National Taiwan Ocean University established the Seafarer Training Center in 1981 under the Department of Navigation (later renamed Department of Merchant Marine). The center was set up to assist the Ministry of Transportation in complying with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 1978), handling various professional training programs commissioned by the ministry. These programs include mandatory training such as survival, fire fighting, lifeboat and raft handling, first aid, and radar observation as required by STCW.

In 1984, the Ministry of Transportation allocated over NT$200 million to purchase one set each of a "Ship Handling Simulator" and an "Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) Simulator," which were installed at our university. These facilities were intended to enhance training and have contributed significantly to the continuous improvement of the quality of our country's seafarers.

In 1989, the Ministry of Transportation purchased one set of "Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Simulator," delivered to our university to facilitate Class A seafarer GMDSS training. By 1999, recognizing advancements in technology, the functionalities of the existing "Ship Handling Simulator" no longer met the requirements for various training and research purposes. Therefore, our university independently procured a new state-of-the-art "Ship Handling Simulator" to replace it.

Between 2000 and 2003, the Ministry of Transportation allocated funds to purchase new equipment including "ARPA Simulator," "Engine Room Simulator," "Tanker Simulator," "GMDSS Simulator," "Electronic and Electrical Equipment," and "Lifeboat and Liferaft," among others. These were delivered to our center for management and to enhance the functionality of the "Ship Handling Simulator" for various training purposes.

In 1995, the International Maritime Organization amended the STCW Convention to strengthen regulations on seafarer training and certification. In 2001, the Ministry of Transportation repositioned our center to specialize in Class A seafarer training for the northern region, while basic four-element training was delegated to the Wanli Chinese Seafarers Training Center. Additionally, our center annually assists the Ministry of Transportation in conducting onshore promotion training for ship captains and chief engineers. Moreover, we also undertake personnel exchange training commissioned by the Coast Guard Administration, naval academies, and various shipping companies.

Due to its significant responsibility in maritime personnel training for our country, our university elevated the center to a school-level unit in 2001, under the direct supervision and management of the Research and Development Office. Renamed in 2017 as the "Maritime Development and Training Center," it was further promoted to a first-tier research center within the university.