Chirag Bahri, International Operations Manager , ISWAN

Chirag spearheads the operation and development of ISWAN’s international initiatives, working closely with regional stakeholders to establish vital support systems for seafarers and their families in times of need. Chirag began his career at sea in 2004, following his graduation as a Marine Engineer. Over the years, he climbed the ranks and attained the Chief Engineer’s License. Chirag holds an MBA (Maritime Business Management) with Merit from Middlesex University, UK, and is a fellow and a Governing Council Member of the Institute of Marine Engineers (India). Chirag was held hostage by Somali pirates on a hijacked vessel in 2010 and has since devoted his life to assisting seafarers and their families affected by piracy and other challenges.

 

Yrhen Bernard Sabanal Balinis, Third Officer & President, Office of the Youth in Maritime (YIMO)

Yrhen Bernard Sabanal Balinis is an active seafarer from the Philippines who sailed in various types of vessels. He is involved in the United Nations system through the UNITAR, UNDOALOS, MGCY, CYMG to UNEP, and served as the youngest International Maritime Organization (IMO) Goodwill Maritime Ambassador at the age of 23 years old. He currently leads the Office of the Youth in Maritime (YIMO) which seeks to be both a policy voice and a research and training hub for younger maritime professionals globally.

 

Danielle Centeno, Loss Prevention Executive, The American P&I Club

Danielle holds a BSc in Marine Transportation from SUNY Maritime College and serves as a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy Reserves as a Strategic Sealift Officer. Early in her career she sailed aboard U.S. flag government contract cargo ships as Third Mate, before coming ashore to do Health, Safety, Security and Environmental operations for U.S. flag vessel owner/operators. She previously served as Designated Person Ashore and Company Security Officer before joining the Managers of The American P&I Club in 2015. Danielle currently holds the title of Loss Prevention Executive and is responsible for development, implementation, and market presentation of loss prevention products and services for U.S. and North American Operators. Danielle is active in WISTA USA and was also recently appointed Chapter President of the Propeller Club of New York New Jersey.

 

Kenneth John Gabais, Third Engineer

Hailing from the DMMA College of Southern Philippines in Davao, Third Engineer Kenneth John Gabais joined Döhle Seafront as an Engine Cadet in 2021. Since then, he has sailed on container vessels within the Döhle fleet, steadily rising through the ranks as a seafaring professional, driven by his determination and skill.

 

Capt. Christos Gianneios, Crew Manager, Niovis Shipping Co. S.A.

Capt Gianneios Christos is the Crew Manager of Niovis Shipping Co SA since January 2021. He holds a Lloyds Maritime Academy Diploma in Maritime Management & Leadership. Responsible for interview new joiners, prepare crew for sign-on , control crew certificates. He is a graduate of Merchant Marine Academy of Epirus in 2009. From November 2009 till November 2020 he serve onboard Supramax & Ultramax Bulk Carriers. As 2nd.Off / Ch.Off & Master under the Management of Niovis Shipping.

 

Capt. Konstantinos G. Karavasilis, Regional Director, Loss Prevention, UK P&I Club

Kostas is a Greek Master Mariner with significant seagoing experience on-board Bulk Carriers and Cruise Ships. Prior to joining Thomas Miller’s Hellas office in December, 2019 he worked as Claims Manager for a local hull insurer, garnering more than 10 years of experience within the marine insurance industry. Kostas is certified by Lloyds Register of Shipping as an ISM and ISPS Internal Auditor. He deals with Loss Prevention related matters and operational enquiries for local Members, and he also conducts crew seminars.

 

Anastasia Kypriotaki, News Editor, SAFETY4SEA

Anastasia Kypriotaki is a news editor at SAFETY4SEA. Having grown up in Piraeus, a global maritime center, she always felt a strong connection to the sea and maritime affairs. Coming from a family with many seafarers, as soon as she finished her studies in the department of Communication, Media and Culture at Panteion University, she knew that maritime news was her calling. Ever since joining the SAFETY4SEA editors’ team, Anastasia has been writing about and exploring the importance of a sustainable and human-centric maritime industry, with keen interest.

 

Jomel Mallorca, Third Officer 

Third Officer Jomel Mallorca joined Döhle Seafront in 2022 and has sailed on Döhle’s container vessels ever since. A graduate of the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS) in Pasay, this dedicated mariner from the island province of Romblon recently achieved the rank of officer and continues to persevere in his calling as a maritime professional.

 

 

Amalia Marcou, Crew Director & HR Manager, Enesel Dry SA

Amalia Marcou, born in Limassol, is a M.S graduate in Mechanical engineering from the Technical University of Dresden in Germany and an MBA Graduate from Middlesex University in London. Having 18 years of proven track record within a Management position in the Shipmanagement sector. Since November 2015, being a member of the Human Element Committee of Intertanko. Having worked as a Fleet Personnel Manager at Bernhard Schulte Ship Management and being involved in the Greek office’s early establishment and development has rapidly expanded my knowledge and experience.  Since 2014 working with the Enesel Group of companies, started as Crew Manager at Enesel SA in Athens, moved to Limassol in June 2015, working as a Crew/HR Manager at Enesel Limited and since January 2023, working  as a Crew Director /HR Manager for Enesel Dry S.A in Athens. Having the overall control and responsibility of the Crew and HR departments in a shipping company, the central part of my duties is selecting and recruiting competent employees and seafarers for the office and vessels of different types. Always ensure compliance with international rules and regulations and enable effective communication with the rest of the departments and third parties. Being in a complex and dynamic business environment that requires competent and skilled professionals can effectively work on solutions and deal with daily challenges.

 

Marios Minou, Deputy Crew Manager, Latsco Marine Management Inc

With nearly 10 years of experience in sourcing, recruiting, and managing ashore staff, Marios Minou leverages his MBA and Mathematics education to make data-driven, cost-effective operational decisions. As a strategic and analytical leader, he inspires peak performance and maintains high standards of conduct, fostering relationships based on trust and efficiency. He has successfully led hundreds of seafarers by example, becoming a trusted partner for Masters and Senior Officers. Proactive and resourceful, Marios Minou is quick to resolve critical crew issues, ensuring seamless crew management operations and optimal team performance.

 

Marina Papaioannou, Regional Maritime Academies Manager, DNV & WISTA Hellas Representative

Dr. Marina Papaioannou is a graduate of the University of Patras, Department of Geology holding a PhD in Geophysics and has participated in various scientific projects related to archaeological geophysics. In 2000, Dr. Marina Papaioannou jointed the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association – HELMEPA. In 2008, she jointed Germanischer Lloyd where she established GL Academy Hellas. Currently, she is the DNV Regional Maritime Academies Manager for the Region Southeast Europe, Middle East and Africa. She has been active with scientific papers, articles in various shipping magazines and portals and with a significant presence in national and international conferences as a speaker/panelist, with numerous publications. She is a Mentor for the students of the MSc in Shipping Management of the University of Piraeus. Dr. Marina Papaioannou has served as Secretary General of WISTA Hellas (April 2014 – March 2016) and was awarded with the GIWA (Greek International Women’s Award) for shipping in April 2021.

 

Capt. VS Parani, Vice President – Marine, Tufton Asset Management

Captain VS Parani, FNI, FICS, CMarTech-IMarEST is responsible for marine functions at Tufton Asset Management Ltd. He values his experience of thirty years in the shipping industry onboard ships, and then in various corporate roles responsible for the management of large shipping fleets. Besides his Master-Mariner’s license, he also holds Master degrees in law and in business. He also teaches in a graduate programme in shipping management at the CIM-Cyprus Business School. He is the Author of the bestselling book Golden Stripes- Leadership on the High Seas and is the Producer of the GoldenStripes Podcast.

 

Claudia Paschkewitz, Director Sustainability / Diversity and Inclusion, Columbia Group

Claudia has been a dedicated professional in the maritime industry since starting her career as a shipping clerk apprentice in 1989. She joined the Columbia team in 1991 as an operator at Hanse Bereederung GmbH. Following extensive experience in the brokerage sector, she advanced to Managing Director of the company and subsequently assumed further responsibilities as Managing Director of Columbia Shipmanagement (Deutschland) GmbH. Sustainability is a key priority for Claudia, and she is honored to lead this initiative as Columbia Group Director of Sustainability. People are also at the heart of her work; as Columbia Group Director of Diversity and Inclusion, she fosters and champions the company’s D&I culture alongside all employees. Claudia is passionate about supporting young talent, leading the company’s apprenticeship and student programs for many years. With 33 years of deep connection to the Columbia family, she remains committed to its core values, which are evident in her leadership. Claudia is also a member of WISTA Germany.

 

Sandra Psychogiou, Editor In Chief, SAFETY4SEA

Joining SAFETY4SEA in 2011, Sandra began as a junior news editor and has since progressed to the role of the Editor in Chief where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the content strategy and publication process. Throughout her tenure, she has exhibited a profound passion for the mission and vision of SAFETY4SEA, making significant contributions to the project’s success. A graduate of the University of Piraeus, Sandra’s educational background includes studies in Business Administration and an MBA with a certification in Total Quality Management.

 

Maria Skarveli, Crew Manager, Dorian LPG Management Corp

Maria Skarveli is a Crew professional with 18 years of experience in the maritime industry. Holding a BSc in Shipping and Transport, she found her calling in the Marine Human Resources Department soon after completing her studies. She began her career at Dorian LPG in December 2015 as a Crew Operator, and in August 2023, she advanced to the position of Crew Manager. Priorities and core responsibilities include ensuring the recruitment and employment of skilled and competent seafarers, coordinating safe and efficient crew replacements, and prioritizing the well-being of the Seafarers. She is also committed to promoting diversity at sea and fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for all maritime professionals.

 

Dr. Michela Terrei, Psychologist, I.M.A. ASSESSMENT AND TRAINING CENTER, INC.

Dr. Michela Terrei is a Master’s Degree holder in Clinical and Forensic Psychodiagnostics. She also acquired her Masteral for both the Organizational and Job Psychology and the Mindfulness and Positive Psychology. She started to develop the mental well-being campaign in 2019 and her main activity is to continuously implement the programs develop for the wellbeing of the seafarers. She is responsible for reaching out to our seafarers who needs psychological assistance.

 

Giovanni A. Tuapin, President, Hartmann Crew Philippines, Inc.

Mr. Giovanni Tuapin is a seasoned maritime professional with over 18 years of experience driving excellence in maritime training and crew management. A graduate in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Saint Louis University Baguio City, Giovanni has continuously honed his skills through advanced management studies and participation in industry associations. Giovanni’s passion lies in equipping seafarers with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in today’s demanding maritime environment. His leadership has been instrumental in transforming organizations like Hartmann Crew Philippines (HCP), Intership Navigation Training Center (ISNTC) and Raytec Marine Philippines. At HCP, he ensured crew availability during the critical COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating his commitment to operational resilience. At ISNTC, he spearheaded revitalization and modernization of the company. He also played a key role in securing grants for a state-of-the-art Engine Workshop, crane Training Facility and developing new, industry-aligned training programs. At Raytec Marine Philippines, he led sales and promotion efforts, demonstrating his strong commercial acumen in the maritime electronics sector. Giovanni’s expertise extends beyond training and is a strong advocate for continuous learning and professional development. He has co-authored research papers on the maritime industry’s contribution to the Philippine economy and actively participates in industry organizations like the German Philippine Chamber of Commerce, Philippine Association of Maritime Training Center, Association of Technical Schools of Manila, The Propeller Club of Manila and Association of Licensed Manning Agency. This dedication to continuous learning and industry engagement positions him as a thought leader in the maritime sector.

 

Shaun White, Managing Director, Foreship UK Ltd.

Shaun is an engineering manager, with a broad and in-depth knowledge of the marine industry and extensive experience in commercial management, project management and technical engineering design. Foreship UK Ltd is the new subsidiary of Foreship Ltd which commits the leading naval architecture and marine engineering company to securing a strategic presence based in the United Kingdom. Shaun has expertise in applying knowledge and cross-sector experience from the commercial shipping, cruise, passenger, and defence sectors to establish and further develop UK maritime industry partnerships.

 

LEAD SPONSORS

American Club

American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association, Inc. (the American Club) was established in New York in 1917. It is the only mutual Protection and Indemnity Club domiciled in the United States – indeed, in the entire Americas. The Club is a member of the International Group of P&I Clubs, a collective of thirteen mutuals which together provide Protection and Indemnity insurance for some 90% of all world shipping. Protection and Indemnity insurance (commonly referred to as “P&I”) provides cover to shipowners and charterers against third-party liabilities encountered in their commercial operations. Responsibility for damage to cargo, for pollution, for the death, injury or illness of passengers or crew and for damage to docks and other installations are examples of typical exposures. Running in parallel with a ship’s hull and machinery cover, traditional P&I such as that offered by the American Club distinguishes itself from ordinary forms of marine insurance by being based on the not-for-profit principle of mutuality where Members of the Club are both the insurers and the assureds.

www.american-club.com

 

SQEMARINE

SQE Marine is a leading provider of Safety, Quality and Environmental Solutions providing Consulting, Training and Information products in these areas. We have been successfully providing a product and service range to more than 1,200 clients (based in 75+ countries) over the last 20 years, operating a DNVGL Certified Training Center and a LR ISO 9001 certified management system. Strong enough to provide immediate response and feedback to all client queries and needs, we provide a range of competitively priced services and timeliness for product / service delivery; we provide foolproof products and services to ensure full after sales support for as long as necessary. Last but not least, technical competence is the core of our management system & operations. Our vision is to be a leading world class corporation that provides reliable maritime solutions in the areas of Quality, Health, Safety, Environmental, Crisis, Security, and Risk Management. Our mission, therefore, is to provide real life, effective and efficient maritime solutions range including Consulting, Training and Information provision in order to maximize client benefit and minimize risk.

www.sqemarine.com

 

SPONSORS

ARCADIA SHIPMANAGEMENT CO. LTD

Arcadia Shipmanagement Co. LTD was established in Athens in 1998 with a clear strategic goal – “the safe transportation of cargoes worldwide with respect to the environment”. Initially the Company assumed the management of two different types of vessels (dry and wet) but at a later stage ARCADIA, realizing the increased demands and responsibilities of the current times, focused its activities on tanker management. Following the Company’s establishment in 1998, an ambitious investment program began with the construction of high specification aframax and suezmax tankers, in South Korean Yards, on behalf of Companies that had entrusted the management of their vessels to ARCADIA.

www.arcadiasm.gr

 

Blue Planet Shipping Ltd

Blue Planet Shipping Ltd (BPS) was established and based at Piraeus since 1996, to manage 8 Dry Bulk Carriers. In 1998, BPS split into two separate companies. BPS retained its root name and Third Millenium Shipping Ltd (TMS) was set up to manage vessels for different owners. BPS managed 7 out of the 8 vessels; (AKMI – ARIS – EVMAR – COSMAR – ALMAVITA – AFROS & ALKIMOS) and the management of the ASTROMAR was undertaken by TMS. In 2002, clients of the company placed an order for 6 New Building Supramax vessels in China, of which 5 were delivered in 2003 and 1 in 2004. The new vessels (APOLLON – APEX – AKMI – EVNIA – NICOLAOS A and AVRA) were registered under Cyprus and Greek Flags. With the company by then managing a total of 14 vessels, it began recruiting different nationalities to man the ships, focusing mainly on Greek, Ukrainian, Burmese and Moroccan crews.

www.blueplanetshipping.gr

 

Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp.

Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp. (‘Capital-Executive’) currently operates a fleet of 40 vessels including 36 container carriers and 4 modern bulk carriers with a total dwt of 2,915,834 tons and total teu of 180,363 approx. The fleet under management includes vessels of Nasdaq-listed Capital Product Partners L.P. The Capital-Executive team has extensive experience in managing various vessel types and sizes. The Company offers comprehensive services in every aspect of ship management including: safety and technical management, claims & insurance, bunkering, risk assessment, newbuilding design and supervision, IT services, accounting, financial management and other administrative functions, as well as in-house human resources management, such as crewing and personnel training with state-of-the-art technology.

www.capital-executive.gr

 

Capital Gas Ship Management Corp.

Capital Gas Ship Management Corp. (“Capital Gas”) is a ship management service provider, currently operating a fleet of 14 modern LNG Carriers with a total carrying capacity of approximately 2.44 million cubic meters and a total dwt of 1.14 Tons. Our Team consists of highly skilled personnel with extensive experience in the LNG Sector from initial design and newbuilding supervision to LNGCs operations and technical management. Capital Gas Ship Management is a member of SIGTTO and SGMF.

www.capitalgas.gr

 

Capital Shipmanagement

Capital Ship Management Corp. (‘Capital’) is a distinguished oceangoing vessel operator, offering comprehensive services in every aspect of ship management, currently operating a fleet of 39 tankers (12 VLCCs, 15 Aframaxes, 11 MR/Handy product tankers and 1 small tanker) with a total dwt of 5.95 million tons approx. Capital has extensive experience in managing various vessel types and sizes including all tanker segments (VLCC, Suezmax, Aframax/LR2, Panamax/LR1, MR/Handy and small tankers), dry bulk segments (Cape, Panamax, Handymax and Handy), as well as OBOs and containers. The excellent performance of Capital Ship Management has been recognized by oil major companies and major traders in the industry. It is one of a few ship management companies to have successfully completed the comprehensive office assessment process of numerous major oil companies and has also established long standing relationships with major traders, liners and operators. The Company offers comprehensive services in every aspect of ship management including: safety and technical management, claims & insurance, bunkering, vetting preparation and attendance, risk assessment, newbuilding design and supervision, IT services, accounting, financial management and other administrative functions, as well as in-house human resources management, such as crewing and personnel training with state-of-the-art technology.

www.capitalship.gr

 

DÖHLE SEAFRONT

Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila) Inc. is an independent company that provides excellence and quality in crewing for shipowners and ship managers looking for partners they can depend on. Döhle Seafront is the crewing arm of Döhle Group in the Philippines. As part of a group of companies focused on the shipping industry, the resources Döhle Seafront can tap within Döhle Group allows the company to be a one-stop shop crewing firm that can provide timely and suitable crew for international shipowners. Döhle Seafront is ISO 9001:2015 certified and Maritime Labor Convention ( MLC) 2006 compliant. Both certifications were given by the classification society Bureau Veritas. The focus of the crewing operation is on continuous improvement, optimizing productivity, performance, improving safety, and environmental awareness. The overall aim is to execute recruitment and training programs that ensure the achievement of the goals and expectations of our principals and future clients.

www.doehle-seafront.com

 

Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited (EASTMED)

EASTMED is a ships management company with head offices in Glyfada (Athens), Greece. Presently the company has under management 78 vessels, employs 200 shore based personnel and a further 3000 seagoing staff. The fleet comprises of 29 tankers, 39 dry bulk carriers and 10 container ships, adding up to a total DWT capacity of 7.2 million tons. Principally both the tankers and the dry cargo vessels are employed on the spot market and occasionally will enter into short period charter agreements on a number of ships of the fleet.

The following overseas companies are employed as exclusive agents of EASTMED:

• Intermar Chartering (UK) Ltd. in London, U.K.: Covers the London chartering market.
• Eastern Mediterranean Manning Agency in Manila, Philippines: Directly selects, trains, and employs Filipino Masters, Officers, and Crew exclusively for the vessels under EASTMED’s management.

EASTMED was granted by Lloyd’s the ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certification in December 2010 and is in the process of being certified with ISO 50001 within 2016. EASTMED is presently a member of BIMCO, INTERTANKO and INTERCARGO, thus joining forces for improved standards in the industry. EASTMED voluntarily participates to AMVER reporting system, operated by the US Coast Guard for promoting safety of life and property at sea. Managed vessels are honored with AMVER awards on an annual basis.

www.eastmed.gr

 

Latsco Marine Management Inc.

Latsco Marine Management Inc. a subsidiary company of Latsco Shipping Ltd., has been established 1st January 2019 and is currently located at Kifisia. Latsco’s history begins over half a century ago as part of Latsis Companies’ Group. Latsco provides operational, technical, financial and ship building services, focusing on fundamental principles of quality, integrity, safety, health, environmental protection and energy efficiency, with established programmes for performance excellence, profitability and growth of management of clean energy transportation vessels. Latsco pursues all entrepreneurial ventures with ethics, integrity, consistency to incident-free operations and ultimate aspiration of providing excellent services through long-lasting customer relationships. Currently, LMM Inc. manages a fleet of 27 vessels (MRs, LR2, VLGCs), while another 2 vessels shall be delivered up to 2020.

www.latsco.com

 

RISK4SEA

RISK4SEA is an online platform to provide PSC performance transparency to the market by analysing PSC Data providing KPI, Demographics, Detentions Analytics, reports, Benchmarks and Insights for 23 fleet segments in an advanced analysis of the last 5 years to assist stakeholders to:

-PREPARE for forthcoming PSC inspections
-ANALYSE PSC performance to identify strengths & weaknesses
-BENCHMARK fleets against competition and the industry

www.risk4sea.com

 

SEAFiT

SEAFiT, powered by SAFETY4SEA, is a pioneering mental health program providing comprehensive guidance and a holistic approach to maritime stakeholders to evaluate the mental health state of both their shore and sea staff and raise awareness over wellbeing issues.

seafit.safety4sea.com

 

UK Club

The UK P&I Club is one of the oldest P&I clubs in the world. It provides Protection and Indemnity insurance in respect of third party liabilities and expenses arising from owning ships or operating ships as principals. One of the largest mutual marine protection and indemnity organisations it insures over 200 million tonnes of owned and chartered ships from more than fifty countries across the globe.

www.ukpandi.com

 

V. Group

V.Group provides a full range of ship management and marine support services to ship owners and operators around the globe, as well as the ability to blend those services together in unique combinations to meet specific customer needs. Guided by our values, we aim to deliver excellence in every area in which we operate, with safety being our number one priority. To help us achieve that, our group of companies and brands work interdependently, operating across different sectors, allowing us to become a comprehensive supplier of maritime and offshore services around the world. With over 35 years’ experience in managing vessels in the shipping, cruise, energy, and defence sectors, we’re committed to delivering safe and compliant operations. Helping customers with specific needs and putting them at the heart of our business. We’re also dedicated to working towards a maritime industry free of corruption, as an active member of the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN). V.Group has access to an international network of over 44,000 seafarers, covering all areas of ship management and crewing. With those colleagues all supported by an onshore team of over 3,000 across 30 countries, we’re dedicated to investing in our people, our technology, and our systems, to ensure we deliver the highest quality service to our customers.

www.vgrouplimited.com

2024 CAREER4SEA Virtual Forum: Building a people-centered, future-ready maritime workforce

The 2024 CAREER4SEA Forum was held virtually on December 11th, focusing on key topics such as developing the future workforce, exploring career opportunities for young professionals, and offering perspectives directly from active seafarers, who provided an authentic view of life at sea during a dedicated session.

Expanding the workforce to include a more diverse range of individuals represents a significant opportunity for the maritime sector to tap into previously overlooked talent and attract those who might not have considered a maritime career. To address the skills development challenges inherent in this recruitment effort, distinguished experts emphasized the importance of collaboration among maritime stakeholders to design targeted education and training programs tailored to these groups.

The forum featured four panels that focused on a variety of issues currently facing the maritime industry and explored ways to enhance the public and younger generations’ perception of shipping. Throughout the event, esteemed maritime professionals participated in enlightening panel discussions, underscoring the need to adopt a fresh and modern image to inspire and engage the younger generation in pursuing careers within the maritime sector.

The event was organized by SAFETY4SEA having as lead sponsors the following organizations: The American Club and SQEMARINE. Other sponsors were: Arcadia Ship Management, Blue Planet Shipping Ltd, Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp., Capital Gas Ship Management Corp., Capital Shipmanagement, Döhle Seafront, Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited (EASTMED), Latsco Marine Management Inc., RISK4SEA, SEAFiT, UK P&I Club, V.Group.

Session #1 – Developing the future workforce

The first panel of the event, moderated by Anastasia Kypriotaki, News Editor, SAFETY4SEA, discussed the pressing challenges posed by digitalization and decarbonization, emphasizing their profound impact on the maritime industry and workforce development. The following experts participated: Capt. Konstantinos G. Karavasilis, Regional Director, Loss Prevention, UK P&I Club; Capt. VS Parani, Vice President – Marine, Tufton Asset Management and; Shaun White, Managing Director, Foreship UK Ltd. They shared insights on effective strategies for preparing for the future of work, highlighting the importance of investing in training, collaboration, and leadership that aligns with the sector’s evolving needs.

Session #2 – Build a clear narrative to raise industry’s profile

Experts of this panel, moderated by Anastasia Kypriotaki, News Editor, SAFETY4SEA, highlighted the significance of creating attractive career opportunities for young professionals and discussed why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has become a central theme for the sector. The following stakeholders participated: Capt. Christos Gianneios, Crew Manager, Niovis Shipping Co. S.A.; Claudia Paschkewitz, Director Sustainability/Diversity and Inclusion, Columbia Group; Maria Skarveli, Crew Manager, Dorian LPG Management Corp; Dr.  Michela Terrei, Phycologist, I.M.A. ASSESSMENT AND TRAINING CENTER, INC. and; Giovanni A. Tuapin, President, Hartmann Crew Philippines, Inc. The panel underscored that prioritizing mentoring, psychological safety, and a supportive workplace culture is essential to attract and retain the next generation of maritime talent.

Session #3 – Seafarers’ Perspectives

Under the moderation of Sandra Psychogiou, Editor in Chief, SAFETY4SEA, the third panel provided a unique opportunity to hear directly from active seafarers, offering valuable insights into the realities of life at sea and the evolving maritime industry. The discussion, which featured Yrhen Bernard Sabanal Balinis, Third Officer & President, Office of the Youth in Maritime (YIMO); Danielle Centeno, Loss Prevention Executive, The American P&I Club; Kenneth John Gabais, Third Engineer, Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc; Jomel Mallorca, Third Officer, Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc. shed light on the challenges and rewards of a maritime career. Panelists reflected on the pros and cons of life at sea, citing the sense of adventure and professional growth as significant benefits, while highlighting challenges such as limited social opportunities and communication gaps with those ashore. The discussion also explored how emerging trends, such as automation and decarbonization, are reshaping the seafaring profession, emphasizing the need for proactive adaptation to these changes.

Session #4 – Effective training, upskilling & re-skilling programmes

The last panel was moderated by Sandra Psychogiou, Editor In Chief, SAFETY4SEA, and included the following experts: Chirag Bahri, International Operations Manager, ISWAN; Amalia Marcou, Crew Director & HR Manager, Enesel Dry SA; Marios Minou, Deputy Crew Manager, Latsco Marine Management Inc and; Dr. Marina Papaioannou, Regional Maritime Academies Manager, DNV & WISTA Hellas Representative who emphasized the growing importance of soft skills and explored ways to implement innovative training methods. The panelists underscored the value of continuous learning and advocated for a people-centered approach to the maritime sector’s transition toward decarbonization and digitalization.

Concluding the event with messages of encouragement, speakers urged young people to explore maritime careers, highlighting the sector’s unique potential for personal and professional growth in a dynamic, evolving global industry.

Wrapping up the four insightful panel discussions, Sandra Psychogiou, Editor-in-Chief of SAFETY4SEA, underscored the key takeaways for shaping the future maritime workforce: “The pressing challenges of decarbonization, digitalization, and diversity highlight an urgent need for collective action, particularly in preparing the next generation of maritime professionals. The industry’s resilience and ability to adapt are proof that with collaboration and a forward-thinking mindset, we can unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation. For the future maritime workforce, these challenges are not obstacles but gateways to an exciting and transformative era in shipping!” she remarked.