Then came the brilliant vision of a simple man with grand dreams – Captain Wilijado P. Abuid to provide world-class maritime education to the Filipino youth.

[6] AIMS opened its doors to aspiring seafarers on August 16, 1993, at a rented building along Pasay City Roxas Boulevard, a strategic bay front location.

The pioneering student body strove to excel, aided by the faculty and employees who were one of the school’s founders in providing quality education and a profession-driven culture.

The 257th NROTC Unit was used to hone the qualities of citizenship, character, and leadership in the school’s students, and consequently helped build AIMS’ reputation of instilling personal discipline in its cadets.

The Unit consistently garnered awards, including first-place honors at the Annual General Tactical Inspection ceremonies from 1999 to 2004, and top citations at Summer Shipboard Training sessions for cluster schools with a Naval ROTC program.

It had no ship to provide actual training facilities to its students, a sudden requirement implemented by CHED for maritime schools to be certified.

The costly purchase sparked the first wave of major investments made by AIMS and marked the beginning of the profession-driven culture in the institution.

The flames engulfed the entire fourth floor of the Sea Tower and everything it contained, including the newly purchased Live Bridge Simulator.

The tragedies that hit the school were lessons served the hard way, a burning message to make a fortress out of the foundations that Capt.

Seeking to provide the industry with well-rounded leaders and not just crew members, AIMS introduced the country’s first master’s program in Maritime Administration.

The objective is to create a holistic, multiple-intelligence approach to learning and graduates that are attuned to their inner selves, happy, productive, and concerned citizens.

In 2010, cognizant of the international trend in education, AIMS invested in a Learning Management System (LMS) that would allow students to pursue their studies online.

The implementation of these programs, as well as the improvement of the school’s infrastructure, the inclusion of arts and culture into the curriculum, the addition of foreigners into the student body, and the pursuance of online education, are all geared towards one goal: global distinction.

When AIMS reached its 30th anniversary in February 2024, a recollection of its three-decade story occurred together with a stronger commitment to its widened vision.

With the theme “Pearls of Wisdom,” the insights obtained over the past 30 years became a foundation to commit not only to student services but also to maritime nation-building with a global orientation.

The June Five Building is a five-story structure that serves as the home for the Hotel and Restaurant Management Function Room and other hospitality-related programs at AIMS.

The MPC is a complex that includes the school grounds, a basketball court designated for sports and recreational activities, and a two-story building.

The School of Merchant Marine (SMM) specializes in offshore operations and manning, maintaining rigorous standards in seafaring training and education.

In addition to its technical programs, the School of Heritage Education (SHE) at AIMS dedicates itself to showcasing and celebrating Philippine maritime art, culture, and history through entertainment.

As a graduation requirement, cadets/students must undergo the Merchant Marine Cadetship Program (MMCP), a month-long academy-style training unique to AIMS.

Each maritime cadet completes three years of academic study and a year-long Shipboard Apprenticeship Training onboard vessels.

[11] AIMS Museo Maritimo is dedicated to the Filipino seafarers and pays homage to their contribution to nation-building from the distant past to the present.

[12] On 23 March 2012, Museo Maritimo had its grand launch at the Philippine Trade and Training Center, the first maritime-themed museum in the country, that showcases its long and rich maritime history and how it has developed through centuries.

[14] It promotes not only heritage awareness, but also takes part in nation-building and knowledge generation by conducting quality research, conferences, seminars, and lectures.

AIMS made its first appearance in the World University Ranking for Innovation (WURI) in 2024, achieving 62nd place in the Culture/Values category globally.

[18] One of the most prominent events on campus is the annual KasaysaRun, a fun run where students promote health awareness and cultural appreciation.

AIMSians participate in extracurricular activities such as water paddling, swimming, and various sports, supported by numerous student organizations.