Gdynia Maritime University GMU

Professor Daniel Duda, MM

Rector of Gdynia Maritime Higher School, 1972-1981

Education and Seamanship Training

Professor  Daniel Kazimierz Duda (born 14th July 1933 in Bochnia) dedicated his professional career and social activism to the development of the maritime industry, education, and his Alma Mater, at which he held the roles of dean, rector, institute director, and head of section.

He served as rector for three terms during the years 1972-1981.

In 1955, he graduated from the State Maritime School in Gdynia, and in 1965 from the Maritime Faculty of the Sopot Higher Economic School, where he studied for a master's degree in maritime transport economics. In 1969, at the same school, he achieved a doctorate in economic science before going on to become a reader at the Maritime Higher School in 1970. On 3rd February 1977, the Council of State granted him the title of Associate Professor of Technical Sciences. Since 11th January 1999, he has worked as a full professor at the Polish Naval Academy. Professor Duda is a qualified master mariner and has the naval rank of Lieutenant Commander.

From 1950 to 1966, he worked for Polsteam in Szczecin and on the ships of the shipping company Polish Ocean Lines, reaching the rank of captain. Between 1966 and 1969, he held the role of harbour master at Gdynia port.

Rector of the Gdynia Maritime Higher School

In 1969, he became involved with the Maritime Higher School. He was the first captain of the Polish float with a doctor of economic science degree and became the first Dean of the Faculty of Navigation of the newly formed higher education institution. Three years later, on 8th March 1972, he became Rector of the Gdynia Maritime Higher School.

During his 12 years in charge, the Antoni Garnuszewski - a cargo training ship operated by Polish Ocean Lines, and the sail-training ship the “Dar Młodzieży” were built for the University, as well as a campus for more than 1,000 students and young researchers, sports halls, and a planetarium. The central area of the main building was extended, the loft of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering building on the side of Morska and Grabowa streets was adapted, and rooms and workshops were redeveloped as modern laboratories. Also built during this time was the first in the history of Polish maritime education fire laboratory, lecture theatres, garages, basketball and volleyball courts, and a parade ground for the Military College. Other achievements included the modernisation of the “Horyzont” and the “Zenit” ships, the general refurbishment of the so-called Professor's House, its adaptation for teaching purposes, and the acquisition of the swimming pool of local football club Arka Gdynia. In a collaborative project with Gdansk University of Technology, the Large Ship Handling Centre was built in Iława and funds were allocated for the construction of the reduction model of the large ship known as the Warta.

To these achievements can be added the successes of his time as Rector, including the construction of a watersports centre, the adaptation and renovation of the quay, preservation of the building's elevation, and the founding of a student sailing club. During his term in office, extramural and supplementary study programs were introduced for graduates of the State Maritime School. The Maritime Higher School was also granted the power to award master's degrees.

Nation-wide Activity

Professor Daniel Duda has also directed work on the development of the north terminal of the port of Świnoujście, contributed to the Central R&D Project, carried out research on notification, search and rescue, as well as the assessment of the current state of the Polish rescue services in relation to international requirements.

He served as chair of the Polish Maritime Secondary Education Curriculum Committee, chair of the National Examination Committee for all officer and maritime ranks alongside the director of the Maritime Office in Gdynia, Leader of a team for the implementation of the STCW 78/95 convention, and has taught important maritime sea and inland waterway transport professions in accordance with the requirements of the convention.  

From 1990 to 1998, he held the post of director in the inspection division in the Maritime Office in Gdynia. In late 1989, Professor Daniel Duda began work at the Navigation and Hydrography Institute at the Polish Naval Academy, where over a period of several years he fulfilled the role of head of the ship safety team and the Department of Ship Operations and was a member of the Senate, Faculty Council, as well as chair of the Senate Ethics Committee and more. As an employee of the Polish Naval Academy, he received a special award for his notable contribution to the popularisation of science in 2006 and the Academy's Excellence in Teaching distinction in 2008. On 19th March 2015, the Academy granted him the title of Honorary Doctor.

Research and Publications

Professor Daniel Duda is a reviewer and author of opinions on 73 doctoral and post-doctoral dissertations, and contract and full professor works. He has written 562 publications, including 51 books (as author or co-author) and 219 opinions and reviews. He has also supervised 443 engineering, master's and bachelor's works. He is the co-author of three inventions and two patents -the “Economic Storm Counter” and a modular watercraft, including the method of its construction. 

He has published and been on the editing team of Technika i Gospodarka Morska, Nautologia, Zapisy Puckie, Przegląd Hydrograficzny, Biblioteka Nawigatora, written for the Maritime Court's Prawo i Orzecznictwo; Polish Ocena Lines' Biuletyn Techniczny; the Polish Registry of Shipping's Biuletyn Techniczny; Czas Morza; Budownicto Okrętowy i Gospodarka Morska; the scientific journals of maritime academies; Okólnik - published by the Union of Polish Merchant Navy Officers in London, and more. Professor Daniel Duda has been a member of the Polish Nautological Society since 1968, serving as president for four terms. He is also a member of the editing team of the publication Nautologia and the Polish Nautological Society (PTN) Scientific Council. He is also the vice-president and a founder of the Friends of “Dar Pomorza” Society, commander of the General Haller's Ring Chapter of the Maritime and Colonial League, of which he is a member of the Board.

Awards, distinctions, and Merits

Professor Duda has won the widely acclaimed  Joseph Conrad literary award, and three "Gold Quill" [Złotego Pióra] awards.  He has been honoured nine times by the Minister for Transport and the Maritime Economy, awarded a Silver and a Gold Cross for Services to the Polish Scouts Association and the Commandry of the Sea Scouts Circle, an honorary distinction for Services to Polish Culture, a “Gloria Artis” Silver Medal for Services to Culture, an “Armed Forces in Service of the Homeland” medal, a gold medal “For Long Service” (awarded by Polish President Lech Kaczyński in 2008), a “Pro Patria” medal in 2013, and many other ministerial, regional, and industry merits.

In 2013, on account of his contributions to the development of the maritime industry, and specific achievements in scientific research and teaching on marine-related subjects, he was awarded the Komandorski Cross with the Star of the Order of Polonia Restituta.  In 2020, for meritorious service to the University, the GMU Senate initiated the procedure for the award of the title of Honorary Doctor of Gdynia Maritime University to Professor Daniel Duda.