Dr. Captain Ashraf Ragab

Responsible for teaching, curriculum development, and simulator-integrated instruction in Maritime Transport. Leading alignment of learning outcomes with STCW A-II/1 and UAE CAA standards. Supporting academic planning, quality-assurance cycles, and faculty development. Delivering applied research in digital navigation, risk management, and sustainability within maritime education.

Delivered undergraduate and professional courses in Navigation, Bridge Resource Management, and Ship Operations under German Maritime Authority standards. Led curriculum development aligned with STCW A-II/1 and A-II/2 requirements. Contributed to the EU-funded PALAEMON Project (32 partners, 4.5 years) focusing on passenger-ship safety and evacuation simulation, and to MARILANG, enhancing pedagogical frameworks for Maritime English at operational and management levels. Supervised bachelor theses in ECDIS, voyage planning, and risk-management topics integrating simulator-based analysis. Served as quality-assurance liaison during external audits and programme revalidations. Participated in faculty governance, research supervision, and academic advisory boards to strengthen alignment between seafaring practice and higher-education standards.

Commanded ocean-going vessels operating between Europe and Asia, ensuring full compliance with SOLAS, MARPOL, and ISM Code requirements. Managed multinational bridge and engine-room teams, conducted safety and navigation drills, and implemented onboard competency training for officers and cadets. Led voyage planning, passage appraisal, and ECDIS transition programmes during early stages of digital navigation adoption. Maintained operational safety, navigational accuracy, and crew performance standards consistent with flag-state and class regulations.

Delivered professional-development and instructor-led courses in Bridge Resource Management (BRM), ISM Code compliance, and Electronic Navigation Systems (Radar, ARPA, ECDIS). Supported maritime academies and training providers in transitioning to competency-based learning and digital courseware delivery aligned with STCW standards. Designed and conducted short courses for deck officers and port-state personnel, integrating simulator-based assessment and operational safety management. Provided consultation on curriculum design and instructor upskilling for emerging MET institutions in the MENA region.

Conducted technical inspections and certification audits for SOLAS, MARPOL, MLC, and STCW compliance across various commercial fleets. Evaluated vessel safety management systems, crew certification, and operational documentation for flag-state conformity. Advised shipowners and training institutions on ISM/ISPS standards, certification procedures, and crewing compliance. Prepared inspection reports, contributed to policy development, and supported harmonisation of international port-state-control practices between German and Antigua & Barbuda maritime authorities.

Doctoral research on intercultural competence and communication aboard merchant vessels, linking crew interaction, safety culture, and MET curriculum practice. Analysed syllabus implementation and cultural challenges across multinational crews; developed evidence-based strategies for training and assessment aligned with STCW. Thesis: “Intercultural Competence and Communication on Merchant Vessels: An Investigation of Syllabus Implementation, Cultural Challenges, and Effective Strategies for Crew on Board Seagoing Vessels.

Master’s dissertation titled “Intercultural Competence in Maritime Education.” Analysed communication and teamwork challenges in multicultural crews and developed a structured training model to enhance intercultural competence in maritime academies. Coursework included maritime risk management, leadership, and safety management systems aligned with IMO and STCW frameworks.