15th SAFETY4SEA Athens Forum

The 15th SAFETY4SEA Athens Forum was scheduled as a full day event (09:00-18:00) on Thursday, 3rd of October 2024 at the Grand Hyatt Athens.

This was a NON PROFIT event that attracted a target group of more than 600 Delegates / 300 Organizations attendance from Safety, Technical, Marine departments of shipping operators and other related industry stakeholders. Attendance was FREE of charge to delegates, a common feature of ALL SAFETY4SEA forums with sponsors covering all the expenses of the event.

For more information about the 9th SAFETY4SEA Virtual Awards, please click here.

Attendance is FREE, subject to Registration

 

08:00- 9:00  Welcome Coffee & Registration

09:00- 9:10  Welcome Address – Apo Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA


09:10 – 10:20 Panel #1 Industry’s safety challenges on the agenda
Moderated by Apo Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA

  • Addressing safety concerns and risks
  • The regulatory landscape around maritime safety
  • What needs to be considered with SIRE 2.0, DryBMS, enclosed spaces, fire safety etc
  • Technology and Safety: Finding the right balance

 

  • Mike Bradshaw, Director, Fleet Management Limited
  • Anastasios Kartsimadakis, Group Vetting & Inspections Manager, Tsakos Shipping and Trading
  • Capt. Panagiotis Nikiteas, HSQE Manager / DPA / CSO, Maran Dry Management Inc.

10:20 – 10:30 Focus Presentation – Athena Kanellatou, Area Sales and Marketing Director, Equipment and Solutions Division, MacGregor


10:30 – 11:30 Panel #2 How Leadership & Management enhance safety culture
Moderated by Apo Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA

  • Defining the key factors for an efficient safety culture
  • How different leadership styles enhance efficiency
  • The role of management for safety leadership and innovation onboard
  • The importance of supporting and engaging seafarers

 

  • Jacob Damgaard, Head of Loss Prevention, Britania P&I Club
  • Capt. Nestoras Grigoropoulos, HSSQE Manager and DPA, Sea Traders S.A., Prominence Maritime S.A
  • Nikos Melachropoulos, Technical Consultant, American Club
  • Capt. Kostas Karavasilis, Regional Director, Loss Prevention, UK P&I Club

11:30 – 12:00 Coffee Break


12:00 – 13:00 Panel #3 Human Factors and Human Performance
Moderated by Apo Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA

  • The impact of psychosocial risks onboard
  • Key factors that contribute to human error and maritime incidents
  • Regulatory needs: Where we stand with STCW, MLC, SIRE 2.0
  • Measuring Human Performance: KPIs and key considerations

 

  • Alexandra S. Kaloulis, Managing Director, IMEQ Center
  • Dr.  Maria Progoulaki, Regional Representative – Senior Consultant, Green- Jakobsen A/S
  • Atty. Iris Baguilat, President, Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc.
  • Nikos Toumazatos, Crew Manager, Latsco Marine Management Inc

13:00 – 14:00 Panel #4 Essential skills training for crew development
Moderated by Apo Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA

  • Bridging the maritime training gap: Key skills for the future
  • Effective training methods and approaches: How technology can help towards
  • Preparing our seafarers for the energy transition
  • Key considerations for crew management and resilience

 

  • Dr. Joanna Eugenia Bakouni, Learning & Development Manager, Maritime Simulation, Maersk Training
  • Valentinos Steliou, Innovation Director/ MD Cyprus, Mintra
  • Marinos Kokkinis, Managing Director, OneCare Solutions

14:00 – 15:00 Networking Lunch


15:00 – 16:00 Panel #5: Best practices for enhanced PSC performance
Moderated by Apo Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA

  • The evolving landscape of Port State Control
  • Enhancing safety standards
  • Challenges and opportunities for ship operators
  • How digitalization, AI, and data impact PSC efficiency

 

  • Gregory Spourdalakis, Managing Director Greece, Columbia Shipmanagement
  • Capt. Theodore Lalas, Fleet Operations Manager, The Marshall Islands Registry
  • Dimitris Psarros, Business Development Manager, RISK4SEA

16:00 – 17:00 Panel #6: Best practices for enhanced maritime safety
Moderated by Apo Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA

  • Lessons learned from recent accidents
  • Fire onboard and other alarming trends
  • Developing a proactive approach
  • Safe navigation & ECDIS

 

  • John Southam, Loss Prevention Senior Executive – Greece, NorthStandard
  • Ioanna Kafka, Senior Claims Executive, Hull & Machinery Team Greece, The Swedish Club
  • Ria Thanou, DPA, Latsco Marine Management Inc

17:00 – Forum Closing

 

Attendance is FREE, subject to Registration

Forum Moderator

Apo Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA

Apo is the Founder & CEO of SQE Group (www.sqegroup.com), including SQE MARINE, SQE ACADEMY, SAFETY4SEA and RISK4SEA educated as a Mechanical Engineer (B.Eng & MSc (Eng), MBA) specializing in Energy & Environment. He is a 30 year veteran with roles as Engineering Superintendent, Maritime Safety, Quality & Environmental Expert, Consultant, Trainer and Project Manager and his track record includes a wide range of QHSE projects including 250+ management system projects (ISM/ISPS/ISO 9001-14001-18001/TMSA/MLC/DryBMS), 500 vessel and office audits to various standards, regulatory development and a record of more than 10,000 people trained in a wide variety of QHSE and Shipping related subjects.  He has chaired more than 90 Forums and moderated more than 400 panels in Safety, Green and Smart related issues. Apo is the founder and Managing Editor of SAFETY4SEA that hosts the leading safety4sea.com, (300k visitors monthly) producing monthly magazines & tailored publications (100k p.a. circ. onboard & ashore) & Industry Surveys  delivering more than 15 major forums and awards events across the globe every year.

 

Speakers (listed in alphabetical order)

Atty. Iris Baguilat, President, Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc.  

Atty. Iris Baguilat, is a seasoned lawyer who has held executive roles in various Philippine maritime sector organizations. Her proactive and transformative leadership has made Döhle Seafront a well-known local and international crewing agency. She consults for government agencies on Philippine shipping laws, advocates for Filipino seafarer welfare, and collaborates with private and government sectors to secure Filipino jobs at sea, addressing sector challenges. Externally, she chairs the ALMA Maritime Group, which consists of 74 licensed Philippine manning agencies deploying over 150,000 Filipino seafarers. Additionally, she serves as a trustee of the Maritime Law Association of the Philippines Her key reform initiative, which focused on improving the seafarer claims environment in the Philippines, played a pivotal role in driving the passage and landmark signing of the newly enacted Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers. In 2021, she was ranked among the Top 100 Women in Shipping by All About Shipping (allaboutshipping.co.uk)

 

 

Dr. Joanna Eugenia Bakouni, Learning & Development Manager   Maritime Simulation, Maersk Training

Dr. Bakouni holds the position of Learning and Development Manager within the Simulation Division of Maersk Training. With over a decade of experience within the industry, she held roles in HR/L&D, HSEQ, and Operations for various industry stakeholders, including shipowners, ship managers, and class societies, combining a deep & practical industry knowledge with a strong academic background. Holding a PhD in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from the University of Piraeus, and an MSc in Human Resources Management from Athens University of Economics and Business, she is also a certified ISM/ISPS/MLC Auditor with diplomas in Adult Learning from Solent University and in Maritime Strategy & Operations. Concurrently, she serves as an Academic Course Director for Lloyd’s Maritime Academy, focusing on Maritime HR, and actively teaches at various academic institutions, mainly at postgraduate programs. Her aspiration is bridging the gap between academic theory and actual industry requirements. She believes in the power of giving back and is actively involved in various NGOs like Women on Top, WISTA, Job-Pairs, 100mentors and Project Connect.

 

Mike Bradshaw, Director, Fleet Management Limited

Mike Bradshaw is the Country Director responsible for Fleet Management’s Cyprus office, including oversight of day-to-day operations, safety and service excellence, strategic customer account management, and promoting Fleet’s presence in the wider European market. The Cyprus office’s management portfolio includes bulk carriers, tankers, PCTC, and container vessels. Mike began his seagoing career as a Dual Officer (Deck and Engine) with the energy majors, sailing on oil tankers and LNG vessels. Since coming ashore, he has worked in ship management roles in operations, commercial post-fixture, and Health, Safety, Security, Environment, and Quality (HSSEQ). His expertise lies in leadership, culture, and safety, having held the position of Global Head of HSSEQ for several years before joining Fleet Management. Mike is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, the professional body for management and leadership within the UK. He is currently the Chairperson for the UK Chamber of Shipping’s Health and Safety Committee and the UK’s National Maritime Occupational Health and Safety Committee. He sits on the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Marine Environmental Protection Association, is a member of the Marshall Islands Quality Council, InterCargo’s Technical Committee, and the Lloyd’s Register’s Hellenic Technical Committee.

 

Jacob Damgaard, Head of Loss Prevention, Britannia P&I Club

Jacob has sailed as both an engineer and deck officer with a major shipping line, serving mainly on container ships. Before joining the Club, he worked with a large ship management company in London acting as designated Person Ashore and Company Security officer for a fleet of container vessels and car carriers. Previous experience also includes working as a Flag State surveyor for the Danish Maritime Authority, dealing mainly with surveying and certification of new buildings as well as Flag and Port State related matters. He also has experience of working in the offshore and bunkering industries.

 

Capt. Nestoras Grigoropoulos, HSSQE Manager and DPA, Sea Traders S.A., Prominence Maritime S.A

Capt. Nestor Grigoropoulos is the HSSQE Manager and the DPA for the SEA TRADERS S.A. and Prominence Maritime S.A. fleets. He is a Master Mariner served onboard tankers and bulk carriers. Graduated from Merchant Marine Academy of Aspropyrgos Athens back in 1998. In 2010 joined Sea Traders S.A. as a Marine and Safety Superintendent and since 2012 he promoted to DPA for a fleet of 40 bulk carriers. In his entire carrier ashore he was involved with Safety and Quality aspects.

 

 

Ioanna Kafka, Senior Claims Executive, Hull & Machinery, Team Greece, The Swedish Club Greece

Ioanna Kafka is a Naval Architect and Marine Engineer with a MEng degree from National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and a MSc degree in Technical Ship Management from Strathclyde University, Glasgow. She has held positions as Naval Architect Consultant in London, Southampton, Singapore and she has also worked as Marine Surveyor in Piraeus, undertaking engineering consultancy, design and analysis as well as onboard surveys worldwide for condition surveys and marine casualties, representing H&M and P&I insurers internationally. Currently, in her current role she works as a Senior Claims Executive at The Swedish Club, Greece dealing with marine claims handling and adjusting for all types of H&M claims. She has also recently qualified as a Senior Associate of the Association of Average Adjusters (AAA).

 

Alexandra S. Kaloulis, Managing Director, IMEQ Center

Alexandra Sofia Kalouli, founder of IMEQ CENTER, embarked on her professional journey at the age of 24 by establishing a wellness center dedicated to transforming mental health into quantifiable key performance indicators and promoting safer environments onboard. She pursued her education in Psychology and Business at the Hellenic American University in Greece and furthered her studies at the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. With a deep expertise in Business Development, Alexandra has pioneered the development of the world’s first software that employs artificial intelligence to identify symptoms through standardized tests with a remarkable 98% accuracy. In addition to this groundbreaking software, Alexandra has also developed a pioneering psychosocial risk assessment tool. This tool is the first of its kind in the maritime industry, designed to identify risks onboard that are linked as contributing factors to incidents caused by human error. Beyond her educational background, Alexandra has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at improving mental health and safety standards in the maritime industry. Her work has been recognized for its innovation and impact, contributing to a significant shift in how mental health is perceived and managed in professional settings. As a leader, Alexandra frequently shares her insights at international conferences and through various publications, advocating for the integration of mental health metrics into business performance evaluations. Her visionary approach continues to inspire many in the field, making a lasting impact on both individual lives and organizational practices.

 

Athena Kanellatou, Area Sales and Marketing Director, Equipment and Solutions Division, MacGregor

Athena Kanellatou is engaged over two decades in international shipping serving the vision of sustainable operations at sea and cargo flows for a better every day. Her career and long association with MacGregor Group, includes a number of key Business Development positions, Financial, Operational, Marine Engineering Management, Sales and Customer Co-Creation related roles, regional and global responsibilities. Athena studied Business Management, specialized in Economics and Marketing, furthered her education in Marine Engineering Management. Working on vessels’ life cycle services has the opportunity to collaborate with leading partners in shipping. Athena served the global role to lead the customer co-creation and commercialization of MacGregor digital solutions and simulation services. The last years she is dedicated to New Build projects in Merchand and Offshore Segment.

 

 

Capt. Kostas 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.

 

 

Anastasios Kartsimadakis, Group Vetting & Inspections Manager, Tsakos Shipping and Trading

Anastasios Kartsimadakis was born in Chios. He graduated with distinction from the Merchant Marine Academy of Chios as an Engineer. He commenced his professional career by serving as senior engine officer on oceangoing bulk carriers & diverse tanker vessels for more than seven years. He is certified Engineer Class A and he was awarded an MSc with distinction in Maritime Management by the University of Aegean in the department of Shipping, Trade and Transport. As of 2011, Anastasios has been serving in the Vetting Department of the Tsakos Group of Companies and he has been entrusted the senior role of Group’s Vetting & Inspections Manager as of 2016. In 2021 he joined INTERTANKO as Vetting Manager (Secondee), with a key emphasis on the new SIRE 2.0 program and its smooth integration to the industry practice. He contributed on the development of INTERTANKO Seafarers’ Practical Guide for SIRE 2.0 Booklet, published in 2023. Anastasios has been providing author and research expertise in the development of various publications under the auspices of World Maritime University. He is the co-author of the first book for Ship Inspections for Merchant Marine Academies, which will be published by Eugenides Foundation in October 2024.

 

Marinos Kokkinis, Managing Director, OneCare Solutions

Marinos Kokkinis is the Managing Director of OneCare Solutions, a leading health and wellbeing platform, and OneLearn Global, a leading maritime training provider. Under his leadership, these two entities are forging a holistic approach to everything needed to make individuals healthier and more productive, thereby fostering the potential of human capital. Possessing a deep background spanning the multiple industries that play a role in health, wellbeing, and training, Marinos has held senior positions in the maritime, hospitality, pharmaceutical, and financial industries during the past 25 years. Key positions included Director for Merchant Fleet and Support Services with leading marine services provider Oceanic, senior financial analyst with major pharmaceutical company Pharmascience, and numerous roles throughout the hospitality and cruise ship industries, including the Ritz-Carlton and Celebrity Cruises. Marinos speaks regularly on the topic of human capital and the importance of well-managed health and learning initiatives. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of South Australia, a Bachelor degree in accounting and finance from the University of West London, and he completed an executive programme on the topic of the digital transformation in health care from Harvard Medical School.

 

 Capt. Theodore Lalas, Fleet Ops Manager, The Marshall Islands Registry

Captain Lalas joined IRI’s Piraeus office in January 2009 as Fleet Operations Manager. Before joining IRI, Mr. Lalas gained experience at sea and also worked for many years for reputable Greek shipping companies. He is a graduate of Galaxidi Maritime Academy and completed his Master’s course at Hellenic Training Center for Further Education for Higher Sea Staff and holds a Captain Class “A” Diploma.

 

 

 

Nikos Melachropoulos, Technical Consultant, The American Club

Nikos is a Dipl. Mechanical & Aeronautics Engineer with MSc in the Science of Materials, holder of LLM in Maritime Law and MSc in the field of International Relations / Political Economy. He has been in the Maritime Industry for 25 years, 5 of which as a Superintendent Engineer and 18 years in an international marine surveying & consultancy firm, based at Piraeus up to the rank of Principal Surveyor, held managerial positions in the East Mediterranean Region and  carried out a wide range of surveys on behalf of H&M Underwriters, P&I Insurers, Loss of Hire Underwriters, Charterers, Cargo Underwriters and Law Firms. During this time Nikos has been involved with the investigation of cause of various types and complexities of ships’ casualties, Risk Assessments Surveys of Shipyards and Projects, Loss Prevention Surveys, Management Assessment Surveys, Warranty Surveys including towage approvals of vessels and floating structures and conducted Technical Due Diligence on behalf of prospective investors. Currently in the role of Technical Consultant to the American P & I Club and Eagle Ocean Marine, based at Piraeus and dealing merely with Loss Prevention aspects.

 

Capt. Panagiotis Nikiteas, HSQE Manager / DPA / CSO, Maran Dry Management Inc.

Captain Panagiotis Nikiteas is a maritime professional with 36 years’ experience span in various sectors of the maritime industry including management, marine, vetting, operations, crewing, safety, quality, environmental, energy, security, health, auditing, surveying, incident investigation and training. He had been stationed and worked for a major Classification Society and highly reputable owners/managers abroad in Manila, Dubai and Singapore and appreciated the benefits of multi-cultural working environment. He is holding Master’s Degree in Adult Education, Master’s degree in International Shipping with distinction, Post Graduate Diploma in International Shipping and Transport Management and is a graduate from Hydra Merchant Marine Academy with distinction. Currently, he is a PhD candidate with EUC. Panagiotis (Panos) is the HSQE Manager / DPA / CSO of Maran Dry Management Inc.

 

Dr. Maria Progoulaki, Regional Representative – Senior Consultant, Green-Jakobsen A/S

Dr. Maria Progoulaki is the regional representative of Green-Jakobsen in Greece and Cyprus, and Senior Consultant since 2017. Maria is a Maritime Economist; she holds a PhD on the Management of multicultural human resources in shipping. She has over 15 years of experience in consultancy, teaching and international research in maritime human resource management, cross-cultural management and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC2006). As part of the GJ international team, Maria develops tailor-made HR processes, leadership training concepts and safety strategies for shipping companies, with a focus on integrated maritime HR processes. Maria also offers professional courses on soft skills and safety leadership to shipping companies’ office and sea personnel.

 

 

Dimitris Psarros, Business Development Manager, RISK4SEA

Dimitris joined SQE Group back in 2012 and now holds the position of Business Development Manager at RISK4SEA, an innovative SaaS platform which aims to provide Port State Control performance transparency to the market. He has more than 10 years of experience within the industry and held various commercial positions and participated in several projects with the aim to assist shipping companies to improve/maintain their safety and quality standards.

 

 

John Southam, Loss Prevention Senior Executive – Greece, NorthStandard

John is a Master Mariner and joined from a survey and marine consultancy company. Previous to this, John was engaged in shipyard operations conducting new build DP vessel projects in Asia as an owners project representative. He also worked at sea for 16 years, initially on Container Vessels with P&O Nedlloyd, and then on board offshore vessels including a range of DP vessels, AHTS, PSVs, drilling units, and offshore wind farm construction lift boats.

 

 

Gregory Spourdalakis, Managing Director Greece, Columbia Shipmanagement

A Marine-Mechanical Engineer with an MSc in Marine Technology (Naval Architect & Offshore structures) and an MBA. He started his career as an apprentice Marine Engineer in 1995, and further developed to Technical Superintendent, Technical Manager, and Technical Fleet Manager for wet and dry fleets. He has also been assigned as Flag Surveyor for Panama Flag administration and actively participated in the Cyprus Shipping Chamber technical committee. He has been working with CSM for the last 4 years, two of which under the role of General Manager for the CSM office in Greece.

 

Valentinos Steliou ,Innovation Director/ MD Cyprus, Mintra

Following the acquisition of Safebridge GmbH in 2021, Valentinos was appointed as an Innovation Director for Mintra and the Managing Director of its Cyprus Entity, leading the company’s Crew Management software. Valentinos has a diverse background in business development, product development, project management, and finance, supporting the operations and strategic positioning of organisations for over 20 years. With great experience and a successful track record in strategy design, product release and positioning principles within the maritime industry, he is paving the future of the product successfully supporting the company’s operations. Before joining Safebridge in 2016, Valentinos provided Strategic Consultation services and held senior management positions in the construction and automotive industries

 

Ria Thanou, DPA, Latsco Marine Management Inc

Ria Thanou is a highly skilled Naval Architect and Marine Engineer, holding a degree from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and an MBA from Strathclyde Business School, Scotland. She has been with Latsco Marine Management Inc. since 2012, progressing through various roles and currently serving as the Designated Person Ashore (DPA). In her current role, Ria oversees the company’s Safety Management System, ensuring strict adherence to ISM Code regulations and maintaining operational safety across the fleet. Her technical expertise, combined with strong leadership and communication skills, enables her to work effectively with both the crew and shore-based teams. Known for her multitasking abilities and proactive approach to risk mitigation, Ria plays a crucial role in driving operational excellence and promoting a strong safety culture within the Company.

 

Nikos Toumazatos, Crew Manager, Latsco Marine Management Inc.

Nikos Toumazatos is the Crew Manager of Latsco Shipping group companies; Latsco Marine Management, Marla Tankers Shipmanagement, Marla Dry Bulk Ship Management. An experienced shipping professional with 13 years of solid experience in Marine Human Resources, working in various positions within the Crewing Department of Latsco Shipping. Heading the team from 2021 in recruitment, maintaining performance excellence and strategic planning with a diverse pool of seafarers in a large variety of ship types (Oil/Chem/Gas/Bulks/Containers). Supervising daily activities and operating a fleet of 34 vessels, being competent and highly skilled in Negotiation, Communication, Talent Development, Crew Handling and Safety Management.

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

 

FLEET Management Limited

Our 29-year journey rides on the passion of over 27,000 seafarers and 1,000 onshore professionals. Today, we are one of the largest independent third-party ship management companies managing over 650 diverse types of vessels. Headquartered in Hong Kong SAR, China, we operate on a global scale having 27 offices in 12 countries. Our client base spans over 100 world-class ship owners, including Fortune 500 companies from China, Greece, India, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Norway, Turkey and the USA, among others.

www.fleetship.com

 

MacGregor

MacGregor is a family of innovators. By offering engineering solutions and services for handling marine cargoes and offshore loads we make the sea more accessible, safe and reliable for those whose livelihood depends on the changing conditions of the sea. To enable that we have a variety of strong product brands and committed experts with a passion for solving challenges – and the power of the sea is sure to provide those.

www.macgregor.com

 

Mintra

Mintra is a leading provider of digital learning and human capital management systems for safety-critical industries worldwide. Mintra develops and deploys software solutions that enable its clients to develop and deploy their people, readily demonstrate compliance and maximise operational efficiency. From its headquarters in Bergen and offices in Oslo, Stavanger, Aberdeen, Cyprus, India and Manila, Mintra serves the training, HR, payroll and workforce management needs of organisations operating in the maritime and energy sectors. ,Trainingportal – a learning and competency management platform – provides an online portfolio of over 2,600 eLearning courses to over 1.7 million workers, while OCS HR crew management system supports the operations of more than 1,800 vessels worldwide.

www.mintra.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

 

Britannia P&I Club

Established in 1855, The Britannia Group (or Britannia P&I) is a mutual P&I Club that provides P&I and FD&D cover to shipowners and charterers worldwide. The Britannia Group consists of:

  • The Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Holdings Limited (Britannia Holdings), which has the controlling interest in its providers:
    • The Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Europe (Britannia Europe) and
    • The Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Limited (Britannia (UK)) and
  • Two Bermudian based reinsurers:
    • Universal Shipowners Marine Insurance Association Limited (USMIA) and
    • Hydra Insurance Company Limited – Britannia Cell.

Britannia Europe is regulated by the Commissariat aux Assurances (CAA) and its branches are regulated by the PRA/FCA (UK), Insurance Authority (Hong Kong), Japanese Financial Services Agency (Japan) and Monetary Authority of Singapore (Singapore).  Britannia (UK) is registered by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Britannia P&I Club was the first P&I Club in the market and remains a leader in the International Group of P&I Clubs and currently holds the positions of the IG Chair and also Chair of the IG’s Reinsurance Committee.  It has held its prominent position by focusing on providing an exceptional standard of service for the benefit of its Members based on the essential values and principles of mutuality combined with commercial strength.

www.britanniapandi.com

 

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

 

Columbia Ship Management

With over 40 years of tradition, commitment and professionalism, Columbia has established its position as a world-class ship manager and maritime service provider. Since our founding in Cyprus, we have developed a global reputation by continuously exceeding our clients´ expectations when providing the highest quality and professional management services. Our success is based on the tremendous added-value granted to our clients by leveraging a strong global network and the will of being a leading force in the maritime industry.

www.columbia-shipmanagement.com

 

Döhle  Seafront Crewing

Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila) Inc. provides a pool of qualified crew and other crewing services to shipowners and ship managers across the globe. We’re a POEA-accredited manning agency that holds ourselves to the highest standard while taking care of our seafarers — whether they’re offshore or onshore. We understand that shipping is a dynamic industry, pushing shipping companies to keep up with the changing needs of the clients and other market trends and development. We take pride in supplying these companies with the most qualified crew of seafarers who all embody the culture of Döhle excellence. To keep our seafarers competitive, we focus on training and crew development. We have an in-house training center complete with state-of-the-art equipment and run by brilliant trainers. Our training programs are designed to equip seafarers with the skills and mastery they need to provide high-caliber workmanship. Our manning agency has a “one-stop shop” concept. We offer all the training our seafarers need to meet the demands and requirements set by various shipping companies. We supply the global fleet with skillful seafarers whose work ethics and dedication go beyond what’s expected. We also conduct seminars that empower seafarers and their families. The seminars include structured courses and workshops that cover financial management, character building, and parenting, among others. These sessions help address the unique family-related issues that seafarers and their wives go through. As a result, our deployed seafarers worry less about their family and focus on performing well onboard.

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

 

Green Jakobsen

Green-Jakobsen A/S is a maritime consultancy offering ship owners, operators, ship management companies and maritime entities a unique combination of skillsets that encompasses all aspects of managing the human factor in shipping. Our approach is to analyse, diagnose and then improve the safety mindset, leadership and human resource performance of people on shore and at sea. Our combined decades of experience with proven, custom-made programs is the foundation of our work. By balancing industry knowhow with out-of-box thinking, we transform strategy into daily work by using tangible tools which we implement alongside our customers on board and in the office. We are a group of people who combine our academic, seafaring and business experience and we are based in Copenhagen, Manila, Athens and Mumbai, with some 30 employees in total.

Our areas of expertise are:

  • Maritime safety performance – reducing LTIF, providing strong tools and methods to support the safety initiatives and focus on behaviour and actions
  • Maritime leadership – training leaders to fulfil the performance driving role, providing knowledge and tools to act as competent leaders on board and ashore
  • HR performance and management – linking the management and development of people and their competencies with leadership skills and safety performance
  • Soft skills courses – offering a wide range of subjects for company specific courses and seminars
  • Measure and develop safety performance – strengthening a proactive safety culture in an ongoing cycle in a plug-and-play solution including on board training and development

www.green-jakobsen.com

www.safety-delta.com

 

IMEQ

IMEQ© is a leading provider of remote online Psychological Screening, Personality Assessment and Psychosocial Risk Assessment especially designed for seafarers and maritime personnel. IMEQ© was founded in 2016 with a mission to safeguard crew psychological health and safety, while decrease risk factors associated with poor employee psychological health and workplace safety.

“Happier Seafarers Safer Journeys”.

Our digital platform utilises standardized and evidence based assessments, an advanced test flow process and machine learning algorithm (AI) , that provide objective data on psychological & personality traits, attitudes and skills to simplify the hiring process and improve job fit.

www.imeq-center.com

 

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

 

Marshall Island Ship Registry – INTERNATIONAL REGISTRIES, INC.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTRIES, INC. and its affiliates (IRI) provide administrative and technical support to the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Maritime and Corporate Registries. The RMI Registry is one of the leading registries in the world with 5,510 vessels surpassing 196 million gross tons at the end August 2023. IRI has a network of 28 worldwide offices that have the ability to register a vessel, including those under construction, record a mortgage or financing charter, incorporate a company, issue seafarer documentation, and service clientele. The quality of the RMI fleet can be measured by the RMI’s continued White List status on both the Paris and Tokyo Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). The RMI also meets the flag criteria for a low risk ship under the Paris and Tokyo MoU’s New Inspection Regimes and has qualified for the United States Coast Guard’s Qualship 21 roster for 19 consecutive years, which is unprecedented. The most important asset to the RMI Registry is its customers and IRI strives to provide them with full service from any office, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

www.register-iri.com

 

NorthStandard

NorthStandard offers an unmatched breadth and depth of service that supports your operations, embraces your potential, and helps your business thrive. Our product range is the largest in the International Group, providing over 10 bespoke options for almost every eventuality –- from P&I insurance to FD&D, Hull, War, Offshore, Strike & Delay, and more.  For those members forging new paths, our underwriters will work with you to extend cover or find bespoke solutions – wherever possible – to protect your crew, your vessel and your business. Our footprint spans the world, with offices covering all main shipping regions, including Asia (China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan), Australasia (Australia and New Zealand), Europe (UK, Ireland and Greece), and the USA.  We employ over 700 people globally for an unrivalled claims and underwriting experience, honed by decades of combined expertise and understanding.  With a reach that spans time zones, our team of more than 100 claims managers provide real-time, responsive and proactive claims support 24/7, 365 days a year – backed by the largest team of in-house legal experts, and the local knowledge of our comprehensive broker network. As an advocate for change, we give our members a powerful voice. By championing our mutual causes, pushing boundaries, and influencing thinking, we can help guide the industry’s future direction of travel. We insure approximately 350 million gross tonnage worldwide across all sectors – more than any other P&I club – and have a financial strength and resilience rated A by Standard & Poor’s. NorthStandard – taking on tomorrow, together.’

www.north-standard.com

 

OneCare Group

Committed to service excellence, OneCare Group Ltd., has various entities under one umbrella – including Marine Medical Solutions (MMS), Mental Health Support Services (MHSS), WellAtSea and OneLearn Global (OLG). It was established in 2022 to offer a collection of services to the maritime industry, ranging from health and wellbeing services, trainings, recruitment, eLearning and medical supplies. We are an enduring global entity that strives to improve seafarers’ health, training and wellbeing through a strong network of specialists, who are committed to this aspiration. We have a strong commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare to our seafarers, underpinned by a disease prevention approach. Our in-depth medical expertise and our health and wellbeing platform can enhance medical access and minimize health risks, leading to proactive interventions and a decline in over disease burden, unnecessary shoreside referrals, and spending. Through our global network of medical providers, we can support medical emergencies, medical referrals, case management, and medical supplies on a worldwide scale. Our mental health training can assist organizations in reducing the risk of incidents related to human error and improving safety and team dynamics, enhancing productivity, and reducing absenteeism. Our medics are recruited through a rigorous selection process, which includes meticulous curriculum vitae screening, credentials checks, and clinical interviews with all potential candidates, ensuring only the highest calibre candidates are selected. OneLearn Global’s world-class Learning Experience Platform (LXP) delivers modern learning techniques, delivering training at the point of need, across devices, to optimize the learner experience and, in turn, we drive engagement through certifications and award badges for positive encouragement and reward.

www.onecaregroup.global

 

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

 

The Swedish Club

The Swedish Club was founded by shipowners in 1872 and is today a leading mutual insurance company, owned and controlled by its members. The Club writes Protection & Indemnity (P&I), Freight Demurrage & Defence (FD&D), Hull & Machinery (H&M), and Hull Interests, Loss of Hire, War Risks and any additional insurance required by shipowners or charterers. It also writes Loss of Hire for Mobile Offshore Units and FPSOs. The head office is located in Gothenburg, Sweden, and branch offices are located in Piraeus, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Oslo and London.

www.swedishclub.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

 

SAFETY4SEA Athens Forum: Building a culture of safety necessitates a culture of change

The 2024 SAFETY4SEA Athens Forum took place on 3rd of October 2024, at the Grand Hyatt, Athens, focusing on the latest developments that shape maritime safety and sustainability, as well as the current realities that impact global shipping trade. 

Experts from various fields and areas of the industry offered their valuable insight in an effort to advance maritime operations, despite of the uncertainties, challenges and constant technology developments that shape a peculiar playing field for operators. 

The event was organized by SAFETY4SEA having as lead sponsors the following organizations: The American Club, FLEET Management Limited, MacGregor, Mintra, and SQEMARINE. 

Other sponsors were: Arcadia Shipmanagement Co. LTD, Blue Planet Shipping Ltd, Britannia P&I Club, Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp., Capital Gas Ship Management Corp., Capital Shipmanagement, Columbia Ship Management, Döhle Seafront Crewing, Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited (EASTMED), Green Jakobsen, IMEQ, Latsco Marine Management Inc., Marshall Island Ship Registry – INTERNATIONAL REGISTRIES, INC., NorthStandard, OneCare Group, RISK4SEA, SEAFiT, The Swedish Club, UK P&I Club, and V. Group. 

The event was supported by: the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), the Mission to Seafarers, and WISTA Hellas. Additionally, WordlOils acted as the event’s media sponsor. 

Main issues discussed

  • Addressing safety concerns and risks
  • The regulatory landscape around maritime safety
  • What needs to be considered with SIRE 2.0, DryBMS, enclosed spaces, fire safety etc
  • The role of management for safety leadership and innovation onboard
  • The importance of supporting and engaging seafarers
  • Regulatory needs: Where we stand with STCW, MLC, SIRE 2.0
  • Measuring Human Performance: KPIs and key considerations
  • The evolving landscape of Port State Control
  • Enhancing safety standards
  • Challenges and opportunities for ship operators
  • Bridging the maritime training gap: Key skills for the future
  • Effective training methods and approaches: How technology can help towards
  • Lessons learned from recent accidents
  • Fire onboard and other alarming trends
  • Safe navigation & ECDIS

Apo Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA, opened the event by welcoming the delegates and speakers and thanking all the sponsors and supporters. He emphasized the challenges the maritime industry faces in overcoming human resistance to change, particularly in enhancing communication and performance. In view of this fact, he encouraged stakeholders to unite in addressing these challenges and to support both seafarers and shore staff with new initiatives, projects, and tools. 

“The industry is working in silos, despite the progress we have made on collaboration… People are hesitant to share what is happening in their organizations.”

… Apo Belokas pointed out.

Additionally, he urged stakeholders to sign the SAFETY4SEA Petition for better connectivity, highlighting the crucial importance of internet access in improving crew welfare.

Session#1 Industry’s safety challenges on the agenda

Mike Bradshaw, Director, Fleet Management Limited, emphasized the industry’s tendency to focus on benchmarks and regulatory compliance rather than fostering innovation in safety practices. Additionally, he highlighted evolving issues such as rising incidents in enclosed spaces, unsafe access for pilots, container fires due to misdeclared cargoes, and vehicle deck safety. 

”Safety is not green KPIs or a three-month campaign”

… said Bradshaw and urged the industry to remain vigilant and proactive. 

Anastasios Kartsimadakis, Group Vetting & Inspections Manager, Tsakos Shipping and Trading, gave a presentation that focused on the role of human factors in the revised SIRE 2.0 inspection regime. He explored how human behavior, decision-making, and performance impact safety and compliance in maritime operations. He also pointed out the challenge of the training of inspectors, saying: “we are not sure that inspectors are properly trained to assess the human factor.” Moreover, he presented best practices for the crew to be prepared for the new inspection regime.

Captain Panagiotis Nikiteas, HSQE Manager/DPA/CSO, Maran Dry Management Inc, addressed recent developments in the dry bulk shipping sector. He discussed the establishment of DBCE and DryBMS, calling for all stakeholders to participate “I strongly encourage all bulk operators…. Do you self-assessment and upload it,” he urged. He also explored the role of the rollout of RISQ 3.1.

”Hopefully we are going to move from personal relationships toward a transparent inspection process”

… said Nikiteas. Additionally, he emphasized the need to view crew members as vital contributors to creating resilient safety cultures.

Following the first panel discussion, Athena Kanellatou, Area Sales and Marketing Director, Equipment and Solutions Division, MacGregor, delivered a focus presentation on anchoring equipment. She elaborated on the issue of anchor loss, which, as she explained, can be attributed to a number of factors including heavy weather and lack of proper communication. She also presented best practices to ensure safe anchoring such as mathematic calculations and the continuous assessment based on location, water depth, currents, and tide. On top of that, she stressed the importance of mooring safety, saying that “95% of personal injury incidents are caused by ropes and wire,” and, thus, ensuring the equipment is proper and taking the human factor into consideration becomes crucial. 

Session #2 How Leadership and Management enhance safety culture

Jacob Damgaard, Head of Loss Prevention, Britania P&I Club, explored the essential elements of an effective safety culture and how organizations can cultivate it. He underscored that strong safety leadership and empowering seafarers are crucial for establishing and maintaining a robust safety culture and a sustainable business. 

”Sustainability is not just about the environment it’s also about safety”

… Damgaard pointed out. Moreover, he explained that by focusing on key elements of an effective culture, such as crew empowerment and leadership commitment, organizations can achieve stable improvements in onboard safety.

Capt. Nestoras Grigoropoulos, HSSQE Manager and DPA, Sea Traders S.A., Prominence Maritime S.A, drew the attention towards the pivotal role of leadership and management in creating a safe onboard environment. According to Grigoropoulos, “If you work environment is safe, your company is more attractive than others.” Furthermore, he discussed the foundational elements of safety culture, and its effects on operational efficiency and crew welfare. The presentation also covered technological innovations such as the use of AI regarding maritime safety and maintenance, and the imperative role of feedback in promoting safe operations onboard. 

Capt. Kostas Karavasilis, Regional Director, Loss Prevention, UK P&I Club, supported that communication and training are two of the most important aspects to foster an effective safety culture. As explained by Karabavasilis, “training has become a checklist nowadays,” which poses a set of challenges.

”The more you spend on safety training, the less you’re paying for incidents”

… he explained, urging stakeholders to enhance the training standards of crew members, including soft skills training. Finally, Kostas Karavasilis underlined the importance of providing benefits to the crew members, such as health care, to motivate them. 

During the panel discussion, Nikos Melachropoulos, Technical Consultant, The American Club, made a really interesting point saying that as long as a seafarer is empowered rather than ordered around, they are more likely to be safe. He also advocated for a strong safety culture, put pointed out that maybe implementing more company policies can result in bigger Safety Management Manuals (SMS), and more paperwork, thus, caution and robust planning is needed. 

Session #3 Human factors and human performance 

Alexandra S. Kaloulis, Managing Director, IMEQ Center, explained how psychosocial factors such as stress, fatigue, and interpersonal conflicts can lead to human error and safety incidents. The presentation highlighted strategies to effectively manage these risks. According to Kaloulis, dynamic risk assessment is a very useful tool for operators to understand where they stand with their crew. Risk assessment can promote timely intervention, reduce human error and, as a result, reduce claims, the Managing Director explained. 

Atty. Iris Baguilat, President, Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc., delivered a presentation focused on the importance of loss prevention and compensable claims in the maritime industry, particularly in relation to the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. Her discussion also focused on medical care for seafarers. As she said “We talk about medical care for seafarers, but when the crew is ill, are you there?”, pointing out that stakeholders should be by their crew’s side and support them. Finally, she brought about the need to combat ambulance chasers, individuals or groups exploiting seafarers’ legal claims for profit.

Dr. Maria Progoulaki, Regional Representative and Senior Consultant, Green-Jakobsen A/S, delivered a presentation on the critical importance of understanding the factors that influence human performance in the maritime industry. She explained that the industry tends to think that human performance is a ceteris paribus, meaning “unchanged”.

“Performance analysis should not be a ceteris paribus condition”

… Dr. Progoulaki argued. Human performance is context-based, she emphasized, and collecting relevant data is essential for identifying the needs and challenges that onboard personnel has to meet daily. 

During the third panel discussion, Nikos Toumazatos, Crew Manager, Latsco Marine Management Inc, explained that seafarers’ mental health is at the top of the challenges that the industry faces, as it is often what puts seafarers at risk. He noted that onboard conditions may have improved, but seafarers’ health and wellbeing is far from being a given. Nikos Tomazatos added that fatigue is another serious matter, and he suggested that the companies should promote workload distribution and provide their crew with appropriate tools. 

Session #4 Essential skills training for crew development 

Dr. Joanna Eugenia Bakouni, Learning & Development Manager, Maritime Simulation, Maersk Training, pointed the audience’s attention towards the need to address the skills gap to ensure a sustainable maritime future. Bakouni highlighted deficiencies in current training programs, particularly in areas related to green fuels and decarbonization.

“Too often training is seen as a one-time event, a checklist”

… said Bakouni, advocating for shared strategies for effectively integrating skills into maritime education, and for continuously preparing the workforce for a greener future. 

Valentinos Steliou, Innovation Director/ MD Cyprus, Mintra, highlighted the growing knowledge gap of seafarers, caused by rapid technological innovation and evolving industry demands, that needs to be addressed. According to Steliou, by investing in cutting-edge technology for training, seafarers can gain knowledge and experience various scenarios through simulation-based and immersive training. He also stressed that training should be adaptive and role-based, if the industry strives to have an effective workforce. 

Marinos Kokkinis, Managing Director, OneCare Solutions, expressed a very interesting point during the panel discussion, saying that training needs to be human centric, and the industry needs to understand the needs of the crew such as their age and cultural background. He also stressed the importance of proper training to prepare the crew to handle alternative fuels, but also how to handle a crisis or how to interact with their colleagues onboard.

“If we connect the dots, everything leads to safety”

… Marinos Kokkinis noted, as a properly trained crew on various aspects can stray off a broad spectrum of risks.

Session #5: Best practices for enhanced PSC performance

Capt. Theodore Lalas, Fleet Operations Manager, The Marshall Islands Registry, presented best practices to ensure Port State Control (PSC) compliance. He emphasized how maintaining high standards of quality and adherence to regulations brings significant value to safe maritime operations “A minor deficiency might lead to injury”, he explained. Moreover, Lalas highlighted the importance of evaluating performance and ensuring regulatory compliance across the global maritime industry.

Dimitris Psarros, Business Development Manager, RISK4SEA, focused on the implementation of automated systems to enhance port state control (PSC) compliance. He explained that an Automated Port Call Risk Assessment (POCRA) predicts when a ship will be inspected, streamlining the preparation process. Furthermore, port-specific PSC focus checklists, tailored and prioritized for each vessel, ensure that key compliance areas are addressed. 

“Vessels cannot be prepared with generic checklists”

… Dimitris Psarros highlighted, emphasizing that the seamless, human-free nature of this automation allows for more efficiency and accuracy. 

Session #6 Best practices for enhanced maritime safety

John Southam, Loss Prevention Senior Executive – Greece, NorthStandard, presented on the common weaknesses found in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and their implications for maritime safety. He also referred to key elements of the upcoming S-100 Standard framework document, which he expects to be a big deal for the industry. In view of S100, John Southam advocated for the industry to bring ECDIS more into navigation training and to familiarize operators with it as much as possible.

Ioanna Kafka, Senior Claims Executive, Hull & Machinery Team Greece, The Swedish Club, addressed the growing trend of fire incidents on ships, which have become increasingly frequent and costly in recent years. According to Ioanna Kafka, fires may not statistically occur as often as other marine incidents such as groundings, but they bear significant costs regarding claims. Thus, she highlighted the need for improved loss prevention guidelines, particularly focusing on measures to reduce the likelihood of fires caused by different factors and cargoes onboard ships.

“The time and effectiveness of the response is very important”

… Kafka explained. 

During the last panel discussion, Ria Thanou, DPA, Latsco Marine Management Inc, expressed the opinion that safety culture has made strides, but there is definitely room for improvement as safety practices are neither homogenous nor universal. 

“Safety starts from commitment”

… Ria Thanou said, adding that if companies lead by example, their staff as well as other companies are bound to follow. Finally, she issued a call for transparency across the industry, saying operators can learn from one another and implement relevant proactive measures.

  • ABS (American Bureau Of Shipping) Group
  • ABS Wavesight
  • Adopt A Ship
  • Aegean College
  • Aegean Shipping Management S.A.
  • Aegir Marine
  • Aegir Marine Hellas
  • Aegis Insurance Brokers & Cyber Risks
  • AET Tankers Pte Ltd
  • AIMS Shipping Corporation
  • Air Academy of Greece
  • Akereon IT Consulting
  • Alassia Newships Management Inc.
  • Alberta Shipmanagement Ltd.
  • Allalouf Group
  • Alpha Bank
  • Alpha Gas SA
  • Alpha Marine
  • Ambrey Ltd
  • Anbros Maritme S.A.
  • Ancora Investment Trust
  • Angelakos (Hellas) S.A.
  • AON Greece
  • Ariston Navigation Corp
  • A-Ships Management
  • Asil Transport Co.
  • Ath. Kopoukis – S.T.A.D. SA
  • Atlantic Bulk Carriers Management Ltd
  • Atlantis Management Inc.
  • ATPI Marine Travel
  • Attica Group
  • Azora Marine Co.
  • Balkan Lines
  • Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement
  • BHCC
  • BIMCO
  • Black Rope
  • Britannia P&I Club
  • Bulkseas Marine Management SA
  • Bureau Veritas
  • Business Services International, BSI, Dhaka
  • Byzantine Maritime Corp.
  • C Teleport B.V.
  • Capital Gas Ship Management Corp.
  • Capital Ship Management Corp
  • Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp
  • Carras (Hellas) S.A.
  • Caveman Consulting
  • Central Ship Management Ltd (DMCC Branch)
  • Charterwell Maritime S.A.
  • Chartworld Shipping Corporation
  • City Unity College
  • ClassNK
  • CNR-IN (Italian National Research Council – Institute for Marine Engineering)
  • Cobalt Blue Ltd
  • Columbia Shipmanagement
  • CommonLAWgic
  • Coral Marine Services
  • Costamare Shipping Company S.A.
  • Cronus Maritime Ltd.
  • Crossword
  • Cuma Shipmanagement Ltd
  • Dalnave Navigation Inc.
  • Danesa Management
  • DeepSea Technologies
  • Deera Enterprises
  • DemsLec Maintenance Services
  • Diana Shipping Services S.A.
  • Dianik Bross Shipping Corporation S.A.
  • Digimark
  • DKG Law Firm
  • Dockendale
  • Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc.
  • Dorian LPG Management Corp.
  • DryLog Ltd
  • Dynagas Ltd.
  • Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited
  • ECG
  • Economic Chamber of Greece
  • Edge Maritime Inc.
  • Efnav Company Ltd.
  • EFShipping Company SA
  • ELNAVI Monthly Shipping Review
  • EMTC
  • Endeavor Integrated Solutions
  • Enterprises Shipping & Trading S.A.
  • Epsilon Hellas Overseas
  • ERMA FIRST ESK Engineering Solutions S.A.
  • ESVAGT & Polish Red Cross
  • ETSdesk
  • Eugenides Foundation
  • Eurobulk Ltd
  • Eurocert
  • Eurotankers Inc.
  • Far East Maritime
  • Flagship Founders
  • Fleet Management Limited
  • Fortune Technologies Sa
  • FrontM Ltd
  • G.D.Areteos&Associates Marine Technical Bureau
  • GAC Shipping SA
  • Gard Greece Ltd
  • GasLog
  • Genimar Shipping & Trading S.A.
  • Giovanti Travel
  • Green- Jakobsen A/S
  • Health4Crew
  • HELDECO
  • Hellenic Tankers SA
  • Hellenic Naval Academy
  • Hellenic Star Shipping S.A.
  • Hispania P&I Correspondents
  • Hochleitner Marine
  • Hurdirma
  • Hydrema Baltech IKE
  • Hydrus Engineering
  • IBIA
  • Ideagen Tritan
  • IDWAL
  • IELION
  • IMEQ Innovative Maritime Emotional Intelligence Center
  • IML Marine
  • IMT-MQA Ltd
  • Independent Average Adjusters Limited
  • International Registries, Inc.
  • Interunity Management Corporation S.A
  • Intesoll Engineering Solutions Limited
  • Ionia Management S.A.
  • Ionic Tankers (Mgt) Inc.
  • J G Roussos Shipping SA
  • Kaiko
  • Katradis Marine Ropes Ind. S.A.
  • KB Training and Consultancy
  • Kmk Marine Consultants
  • Kongsberg Digital
  • Konkar Shipping Agencies S.A.
  • Kyvernitis Travel Group
  • Lalizas Hellas S.A.
  • Lanibra D.O.O.
  • Laskaridis Maritime Sa
  • LATC Marine Limited
  • Latsco Marine Management Inc
  • Levante Ferries
  • LGA Global
  • LGMAR
  • LGS Maritime Services
  • Lloyd’s Register
  • LMZ Shipping
  • London P&I Club
  • M/Maritime
  • M2intelligence
  • MacGregor
  • Machas & Partners Law Firm
  • Maersk Training
  • Magsaysay People Resources.
  • Maran Dry Management Inc.
  • Maran Tankers Management Inc.
  • Marcura Group
  • Margetis Maritime Consulting
  • Marinduque State University
  • Marine Tours Sa
  • Mariners Shipping Agency S.A.
  • Maritime & Healthcare Group
  • Maritime Industry
  • Marlink
  • Marsh
  • Masianday Foundation and Center for Academic Research and Development
  • MCTC
  • Metizoft As
  • Metropolitan College
  • MGAL Marine Electronics
  • Ministry of Education
  • Minoa Marine Limited
  • MINTRA
  • Moderna Marine Management Ltd
  • MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy
  • MPP Carriers
  • MSC Maritime Management Services, Inc.
  • N Solution Ltd
  • National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
  • Navarino SA
  • Navarone SA
  • Navilands Container Management Ltd.
  • Navina Maritime SA
  • Neda Maritime Agency
  • Nemiralabyad.com
  • New York College
  • Nigerian Maritime Administration
  • Niovis Shipping SA
  • Northstandard P&I
  • NSB Group
  • NTUA
  • Obrela Security Industries
  • Oceantech Shipping & Trading
  • Odyssey Cyber Security
  • Omicron Ship Management
  • OneCare Group
  • OneCare Solutions
  • OneLink
  • Orbyt Global
  • Orca AI
  • Oriani Hellas IKE
  • Orient Marine Co Ltd Sg
  • Orpheus Marine Transport Corporation
  • OSM Thome
  • P&P Marine Consultants
  • Palaemon Maritime
  • Panama Flag Administration
  • Panama Maritime Authority
  • Panteion University
  • Pantheon Tankers Management Ltd
  • Papa Shipping Co (Hellas) S.A
  • Paradise Navigation SA
  • Paralegal Maritime Services
  • PCG
  • Peakaxe Group
  • Petrochem General Management S.A.
  • PHILCAMSAT
  • Pioneer Marine Hellas SA
  • Piraeus365.gr
  • Pleiades Shipping Agents S.A.
  • Polforce Shipping Co SA
  • Posidonia Exhibitions SA
  • PPC
  • Product Shipping & Trading SA
  • PSA Marine Bureau
  • Radio Holland Hellas
  • Reblaze
  • Rethymnis & Kulukundis Ltd
  • Rightship
  • Ritelane Marine Inc.
  • Roditis Shipping Agency
  • Roswell Tankers Corp.
  • Roxana Shipping SA
  • S.E.Smyrlakis & Associates
  • SAEK Piraeus
  • Samaria Blue Shipmanagement
  • Samos Steamship Co.
  • San Nikolla
  • Sandigan Ship Services Inc.
  • Saos Ferries
  • Scot Tanker
  • Sea Pioneer Shipping Cor.
  • Sea Thrust Ltd.
  • Sea Traders S.A.
  • Seacon Ships Management Europe
  • Seafair
  • Seamax Marine Inc.
  • Seanovate Marine, Inc
  • Seastar
  • Seathrust Ltd.
  • Seaven Tanker and Dry Management Inc.
  • SGS SA
  • Shiplink S.A. – Shiptech Engineering Ltd
  • Shipshave AS
  • Silk Searoad Maritime S.A.
  • Sin Enterprises Ltd.
  • SKF Group
  • SKF Marine Gmbh
  • SOFTimpact Ltd
  • SQLearn
  • Stag Marine
  • Stalwart Management
  • Stealth Maritime Corporation SA
  • SwisssMarine Inc.
  • Sybilla Ltd
  • T&T Salvage
  • The American College of Greece
  • The American P&I Club
  • The Greek Welding Institute
  • The Hood Platform
  • The Marshall Islands Registry
  • The Swedish Club
  • Timagenis Law Firm
  • TMS
  • TORM Shipping Denmark
  • TORM Shipping Phils Inc
  • Travelling in the Aegean Magazine
  • Tsakos Connell Services
  • Tsakos Shipping and Trading
  • TST International SA
  • Tuvalu Maritime Training Institute
  • UK P&I Club
  • Ulysses Systems
  • UMA Marine Greece
  • UNIMED – Universal Marine Medical
  • Union Maritime Ltd
  • Unisea Shipping Ltd.
  • Unitized Ocean Transport
  • University of Patras
  • University of Piraeus
  • University of The Aegean
  • University of West Attica
  • V Ships
  • Valiant Shipping S.A.
  • Vanguard Tech
  • Vanos SA
  • Vantage Shipping Lines S.A.
  • Velos Tankers Ltd.
  • Veritas Shipmanagement
  • Veson Nautical
  • VGroup
  • VIKAND Solutions
  • Virono Shipping S.A.
  • Virono Union Maritime S.A.
  • Vkandoo Marine and Shore Solutions
  • W Marine Inc
  • WCI Maritime Services
  • Weathernews Inc.
  • WeberSeas (Hellas) S.A.
  • West of England
  • Westminster Seafarer Management Phils Inc
  • WISTA Hellas
  • World Marine Corporation
  • Yodiwo SA
  • Young Bataeños for Environmental Advocacy Network “Young Bean”
  • Zante Ferries Magazine

Who Should Attend

This is a must attend event for all companies and individuals interested in Safety Excellence and Sustainable Shipping , including:

  • Ship owners & staff within Technical, HSQE, Operations & Marine Dept.
  • Maritime Compliance Executives
  • Regulatory Authorities & Flag state Representatives
  • Marine insurers & P&I executives

Delegate Helpdesk

General Information

Who can I contact for more information on the event?
Please contact the organizers directly at e-mail: info [at] safety4sea [dot] com

Registration

How do I register?
To register you should fill in the online registration form and follow the instructions contained in the Registration Form.

Is the event free to attend for the delegates?
Attendance to the event is FREE subject to online registration. In case you are interested, please complete the online registration form and confirm with the organizers. FREE attendance includes coffee, snacks and drinks during breaks plus lunch at the event venue. Attendance does NOT include accommodation and/or travelling or parking which should be paid in by the delegates as decided/applicable.

What happens if I am unable to attend despite being registered?
Appreciate if you could inform the organizers by e-mail as soon as possible before the event.

At the event

Where is the event being held and how do I get there?
The event location is at the Grand Hyatt Athens. You may find instructions here. It is advised to enter the venue from the dedicated entrance point on Leondiou Str. There is underground Self Parking in the venue, at the privileged price of 12€ for the duration of the event.

What happens when I get to the event venue?
When you arrive at the event please go to the registration desk and collect your badge which should be worn at all times. Welcome coffee and snacks are available during registration and breaks.

After the event

How may I evaluate and comment on the event?
You may comment with the organizers at any time, during or after the event. Furthermore an event evaluation form will be available online after the event to complete anonymously any comments you may have.

 

Please contact the organizers directly at e-mail: info [at] safety4sea [dot] com


We look forward to welcoming you at this event!

Supporters

Media Sponsor

Organizer

Lead Sponsors

Sponsors