It deals with a wide range of topics related to the sea, ranging from oceanography to maritime law and history, and including practical topics such as search and rescue at sea and the transportation of dangerous goods.

Admissions to IMU are done through IMUCET entrance examination, which is conducted every year across the country.

It was established by the Indian Maritime University Act 2008, on 14 November 2008.Before the foundation of IMU, there were seven renowned teaching and research institutes under the Ministry of Shipping.

[1][2] The Chennai campus has a history dating back to 1984 when the National Institute of Port Management (NIPM) was established by the Government of India as an independent body.

The NIPM provided professional training courses to individuals working in the ports sector with technical assistance from UNDP.