March 19, 2026
Reconnecting with the Future of Maritime Leadership: The Navy League Panama President's Visit to the International Maritime University of Panama (UMIP)
President of the Navy League Panama Dr Stephen Harrison Thomas visited the International Maritime Univerisity of Panama
Yesterday, 19 March 2026, I had the distinct pleasure of visiting the International Maritime University of Panama (Universidad Marítima Internacional de Panamá – UMIP) in my capacity as President of the Navy League of Panama. The visit followed a kind invitation from Captain Julio Bonilla, with the shared objective of re-establishing and strengthening ties between the Navy League and this important national institution.
UMIP is Panama’s premier maritime university, dedicated to the education and training of professionals for the maritime, logistics, and port sectors. Given Panama’s strategic position as a global maritime hub—anchored by the Panama Canal—the university plays a vital role in preparing the next generation of seafarers, engineers, and maritime leaders.
Upon arrival, I was warmly received by Captain Bonilla, a professor within the Faculty of Nautical Sciences, who graciously introduced me to the Dean, Victor Luna Barahona. I was particularly pleased that we were able to conduct our introductions in Spanish, which both gentlemen appreciated. It set a positive and collegial tone for the visit from the outset.
During our initial discussions, I outlined the historical relationship between the Navy League and the university, as well as my own professional background. The Dean was generous in his remarks regarding my career, and I was deeply honoured to be presented with a UMIP medallion, along with a university cap and commemorative folder. In return, I presented copies of my recent book, Falkland Skies, both in English and Spanish, for the Dean and the university library. I was delighted when the Dean expressed his intention to read it personally.
Following a brief photo opportunity in the Dean’s office—offering spectacular views of the Bridge of the Americas—I was given a comprehensive tour of the campus by Captain Bonilla. As we passed through the main hall, I witnessed the induction of approximately 250 new students, an impressive reminder of the scale and importance of UMIP’s mission.
The tour itself was both extensive and fascinating. I was shown the administrative and sports facilities, the library, medical services, and various technical workshops. Of particular interest to me, as a former naval officer, were the navigation classrooms, where cadets train using radar systems and electronic charting tools.
However, the highlight of the visit—the pièce de résistance—was undoubtedly the bridge simulator. This is a fully immersive, highly realistic reproduction of a large vessel’s bridge. I observed cadets navigating a simulated transit of the Panama Canal, skillfully manoeuvring through confined channels while avoiding other traffic. Captain Bonilla demonstrated the simulator’s capabilities, including the introduction of dynamic weather conditions such as sudden tropical rainstorms. The realism was striking and, I must admit, brought back vivid memories of my own time at sea.
We also visited the engineering workshops, control rooms, and communications facilities, all of which were equally impressive. What stood out most was not only the quality of the equipment, but also the professionalism and enthusiasm of both the instructors and the cadets.
I was made to feel exceptionally welcome throughout the visit by the entire UMIP staff. As a result of our discussions, we agreed that I will return to deliver a lecture to the incoming cohort of students in April, focusing on my experiences at sea during the Falklands War. I have also been invited to serve as a visiting lecturer, likely contributing to areas such as leadership and personal development—an opportunity I very much look forward to.
This visit marks an important step in renewing the relationship between the Navy League of Panama and UMIP. I am confident that this collaboration will prove mutually beneficial, helping to inspire and support the next generation of maritime professionals in Panama.
The UMIP focuses primarily on training seafarers specialized in the areas of the maritime port cluster, national and regional coastal marine, and the world merchant fleet. The UMIP is a unique university, because it focuses on training for life and work, through knowledge management and the emphasis on leadership, discipline, responsibility, skills and values that enable the student to develop and succeed in the conglomerate of the maritime industry of the world.