Dear Conference hosts, speakers and delegates, it is my great pleasure to provide a welcoming address to this memorable event delivered at one of the key centres for maritime manning, training and professional development.

Through the good offices of Rector Miyusov and his staff here at the Academy, I know that the professional needs of our mariners is being comprehensively delivered. It is important to ensure there is an international perspective to all maritime discussions and the International Forum on Seafarers’ Education, Training and Crewing provides the ideal opportunity to share experiences, understand emerging challenges and to work together to deliver solutions for today, tomorrow and into the future.

Such opportunities can only be addressed by bringing together experts in their field and I congratulate the Rector in attracting a high profile international delegation to Odessa, and I thank the delegation for giving of their time and sharing their expertise. I look forward to interesting discussions and vigorous debate on the key factors for professionalism in our workforce.

Professionalism is about much more than qualifications. Personal qualities such as leadership and management skills, communication and empathy, technical awareness and decision-making capability are all part of the make-up of our leading professionals in this or any other sector.

Once qualified, it is equally important to have a supportive network of like-minded professional who you can talk to, ask for advice or generally support. This is the role of The Nautical Institute, the leading professional organisation of its type with members located globally. Fundamental to our success is the branch network that helps us address local matters as well as international ones. A leading example of this is the Nautical Institute of Ukraine which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary providing support and direction to our members in the region. I extend my thanks to all of the branch executive and especially to Professor Vladimir Torskiy who is not only an accomplished technical author, but is also one of the key leaders for our organisation in Ukraine.

I am looking forward to meeting you over the coming days and sharing in the workshops and discussions. My best wishes to all.

The 8th International Forum on Seafarers’ Education, Training and Crewing (ETC-2021) was successfully held on August 31 – September 2, 2021 in the Passenger Complex of the Odessa Port.

The forum organized by the National University “Odessa Maritime Academy” and the Exhibition Center “Odessa Home” united a Conference and an Exhibition, in which more than 100 companies from 15 countries took part.
Forum participants – maritime educational institutions, crewing and transport companies, developers of marine simulators and software, banks, medical centers and other organizations involved in seafarers’ education, training, labor relations and daily life.
The general partner of the Forum is ANGLO-EASTERN SHIP MANAGEMENT (Hong Kong) – a leading independent provider of ship management services for shipowners around the world.
 The general partner of the exhibition is WÄRTSILÄ – a global leader in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for marine and energy markets.
The conference program included 5 plenary sessions, 8 presentations and 2 panel discussions    https://etc-odessa.com/docs/2021/ETC-2021_Agenda.pdf
Topics for plenary sessions and panel discussions: global shipping today and tomorrow; the human factor and the work of seafarers in a pandemic; upcoming challenges for seafarer recruitment agencies; education and practical training of seafarers; the use of simulators, new teaching technologies and knowledge assessment.
The Forum’s motto is “Partnership for Progress”. The partnership, the joint efforts of all interested parties, will solve the problem of the lack of qualified personnel in the world merchant fleet and ensure efficient and safe shipping.