Prefectura Naval Argentina and Education

School of Prefectura "General Matias de Irigoyen" Zarate -Buenos Aires - Arg

The evolution of science and technology obliges the Institution to adapt itself to modern times. This has not prevented our agency from keeping its typical idiosyncrasy, as influenced by the maritime traditions of this sector.

There are three different aspects in training: formation and discipline, characteristic of a security force; technical and legal qualifications to perform its professional activities, as well as an attitude of prevention; protection, support and aid to community, property and navigation in general.

Prefectura is responsible for personnel recruitment, formation, training, and qualification with the highest degree of excellence according to the international quality standards. The institution offers the attending students an employment, thus providing them support and welfare.

Officers graduate from Prefectura’s Officer Academy "General Matías de Irigoyen" located in the city of Zárate, Province of Buenos Aires. Petty officers do so at the Petty Officers’ Academy "Martín Jacobo Thompson", in the same city. Throughout their active years, all members of the institution attend training and professional updating courses to cope with service demands.

Training is considered a priority in order to ensure that institutional responsibilities are properly undertaken.

Prefectura recruits naval engineers, lawyers, medical doctors, architects, chemical engineers, shipbuilders, and other professionals and civilian personnel in order to guarantee the development of the different areas connected with the institutional activities.

The Officers' Higher School that is located in Olivos, Province of Buenos Aires, provides post-graduate courses for officers. There are upper level courses in areas such as Shore Security, Navigation, Naval Engines, Communications, Aviation, and Administration. In accordance with a resolution of the National Ministry of Education, graduates obtain the degrees of "Analyst", "Technician" or "Master” on Maritime Safety after writing a thesis on a chosen subject.

The School of Salvage and Diving, which offers courses for our own personnel as well as for the general public, along with the "Higher School of Data Processing" complete the educational network of the Institution. Graduates from both schools get official diplomas recognized by the National Ministry of Education. Prefectura also has an Aeronautical Professional Center. Teachers of all Prefectura schools receive training courses on a regular basis to keep them updated. These courses are provided by our own Training Institute.

Special courses for surveyors on Pollution Prevention, Carriage and Handling of Dangerous Goods and Ship Survey are also provided.


Several agreements have been entered into in order to improve both the personal and professional development of our personnel. Among these agreements, the one signed between Prefectura and the Catholic University of Santiago del Estero definitely stands out. Thanks to this agreement, new courses are open, such as Law, Business Administration, and Accountancy.

We should also mention cooperation agreements signed between Prefectura and the National Technology University, and the National Council of Technical Education intended to get assistance and counseling in the development of human resources.