The shipping industry is currently facing economic, operational and structural challenges. At the same time, the Greek shipping industry,
controlling almost a fifth of the world’s shipping fleet and long a source of national pride, rises to meet the difficulties ahead and continues to support shipping professionals to acquire up-to-date knowledge, skills and expertise.
Greek shipowners know that the industry is, now more than ever, in need of well-qualified, trained and adequate manpower base, equipped to counter these developments by making necessary decisions and managing risks and demands of the market.
Although arranging for the candidates to visit ships during these controversial conditions can be a challenge, there are always entrepreneurial shipping companies to undertake the task. AB Maritime Inc. being one of them, kindly arranged a visit for our students to their bulk-carrier vessel the “ELINA B”, currently at the port of Piraeus.
It is important for students to visit vessels, have the opportunity onboard them and have their operation and equipment explained, as they gain a vital awareness of an essential element the shipping sector.
This was the purpose of the ICS Greek Branch visit on board the “Elina B” on Friday 26th February 2016, for 20 candidates, tutors and staff. The Managing Director, Mr Spyros Vamvakas and Cpt George Papageorgiou took the visitors on a tour of vessel whilst explaining its main parts and equipment and their relevant functions. It was a particularly interesting visit as everyone went around the cargo hatches, the bridge, the accommodation and engine room. It was a good insight into the reality of a merchant ship in action.
Students were grateful to be given the opportunity to visit a vessel, the integral part of commercial shipping they have been long studying in theory during the Annual Professional Maritime Programme that prepares the candidates for the ICS Professional Qualifying Examinations, leading to ICS Membership, the only professional qualification that is internationally recognized as a mark of competence for shipping professionals.
Τhe Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), major international provider of professional education and training in the shipping industry since 1911 and the Hellenic Management Centre, official educational provider of ICS in Greece, are committed to the provision of continuous professional development within the shipping and this visit proved this once again.
This is why Chartered Shipbroker status commands respect, demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning and also opens the doorway to an established and worldwide network within the shipping industry.