In order to increase the economic and trade development of southern Taiwan, the government established the Kaohsiung branch of the Provincial Keelung Marine and Fishery Senior Vocational School in 1946.

In a very short time, the School became the driving force behind the development of marine-related industries in southern Taiwan.

With the rapid economic and trade development of the nation and the increasing demand for marine professionals, the School was elevated to the status of junior college in 1967.

In 1997, the government elevated the College's status to institute of technology allowing it to provide opportunities for advance study to vocational school graduates.

As graduates entered the workplace, the marine industries received a fresh burst of energy.