Each year, the Group awards a fellowship at the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), supporting students pursuing a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree.
Each year, the Group awards a fellowship at the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), supporting students pursuing a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree.
We are proud to stay connected with our IMLI Fellowship alumni from the past four years, following their news and celebrating their career achievements.
Through the IMLI Fellowship, the Group is committed to increasing accessibility to IMLI and its prestigious postgraduate programs.
Past Fellowship Participants
Ms Switle Mae Tamang (24/25 Fellow)
Ms Switle Mae Tamang from the Philippines who graduated from IMLI in July 2025 has taken up a new role as Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard Legal Service at the National Headquarters, where she works alongside other senior officers in supporting the leadership, coordinating legal policy and casework, and ensuring compliance with maritime law and governance. Ms Switle Mae Tamang also contributes to the Philippines’ work on the accession of the Bunkers Convention and the National Interest Analysis for the accession of the 2005 SUA Convention and its Protocol.
"I wish to convey my profound gratitude to the International Group of P&I Clubs for sponsoring my studies at IMLI, which have been instrumental in strengthening my expertise and enabling me to contribute more meaningfully to the Philippine Coast Guard and our country."
Mrs Patience Ella Diaba (23/24 Fellow)
Mrs Patience Ella Diaba from Ghana who graduated from IMLI in July 2024 with Distinction was the class rep and gave the valedictorian speech at the graduation ceremony for the IMLI class of 2023/2024. Since returning to Ghana, Mrs Patience Ella Diaba has been looking into the accession of the Bunkers Convention and the transposition of the Convention into the Ghanian legal system.
"The IMLI Fellowship offered me a unique opportunity to advance my knowledge in maritime law and broaden my professional scope. It has greatly impacted my career, allowing me to make more meaningful contributions at the Ghana Maritime Authority and collaborate with key players in the global maritime industry."
Mr Jose Luis Contreras Silva (22/23 Fellow)
Mr Jose Luis Contreras Silva from Mexico graduated from IMLI in July 2023 and continued his studies at the International Foundation for the Law of the Sea Summer Academy in Hamburg. He is now working with Delmex P&I Club Correspondents in Mexica analysing contracts and policies in the maritime sector.
"The IMLI scholarship allowed me to access top-level legal training and develop specialized knowledge in maritime law. The experience opened the doors to global opportunities and strengthened my professional network, thus expanding my knowledge of the maritime sector and optimizing my professional projection, for which I am deeply grateful"
Mr Paschal T Mendy (21/22 Fellow)
Mr Paschal Mendy from the Gambia graduated from IMLI in July 2022. He is a Senior Lawyer at the Gambian Maritime Authority.
"After completing my undergraduate studies, I was unsure about where it might lead. My main concern was securing an LLM scholarship at a prestigious institution like IMLI.
I was uncertain after submitting my application, unsure if my dream would come true, but the support from the International Group of P&I Clubs made all the difference.
The LLM program allowed me to connect with esteemed legal professionals in the maritime industry. The knowledge I gained has greatly benefited my work within my department, other maritime institutes in my country, and my involvement with sister organizations across the West African region, including RMU in Ghana and MOWCA.
I am truly grateful for the IMLI Fellowships and their impact on the maritime community".
Ms Zaituni Abdella (25/26 Fellow)
Ms Zaituni Abdalla from Tanzania who graduated from IMLI in June 2026 has returned to the Attorney General’s Chambers in Tanzania.
"I wish to express my sincere gratitude to you and the P&I group for your generous sponsorship during my studies. I have officially graduated from IMLI, and I truly appreciate the support you provided throughout this journey".
