IMLA is a no-border forum: a round table for discussions on sea-related issues. Teachers and other interested parties from all over the world dedicated to mediating in the process of Maritime Education and Training (MET) are invited to become members and to freely present their achievements, share experiences and exchange ideas.

IMLA first came into being in 1977 when a training course on Maritime English for teachers from different countries was organized in Plymouth, UK. It held its first major conference in June 1980, when the Association’s constitution was adopted. Here its aim is clearly stated: “to promote contact and cooperation between Maritime Lecturers of all disciplines and to develop a body of professional expertise”. This it attempts to fulfill at its regular international conferences and through this portal.

From the outset the Association recognized that special interest groups are a feature of MET and, as a result, has established three Sub-Committees to operate under the IMLA umbrella:

• Sub-Committee on the International Navigation Simulator Lecturers Conference (INSLC), est. 1980

Today’s INSLC was established in 1979 as the International Radar Simulator Teachers Workshop (IRSTW), the first meeting was held in Liverpool in 1980. INSLC has since then played an important role in promoting best practice in the use of navigation simulators in the training of nautical ship officers and masters, and in the use of such simulators in research. Lecturers using navigation simulators at maritime academies and universities worldwide, have benefited from the exchange of knowledge, experiences and views with colleagues at and between INSLC and as members of a steadily evolving expert network.

The tremendous developments in electronic navigation and simulator potential are reflected in the titles of the Conference. The first four meetings were held as the International Radar Simulator Teachers’ Workshops (IRSTW); the following two meetings as the International Radar and Navigation Simulator Lecturers Conferences (IRNSLC), and from 1992 the word 'Radar' was dropped to reflect the change towards a more integrated concept of navigation. This resulted in the acronym of INSLC. INSLC is a conference of IMLA, which has a consultative status at International Maritime Organization (IMO) and can therefore bring INSLC conclusions to the attention of IMO.

INSLC, although is mainly a meeting of users, because of the broad range of subjects covered also of interest for other maritime stakeholders who are concerned with or interested in safety at sea, on waterways and in ports from a training or research aspect, such as nautical officers and ship masters, members of professional nautical associations, VTS personnel, harbour masters, ship owners/operators, maritime safety administrations, maritime casualty investigation boards, maritime research institutes.

• Sub-Committee on the International Conference on Engine Room Simulators (ICERS), est. 1993

ICERS aims to support the activities of IMLA by providing an interactive forum for the international maritime engine room simulator community. ICERS seeks to achieve this aim by promoting international contact and co-operation between engine room simulator operators, researchers, commercial simulator manufacturers and courseware developers, software publishers, relevant government administrations, international and national maritime organisations, marine engineers and shipping companies. At the heart of ICERS are the academic staff and trainers world-wide who seek to support the International Convention on  on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention), and to further develop the competencies and professionalism of marine engineers, through the use of simulator technology.

• Sub-Committee on the International Maritime English Conference (IMEC), est. 1981

IMEC is a no-border forum: a round table for discussions on sea-related communication problems concerning a universally accepted language, that of Maritime English. Teachers and other parties from all over the world dedicated to mediating in the process of maritime language acquisition are invited to freely present their achievements, share experiences and exchange ideas on the IMEC.

IMEC organizes annual conferences that endeavour to improve and standardize methods of teaching Maritime English. Meetings offer splendid opportunities for lecturers from all over the world to get together, discuss matters and exchange views. Each of these groupings is featured on this portal.

IMLA is managed on behalf of its members by a Committee of between nine and twelve elected volunteers, three of whom act as Honorary Officers, namely the Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. The honorary non-executive office of President is filled by a person of stature by invitation of the Committee.

Again, welcome all IMLA members and visitors!

Source: http://www.imla.co/content/about

For additional information visit: www.imla.co

About Batumi

Batumi is the second-largest city in Georgia. Located on the coast of the Black Sea, it is lined with palm trees and surrounded by mountains. Batumi is the region's tourist and gambling capital. It presents an eclectic mix of architecture, ranging from charming 19th century classical edifices to ultra-modern skyscrapers housing hotels and casinos. A regional party hub, Batumi has a vibrant night life, hosting increasingly big name international DJs and pop concerts.

Climate

Batumi is distinguished by a seacoast humid subtropical climate. Winters are cold without snow and summers are warm to hot. The average annual temperature is 15 C, 7 C in January and 23 C in August. Annual precipitation is 2.560 mm. Relative humidity is 81%. There are frequent showers. Most Georgians do not use central heating, so although the day temperature can be warm, bring warm clothes for sleeping at night.

Transportation

The city is served by Batumi Airport, one of three international airports in the country. A bike-sharing scheme named BatumVelo allows you to rent a bicycle on the street with a smart card.

The Batumi Botanical Garden is a 108 hectare area of land 9 km north of the city of Batumi. Located at the place called Mtsvane Kontskhi ("The Green Cape") on the Black Sea shore, it is one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe.

Gonio fortress  is a Roman fortification in Adjara, Georgia, on the Black Sea, 15 km south of Batumi, at the mouth of the Chorokhi river. The village sits 4 km north of the Turkish border. Gonio is currently experiencing a tourism boom.

Mtirala National Park  is a protected area in Adjara region, Georgia. Covering approximately 15,698 hectares (38,790 acres) in Municipalities of Kobuleti, Khelvachauri and Keda in the western Lesser Caucasus. Mount Mtirala is one of the most humid areas in the country. The name Mtirala (meaning "to cry") is derived from the 4,520 millimetres (178 in) annual rainfall.

The coastal line of the Boulevard has been beatified recently with bungalows, café-lounges, restaurants, children’s attractions, modern-design benches, sculptures and new fountain and it has become the most attractive place for city visitors.

6 May Park’s territory is 157 641 sq/m. In the center of the park is the amazing "Nurigeli" Lake, Bushy plantation, coniferous and decorative trees are presented here, cypresses. There are educational places, such as Dolphinarium, Zoo corner, Aquarium. Other places: Attractions, Sun clock, Stone Fountain and free parking. It should be noted that "Black sea flora and fauna educational Scientific-research centre" offers to its customer any kind of service and its rates are much more cheaper than in other countries.

The Alphabetic Tower  is a 130-meter-high structure in Batumi, Georgia. The tower symbolizes the uniqueness of the Georgian alphabet and people. The structure combines the design of DNA, in its familiar double helix pattern. Two helix bands rise up the tower holding 33 letters of the Georgian alphabet, each 4 meters tall and made of aluminum. In the middle of the building is an exposed elevator shaft leading to the very top of the building, in the crown of the structure, where a colossal silver ball is located.

Adjarian Wine House was established in 2010 in Khelvachauri. The owner wanted to produce wine because of the unique variety of the little known locally grown Chkhaveri. He did not want the grape to become forgotten. He planted Chkhaveri and now produces wine with the grape. Adjarian Wine House has their own vineyards and when more grapes are needed they are usually sourced from local growers.

Batumi Archeological museum was founded in 1994. It is one of the most important cultural and scientific centers in the region. Scientific-research and cultural-educational works are conducted here. The museum preserves exponents from different archeological bases as well as rich archeological material found during archeological excavations.

Ajara State Art Museum is located in one of the historical buildings of Batumi. This monumental building was designed in 1949 by a well-known architect Kakha Javakhishvili. It is distinguished with a refined and strict architecture and modesty of décor. Its façade is embellished with relief freeze of well-known sculptor Tamar Abakelia. The museum was founded in 1998 and is relatively new. It preserves paintings of foreign and Georgian artists. Also, it holds graphic works and sculptures and pieces of decorative art as well.

One of the coolest landmarks in Batumi is the Holy Trinity Church on top of the hill. It is a little bit of a drive uphill but the views are amazing and so is the church itself. Great spot to see the sunset!

Astronomical clock equipped with special mechanisms is located on a building of unique architecture. Besides ordinary time, the clock gives the chance to find out some astronomical information.

Colonnades are one of the most interesting constructions in Batumi. The colonnades used to act as a gate for seaside zone, from which the sea shore was nearer compared with current location.

Piazza is spread on 5700 sq/m and is distinguished by its painting, as well as by its exquisite mosaics and stained glass windows. The main architect of the square is Vazha Orbeladze, while Estonian artists Dolores Hoffman is the author of stained glass windows. Piazza Square is already the venue of entertaining and cultural events.

One of the must-visit attractions is Makhuntseti waterfall which is remote from Batumi to 30 km. This is one of the highest waterfalls in Ajara – a real pride of local residents. You can get to the waterfall from Batumi by any minibus that goes in the direction of Keda village. The road will take about 30 minutes and then you will need to get off at the central highway.  The water falls from the height of 20 meters, breaking on the rocks and dividing into a plurality of splashes.