The longstanding maritime tradition of passing knowledge and skills from one mariner to the next has sustained the industry since its inception. Although modern seafarers use advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital solutions, the in-person exchange of experience and expertise remains essential to safe vessel operation.
International Registries, Inc. and its affiliates (IRI), which provide administrative and technical support to the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Registry, actively participate in this tradition through officer seminars, crew forums, university workshops, and maritime academy conferences around the world. These engagements reflect a shared commitment across owners, operators, the flag State administration, and educators to support seafarers at every stage of their careers.
Learning Together
Over the past several months, the RMI Registry’s team has participated in several senior officer seminars organized by owners and operators to support the sharing of best practices and engage in collaborative learning. These seminars provide a valuable platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience while reinforcing flag State expectations. Discussions surrounding marine investigations and lessons learned from real-world incidents offer senior officers the opportunity to transform operational experience into practical knowledge.
Engaging with senior officers at seminars worldwide, RMI Registry team members from all regions have provided a flag State perspective on port State control (PSC) inspections, marine casualties and incident investigations, compliance and operational excellence, and company performance aimed at providing real-world examples and invoking discussions about lessons learned and best practices. Team members speaking at these events have included Christopher Rarugal, Flag State Inspector (Hong Kong); Mert Ferah, Deputy Fleet Operations Manager (Istanbul); Vinod Kumar, Director, Innovation & Technology, Fleet Operations (Mumbai); Captain Theodore Lalas, Fleet Operations Manager (Piraeus); Captain John Sideris, Deputy Fleet Operations Manager (Piraeus); Simeon Petradakis, Deputy Fleet Operations Manager (Baltimore / Annapolis); Rafael Riva, Vice President, Client Relations (Houston); and Steve Garcia, Senior LNG/LPG Specialist (Houston). These topics, which are critical to enhancing safe vessel operation, provide participating RMI Registry personnel with an opportunity to share best practices, successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
Supporting the Next Generation
Recognizing that cross-training and seminars early in a cadet’s career help bridge the gap between classroom education and the real world, the RMI Registry’s team actively engages directly with young people, helping them better understand the realities, opportunities, and responsibilities of a career at sea.
In Spring 2026, 30 students from the MSc in International Shipping, Finance and Management (ISFM) program at the Athens University of Economics and Business participated in a special workshop at IRI’s Piraeus office. Through presentations on the role of the flag State and technical fleet management, as well as open dialogue and discussion, students gained practical insights into the operational side of the shipping industry.
Future leaders of the maritime industry are brought together regularly across Greece at ISALOS “Choose Shipping” conferences. These conferences, which bring together students, educators, and maritime professionals, are designed to introduce students to the wide range of career opportunities available within the maritime sector.
At the Merchant Marine Academy of Macedonia in Thessaloniki, more than 960 students attended the “I Choose Shipping” conference, including 455 first-year cadets. Through workshops, discussions, and direct engagement with students, RMI Registry team members shared real-world industry perspectives and encouraged aspiring seafarers to pursue careers in shipping.
Likewise, at the Merchant Marine Academy of Crete, students participated in thematic discussions focused on their first training voyages, health and safety at sea, and the evolving challenges facing modern seafarers. Specialized workshops and networking opportunities allowed students to interact directly with industry representatives and gain valuable insights into life beyond the classroom.
More than 500 students from merchant marine academies across Greece attended the 39th “Choosing Shipping” workshop hosted at the Eugenides Foundation in Athens. Captain Lalas presented at the workshop and engaged students at the booth about RMI Registry activities.
Whether collaborating with senior officers to share knowledge and expertise or engaging with cadets and those interested in pursuing a maritime career, IRI and the RMI Registry remain committed to supporting the maritime industry. By fostering open communication and supporting the transfer of skills, knowledge, and practical know-how between maritime leaders, IRI and the RMI Registry aim to ensure that the industry is prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.
