Historical Background

It is not an elusive dream when one aspires and commits himself and starts to realize a vision in his own way. Take it from Captain Wilijado P. Abuid, an “Officer and Gentleman,” who had been successful in providing education, training, and upgrading services in the maritime field. The captain, in his lifetime, had continuously conceived and actualized his Noel vision of expanding and enhancing maritime services.  

In July of 1993, under his able leadership, a group of thirteen (13) educators and merchant marine officers activated and forged their commitment in establishing an institution of higher learning, the ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES.  

The forerunners behind AIMS, namely CAPT. WILIJADO P. ABUID, a former navy officer and successful maritime educator; DR. FELICITO P. DALAGUETE, a maritime engineer officer and an academician with expertise in maritime education and training; MRS. JAYNE O. ABUID, a businesswoman known internally as the values provider and moral guide; and DR. ARLENE ABUID-PADERANGA, a management specialist with background in architecture and design, along with other incorporators laid down their noble intent of unyielding commitment towards upgrading the qualification and competency of maritime manpower through modern approaches in maritime education and training.  

Thus, on the 13th of August 1993, the Institute was legally registered as a non-stock, non-profit educational institution and was issued a recognition permit by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Academic programs with CHED accreditation are as follows: 

Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT); Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE); Bachelor of Science in Customs Administration (BSCA) and Basic Seaman’s Course (BSC).  

In the succeeding years, the following programs were added and duly accredited by CHED and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA):  

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS); Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) major in Maritime Management; Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (BSNaME); Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management (BSHRM). 

The Asian Institute of Maritime Studies has been accredited and has been licensed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to offer graduate programs for the following degrees: Master in Custom Administration (MCA) and Master in Maritime Administration (MARAD).  

While the Deck and Engine Rating courses are accredited by TESDA under the ladderized BSMT and BSMarE programs.  

The Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS) is strategically located in Pasay City. Its two campuses with training facilities housed at AIMS Maritime College building and the College of Business building were established with a firm commitment to be the leader in providing quality maritime education, training, and advanced studies. 

While the June 5 building houses the canteen and the dormitory for the Merchant Marine Cadetship Program (MMCP). And the MC (Maritime College) new building is a 12 storey building which will house the different administrative offices of AIMS.  

And to further promote a culturally and historically distinctive environment for the institution; the President: Dr. Arlene Abuid-Paderanga on October 11, 2012, opened the “Museo Maritimo”. The museum pays homage to the country’s maritime heritage as well as giving credence to its significant economic identity, contributions, and impact to nation-building. AIMS firmly believes that the museum will serve as a tool for confidence and leadership build-up for its students, that the “past breeds character and identity.”  

The Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS) is awarded its Quality System Certification by the prestigious American Bureau of Shipping, the ISO 9001:2008 standards.  

In its continuing adherence to Quality Education with the aim of becoming the main Maritime Education provider in the Philippines, the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies pursues formal accreditation with the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA).