The 2023 CAREER4SEA Forum took place virtually on December 13th, highlighting that the maritime industry has a new face to show; it is open to embrace young people, becoming day by day more diverse, equal and inclusive.
Whether pursuing roles at sea or onshore, professionals from diverse backgrounds can find a place within the maritime sector. The forum consisted of four panels which focused on a wide variety of issues that the maritime industry is now facing and how to improve the perception of shipping among the public and younger generations. More specifically, within the day, esteemed maritime experts engaged in enlightening panel discussions, emphasizing on all key issues that are crucial to reframe shipping as an attractive industry and a wise career option.
The event was organized by SAFETY4SEA having as lead sponsors the following organizations: MacGregor and SQEMARINE. Other sponsors were: The American P&I Club, Arcadia Ship Management, Blue Planet Shipping Ltd, Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp., Capital Gas Ship Management Corp., Capital Shipmanagement, Columbia Ship Management, Diaplous, DNV, Dorian LPG, Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited (EASTMED), EURONAV, Green Jakobsen, Latsco Marine Management Inc., NorthStandard, OSM Thome, RISK4SEA, SEAFiT, Steamship Mutual, UK P&I Club, V.Group.
We certainly witness day by day good things taking place and above all a nice spirit of collaboration and innovation. Let’s keep all the positive messages and remember that we navigate through challenging but so exciting times in the shipping industry.
…said Sandra Psychogiou, Editor In Chief, SAFETY4SEA, in an opening statement.
Session #1 – Shipping Past, Present, Future
The first panel of the event, moderated by Sandra Psychogiou, Editor In Chief, SAFETY4SEA, discussed the primary challenges and priorities within the industry, emphasizing that while decarbonization is a crucial concern, it shouldn’t overshadow other important issues on the agenda. The following experts participated: Panagiotis Kourkoumelis, Training and Development Manager, Kyklades Maritime Corporation; Ross Millar, Loss Prevention Associate, Steamship Insurance Management Services Limited; Lennart Ripke, Director Sales, Green Jakobsen and; Capt. Yves Vandenborn, Head of Loss Prevention Asia-Pacific, NorthStandard
Session #2 – The Perfect Applicant
Experts of this panel, moderated by Anastasia Kypriotaki, News Editor, SAFETY4SEA, explained the fascinating career opportunities that the maritime industry offers across its multiple sectors and highlighted that maritime professionals need to invest more in soft skills and skills development. The following stakeholders participated: Capt. Christos Gianneios, Crew Manager, Niovis Shipping Co. S.A.; Ben Darnton, Director, Halcyon Recruitment; Panagiotis Konstantopoulos, Deputy Crew Manager, Maran Tankers Management Inc; Amalia Marcou, Crew Director & HR Manager, Enesel Dry SA and; Katerina Tzimogianni, Human Resources Business Partner, V. Ships Greece Ltd
Session #3 – Life onboard
Under the moderation of Katerina Tsiakaraki, News Editor at SAFETY4SEA, the third panel engaged in conversations with seafarers/captains. These individuals shared firsthand experiences of challenges faced at sea, encouraging the younger generation to consider pursuing a career at sea. The following seafarers participated: Christian Rey Dela Cruz, Third Assistant Engineer, NYK Line; Capt. Athanasios Glavas, Master (LNG Industry), Maran Gas Maritime Inc; Danica Mae Madela, 2nd Officer; Capt. Anastasios Mavrogenis, Master, Latsco Marine Management Inc.and; Capt. Thilanka Sirimanna, USV Pilot/ Master, XOCEAN Ltd.
Session #4 – Shipping industry as an attractive working environment
The last panel was moderated by Sandra Psychogiou, Editor In Chief, SAFETY4SEA, and included the following experts: Antigoni Botsi, Regional HR Manager GR and CY, V. Ships Greece Ltd.; Chris Hall, MD Hong Kong, American Club; Capt. Konstantinos G. Karavasilis, Regional Director, Loss Prevention, UK P&I Club and; Capt. VS Parani, Vice President – Marine, Tufton Asset Management who deliberated on the advantages of psychological safety and mentorship within the maritime industry, underscoring the importance of increasing awareness and promoting initiatives related to mental health and well-being.
