Page 206 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ 2024

MARITIME EDUCATION

the government of the President, Mr Nikos
Christodoulides, place on the qualitative
enhancement of maritime education. She
underscored the Cypriot government's stead-
fast support towards maritime professions,
through initiatives and efforts to inspire a love
for the sea among young people. In closing,
she highlighted the need for highly skilled and
specially trained maritime professionals, both
ashore and at sea, in light of recent develop-
ments in the shipping industry.
In this context, following all the required
inspections according to industry standards
and requirements, the Shipping Deputy Min-
istry of the Republic of Cyprus proceeded
with the recognition of the Merchant Marine
Academy TEENS in Chios. The Academy has
been certified for its training programmes for
Deck Officers and Engine Officers.
Addressing Capt. Panagiotis Tsakos, the Dep-
uty Minister remarked: “Captain, your contri-
bution to Greek and global shipping is invalu-
able and, without a doubt, all of us involved
in maritime affairs for various reasons, owe
you a great deal of gratitude.
On this occasion, I would like to express the
profound appreciation and gratitude of the
Republic of Cyprus, and the President of the
the Republic of Cyprus, which evaluated and Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides
certified the new educational initiative. “We himself, to Captain Tsakos, who, being a child
extend our heartfelt thanks for their trust and of a seafaring family himself, is endowed with
support”, he stated, while pointing out to the a profound understanding and sensitivity
Greek authorities: “I hope that soon Greece towards the vital issues of maritime education.
will enact the appropriate legislative condi- I am certain that the path we have forged
tions to facilitate the establishment of addi- together is far from complete. It will continue
tional non-state maritime academies. Such to grow and strengthen in every aspect, as
advancements would more effectively meet we collectively keep working towards the
the expanding demands of the Greek shipping development of a sustainable global ship-
industry and offer greater opportunities for ping industry. After all, as of today, the heart
the professional development of our nation’s of Cyprus now beats in Chios”.
young talent”. It is worth noting that His All-Holiness, the
Addressing the young attendees, Capt. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s heart-
Panagiotis, filled with emotion, expressed his felt speech deeply moved everyone present,
heartfelt gratitude to those who have chosen bringing a deep sense of inspiration and rev-
to serve Greek shipping. He cited the words erence to the occasion. His All-Holiness high-
of Albert Einstein, “Life is like riding a bicycle. lighted the vital significance of the Academy
To keep your balance, you must keep mov- and its mission to advance maritime excel-
ing”, encouraging the younger generation to lence and education.
have faith in their abilities and persist in their Finally, Panagiotis N. Tsakos, grandson of the
endeavours, emphasising the importance of Tsakos Group founder, delivered a moving and
continual progress and self-confidence. inspirational speech that elicited considerable
In her address, Mrs Marina Hadjimanolis, emotion and hope for the future. He passion-
Shipping Deputy Minister of Cyprus, who was ately conveyed the Tsakos family’s commit-
accompanied by His Excellency the Ambas- ment to upholding his grandfather’s vision and
sador of the Republic of Cyprus to Greece, the desire of future generations to advance
Mr Stavros Avgoustides, stressed the critical maritime education and inspire young people
importance the Shipping Deputy Ministry and to pursue careers in the maritime profession.

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