Antwerp Maritime Academy (HZS) is the only Higher Education Institute in Belgium to offer the academic degrees of Master / Bachelor in Nautical Sciences and Bachelor in Marine Engineering. The Institute is one of the few HEI in Belgium that is accredited with an ISO 9011 certificate that entails academic education, research and vocational training. Additionally, HZS is subjected to yearly internal audits and external audits. The courses meet the stringent international and quality-standard requirements set by the IMO (International Maritime Organization), allowing HZS to offer certificates fully compliant with IMO STCW-standards (Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for seafarers). HZS maintains intensive contacts with the maritime industry leading to contract research and training, as well as mutual stakeholder management.