Welcoming Address by Captain John Lloyd, RD, MBA, CMMar, FNI
Chief Executive Officer, The Nautical Institute.
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.
Captain John Lloyd, RD, MBA, CMMar, FNI
Chief Executive Officer, The Nautical Institute