Dr. Ustaoğlu has dedicated over 30 years to advancing global maritime safety, policy, and technical cooperation. Serving as Head of the Asia and Pacific Section within the International Maritime Organization (IMO) from 2009 to 2024, Dr. Ustaoğlu spearheaded numerous initiatives, including the introduction of Junior Professional Officers (JPOs) and groundbreaking projects in domestic passenger ship safety and carbon emission reduction. 

Previously, as Deputy Undersecretary for Türkiye's Undersecretariat for Maritime Affairs, Dr.Ustaoğlu played a pivotal role in modernizing Türkiye’s maritime operations, elevating the Turkish flag’s performance under the Paris MoU, implementing Vessel Traffic Services in the Turkish Straits, and enhancing emergency response systems.

As an academic at Istanbul Technical University Maritime Faculty, Dr. Ustaoğlu launched Türkiye’s first GMDSS training courses, authored pioneering reference materials, and led the Turkish Straits VTS Project, which continues to influence maritime operations today.

Throughout his career, Dr. Ustaoğlu has demonstrated a unique ability to foster international partnerships, secure critical investments, and develop sustainable solutions for the maritime sector.