It is constantly being upgraded as well. In June 2001, LMA was accredited for the whole period pf its activity, whereas the programs received accreditation for the maximum period of six years. To date, LMA is located on only one site - 5B, Flotes Street in Daugavgriva.

Education in LMA

The Latvian Academy currently offers following Bachelor’s programs:

• Marine Transportation - Navigation  
• Port and Shipping Management
• Marine Engineering
• Marine Electrical Automation

Master’s program: “Marine Transport and Operations”

Instruction at LMA is carried out in the Latvian and in English language. Programs can be taught fully in English if a group of foreign students applies.  Programs are financed from either the state budget or students themselves pay for tuition. Students who enter the port management program have to pay for tuition. Erasmus grants are available for European students.

All the programs are professional, with an integrated bachelor standard. LMA graduates are eligible for post-graduate studies. All the programs include compulsory sailing practices and physical education, special emphasis is put on the English language proficiency.

LMA students have free access to modern facilities, such as library services, up-to-date-lecture-rooms and simulators, classrooms, workshops, computer laboratories, etc. There is a stationary vessel house and training centre.

The Latvian Maritime Academy enrolls full-time and extra-mural students of secondary comprehensive or secondary vocational education. Programs in distance learning are offered to those who pursue maritime careers and have work experience of not less than 12 months.

To be admitted to the Academy candidates have to take entrance examinations in mathematics, English, and physics, provided there is no mark in physics on the secondary school diploma. Secondary school graduates who have not acquired secondary education in Latvian have their language proficiency tested.

Successful completion of the program leads to the state examinations and tests that have to be passed to obtain Academy’s diploma. The LMA also provides post-graduate studies.

The quality management system in the LMA is certified to compliance to standard ISO 9001:2000, certified by company DET NORSKE VERITAS in 2005.