To recognise the 15th Anniversary of the formation of the Branch, the Nautical Institute of Ukraine held an International Seminar and Celebratory event in Odessa in October.

In his opening address Captain Richard Coates, FNI, Past President passed on the thanks and congratulations of the President, Headquarters staff and Officials from the Executive Board and Council, in recognising the valuable contribution made by the N.I.U. to much of the work carried out by the N.I. since the inception of the Branch. In particular he cited the positive input received in response to the various Presidents Questionnaires, which proved invaluable when formulating the subsequent 5 year Strategic Plans which provide a focus for the work undertaken by the N.I. as a whole. In addition, he thanked Branch Members and Officials for their dedicated contributions to Council and its various Committees, including important representation at the International Maritime Organisation.

The Seminar was held at the Odessa National Maritime Academy (which has recently been awarded University status), and covered a wide range of topics on the theme of “The Safety of Shipping and Maritime Law issues in the light of IMO and ILO Convention Requirements”. This wide ranging theme provided a platform for the various speakers to revisit topics covered in Seminars held over the past 15 years, and to provide updates on new developments in the ever changing world of the regulation of Shipping.
The speakers included Nautical Academics, Shipowners and Crewing Managers, Maritime Lawyers, Surveyors and Seafarers. The topics covered included Training and Certification issues, the problems experienced by ships staff in dealing with Surveys relating to IMO and ILO Conventions, and in particular those experienced in the Black Sea Region, Problems and Solutions with respect to Ballast Water Management, and as an example of an ongoing topical issue of great relevance locally, a passionate paper highlighting the problems associated with the carriage of fumigated cargoes such as grain in bulk.

The various presentations were interspersed with video clips of some of the highlights of activities organised by the Branch over the last 15 years, together with video greetings from the President and many Past Presidents and Officials who have had the pleasure of visiting the Ukraine in these years. It was particularly significant to watch a video of the signing of the documentation upon the formation of the Branch some 15 years ago conducted by (then) President Capt. Martin Scott, FNI, Rector Prof. M. Miysov, and Hon. Secretary Capt. Prof. Vladimir Torskiy, FNI. Prof. Torskiy remains in post as Branch Hon. Sec. to this day, and in recognition of his 15 years of dedicated service, Past President Capt. Richard Coates FNI, was delighted to present the Branch with a Secretaries’ Chain of Office, symbolising the close relationship and understanding which have been formed between the Nautical Institute of Ukraine, N.I. Headquarters in London, and the Membership worldwide.

The Seminar and Celebrations also provided an opportunity for a video presentation of the recently recorded “Hymn” or “Anthem” of the Nautical Institute of Ukraine, which was received with great acclaim by the many members and delegates present.
Congratulations to the Nautical Institute of Ukraine for a successfull Seminar and first 15 years, with best wishes for many more similar years to come in the future.

Contributed by Capt. Richard A. Coates, FNI. Past President.