The IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) was established by a statute promulgated by the International Maritime Organisation and under an agreement concluded between the IMO and the Government of Malta. It is located on the campus of the University of Malta and began operating in October 1989.

The Institute trains lawyers from developing countries to become specialists in maritime law. Since its establishment, over 270 students from some 95 states have graduated from IMLI.

The course is open to law grad-uates already working in a maritime field or in a legal department or law office dealing with maritime matters.

It provides postgraduate training in international maritime law for one academic year leading to the degree of Master of Laws. The course covers Shipping Law and Law of the Sea as well as the drafting of maritime legislation. The Institute now also offers a Ph.D. programme. For further information access www.imli.org .

The International Ocean Institute is an international, independent non-government organisation with headquarters and an operational centre in Malta. There are 24 operational centres worldwide. The purpose of the IOI research and training programmes is to deepen the understanding of the ever increasing importance of the oceans and their resources in world politics and to sustainable development.

The Malta Operational Centre was set up through collaboration between the IOI and the University of Malta. Its main areas of concern include the strengthening of inter-faculty co-operation in marine affairs within the University, the organisation of long- and short-term training courses on coastal and ocean management and the establishment of a Depository on the Common Heritage of Mankind.

The Physical Oceanography Unit constitutes the research arm of the IOI-MOC. It undertakes fundamental research in coastal meteorology, hydrography and physical oceanography.