Because most maritime accidents are caused by human error, notably breakdowns in communication or cooperation, and because English is the international maritime language, instruction in maritime English for communication and cooperation is an important element in maritime education. The International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations, has established the World Maritime University (WMU) in Sweden to train specialist maritime personnel from developing countries. The university is a small, postgraduate institution providing instruction in shipping and related fields, including improvement of maritime safety. Students come with established careers or executive positions with shipping companies and port authorities, and from diverse cultures and educational and work experiences. WMU offers five courses in varied maritime fields, leading to a master of science degree. It is an English-medium university, and offers an intensive English language program. A pre-session course covers English for academic purposes. An 18-week and a 10-week course for non-native speakers provide general English and maritime English training for making oral presentations, preparing field training reports, writing a thesis, and participating in seminars and conferences. Over half the university's students attended intensive language training, which focuses on cross-cultural communication and sharing of expertise. (MSE)