Dr. B. Sıtkı Ustaoğlu is a distinguished figure in the maritime industry. His career spans over 30 years, combining experience in maritime safety, regulatory frameworks, policy development, and education.

Before establishing BSU Maritime, Dr. Ustaoğlu served as the Head of the Asia and Pacific Section at the IMO’s Technical Cooperation Division, where he was instrumental in enhancing regional collaboration and advancing maritime development. He also held significant roles such as the Alternate Permanent Representative of Türkiye to IMO and Deputy Undersecretary at the Turkish Maritime Administration.

Among his pioneering contributions in academia, Dr. Ustaoğlu initiated the first-ever GMDSS General Operator training courses in 1995 at the ITU Maritime Faculty, offering specialized training to experienced seafarers, including foreign nationals, at all levels from officer to master mariner.

Dr. Ustaoğlu is a Fellow of the Nautical Institute (London) and a member of several esteemed organizations, including the Royal Institute of Navigation and the Turkish Shipmasters' Association. His career is complemented by his academic contributions as a former faculty member at Istanbul Technical University's Maritime Faculty.