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Despite the pandemic situation and the restriction measures, yachting remains a field that keeps flourishing and offering new job opportunities and perspectives. Captain George Parissis, Superyacht Academy Development Advisor and Trainer is sharing valuable information and career tips. He is also explaining yachting’s reliability, resilience and growth rate through this unprecedented situation.

What makes Yachting one of the most attractive and career friendly fields of the Greek job market?

The importance of experienced crews in the Yachting industry, like in any professional field, is very high. However, the truth is that nowadays experience alone is not enough. Therefore, someone equipped with comprehensive and integrated knowledge of yachting is a strong candidate in the job market. The career opportunities that can occur are better and more interesting in all aspects.

Apart from being qualified, which soft skills are (considered to be) significant for a successful career path in this industry?

No matter the position on board, most yacht owners are looking for someone who is capable to think as a passenger and professional on the same time, a mentality that Metropolitan College’s Superyacht Academy imparts to its candidates. And of course leadership, always leadership! While skills such as creativity, communication skills, a growth driven mindset, emotional intelligence and collaboration-teamworking can make you a great yacht crew member, leadership skills will elevate you even further.

According to you, what makes Metropolitan College Superyacht Academy training courses stand out?

Benefits are multiple. Crew members have a training experience that leads to their professional and personal development. Furthermore, they gain the kind of knowledge that strengthens their hard and soft skills, including the ones i previously mentioned, too. I think that Metropolitan College Superyacht Academy training programmes are a “must” for every professional who wants to be considered “special”.

More specifically, hοw the G.U.E.S.T. training programme could boost a crew member’s career in the yachting industry?

The G.U.E.S.T. programme is an asset for the Interior Yacht Crew! Being the only programme accredited by IAMI (International Association of Maritime Institutions), it provides the standards of training required in the yachting industry and establishes a solid progressive career path for the crew members. The trainees benefit from high-level knowledge and they enhance their skills. Additionally, they improve the quality of hospitality services they provide and ensure exceptional onboard experience for both owners and guests. For all the captains, brokers, management companies and owners all over the world, the G.U.E.S.T. certification it is considered to be a synonym of excellence in respect of the abilities and competencies the trained crew members bring to their role onboard. In other words, it is a prerequisite!

How the corona virus pandemic affected the yachting industry and what’s your prediction for the future?

Almost every industry either has, currently is or will be affected somehow by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The future of the yacht chartering could be changed after this pandemic and there could be a much higher need for refundable bookings and added clauses in contracts. On the positive side, we could see an increase of interest of private charters over group charters or cruise holidays once things come back to normal. We are a highly resilient industry and I feel very confident that we will recover.

What would you advise the professionals or the new entries of the industry to achieve their professional goals?

I strongly recommend that captains and crews leap at the opportunity that arose from the Covid-19 pandemic and rush! Rush to brush up their CVs, rush to improve their skills and their visibility, rush to be ready for when things kick off again! Metropolitan College Superyacht Academy courses are here to transform any threat to opportunity!

What is working on a yacht like and how to figure out if it is appropriate for you.

Fresh air and sun light throughout the day, travelling around the world in the most idyllic landscapes, elite experiences, direct contact with nature, happy people and positive vibes by the sea. It may seem like a scene of an imaginary life but it is part of the reality while working on a yacht or a superyacht.

Undoubtedly, the yachting sector is one of the most appealing and fascinating jobs anyone could ever imagine to work in. And also challenging, since the requirements for future professionals are many in order to meet the clientele’s demands.

Whether you examine if you could actually make a living as a Yacht/Superyacht Professional or think making a career shift in your life, this article will briefly explain to you why thousands of people choose to work on board.

Travelling around the world

It’s not a secret that superyachts travel to some of the most exotic and stunning destinations in the world. This means that, while sailing, you will also be able to see great places and tick them off your travel list. It will not always be easy to enjoy and explore them to the fullest but you’ll certainly find yourself in destinations that you may never have travelled to otherwise.

Building strong, lifetime friendships

Colleagues are often the people with whom you spend most of your day. On a yacht you are surrounded by them 24 hours a day, seven days a week and probably plan your days off together. Given that most of times you have the same aspirations and experiences, it’s very likely you’ll find people you really get on with. Besides that, away from home the need for communication and connection is much stronger. It is not uncommon for fellow crew partners to built intimate relationships, become long-lasting friends (or even partners).

Of course, as with any job, there are also downfalls. Some days work can be a lot harder and demanding. Additionally, living away from home and missing your own family might also be stressful. Weighing up positive and negative aspects, will help you determine if yachting sector is good for you.

In any case, welcome aboard!

Why Metropolitan College Superyacht Academy is the starting point for your yachting career

Located in the centre of Piraeus in an 11-floor modern campus with first class facilities, the Superyacht Academy of Metropolitan College offers yacht officers and crew training programmes of the highest standards. The purpose of all introductory programmes is to create a deep understanding of how the yachting industry works, which are its main principles and attitudes depending on the position and to provide participants with advanced knowledge and skills that will enable them to succeed in an industry that is both demanding and competitive. Successful completion of each programme leads to internationally recognised certification that allow participants to pursue their career globally.

Supporting ideas and initiatives delivered by young entrepreneurs related to the Greek Shipping sector, Metropolitan College sponsored “YES to Shipping Forum 2020”. Additionally, Metropolitan College was represented by Capt. George Tsouris, Professor of Metropolitan College’s Maritime Academy who was one of the Forum speakers.

“YES to Shipping Forum 2020” , themed “Young Generation of Greece in an open dialogue with the representatives of the Greek Maritime Cluster”, was held virtually, in the context of Posidonia Web Forums Week. Aiming to help and promote the next generation of the Greek Shipping Industry, prominent members of the Greek Maritime Cluster (principal executives from the whole spectrum of the maritime cluster, prestigious academics, representatives of Μinistries, Μerchant Μarine Academies and Shipping Organisations), exchanged views and opinions, shared valuable experiences, advices, examples, knowledge, suggestions and useful insights. Talks and discussions raised an open dialogue among principals, executives and university students, recent graduates and young executives who wish to pursue a career or already working in Shipping.

Additionally, during ‘YES to Shipping Forum 2020“, were presented the results of the YES FORUM research. The research recorded young generation’s views towards the demands and expectations the shipping industry has on them.

It is worth mentioning that Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of European Commission, Ioannis Plakiotakis, Minister of Shipping & Insular Policy and Niki Kerameus, Minister of Education and Religious Affairs, addressed remarks to the esteemed guests and opened the Forum.

A few words about YES to Shipping Forum
YES Forum is the platform of open dialogue in the Greek Shipping and Sea Tourism Industry among principals, executives and university students, recent graduates and young executives that takes place under the auspices of the Ministries of Shipping, Education, Tourism and the majority of the Greek Universities. YES Forum mission is to create the next generation of Shipping by passing knowledge, experience and shipping history, identify the generation gap and bridge it, as well as, to arise networking opportunities and skills for young people exercising in practice by becoming acquainted with the Posidonia Exhibitions and the spectrum of Shipping Industry.

This year’s SAFETY4SEA Awards ceremony was held virtually and the winners were announced at a special virtual event. It is worth reminding that the awards focus exclusively on initiatives and individuals who foster Safety Excellence & Sustainable Shipping, following a combination of open nomination and audience-vote.

In this context, Kongsberg Digital company received the SAFETY4SEA Training Award 2020 by Metropolitan College
for the development of its K-Sim Fishery simulator. Kongsberg Digital is a technology driven Norwegian company that was founded towards the provision of software and digital solutions to companies within the merchant navy, the petroleum industry, the renewable energy and utilities industry. Its recent development was created to meet the needs of the fishing industry with a specially adapted training system that, complying at the same time with STCW’s training requirements, DNV GL’s certification standards and UN’s Sustainability Goal number 14.

Mr Romanos Rodopoulos, Head of Maritime Academy and Member of Metropolitan College’s Board, represented the College and awarded Kongsberg Digital. He congratulated the winners for their significant contribution to the digitalisation of the maritime education. He also underlined Maritime’s Academy vision for a technology driven education system along with the use of software and digital solutions.

“At Metropolitan College we have a vision for Maritime Education in Greece. We strongly believe that our country could play a critical role in this sector, by developing into an international maritime training hub. Towards this vision, the use of next generation software and digital solutions in the educational process is definitely a valuable ally. And this is one of the reasons we are delighted and honored to present this award, which recognizes the contribution of Kongsberg Digital to the technological evolution of maritime education. Kongsberg Digital has been nominated for the development of its K-Sim Fishery simulator to meet the needs of the fishing industry with a specially adapted training system”, he mentioned during his short speech as the Award’s Sponsor.

It is worth saying that Metropolitan College’s Maritime Academy received the SAFETY4SEA Training Award, last year, at the 2019 SAFETY4SEA Awards, for delivering high quality Maritime Education programmes in partnership with the world-leading, 70-year-old Warsash School of Maritime Science and Engineering of Solent University in Southampton.

Metropolitan College had the honor to support as a sponsor the 11th Hydra Shipping Conference, organized by the Fraternity of the Athenian Hydriots. The Conference, which is being held on an annual basis, took place in the island of Hydra, under the auspices of the Ministry of Shipping, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, the Hellenic Marine Environment Association (HELMEPA) and many more official shipping and maritime associations.

Metropolitan College participated as a sponsor and was represented by Professor Dinos Arcoumanis, President of Metropolitan College’s Academic Council who gave a speech concerning one of the Conference’s main topics.

The conference’s theme was “Greek Shipping, a Factor of International Influence &National Defense of Greece” and was consisted of two main areas of discussion “Geopolitics & Shipping [Post-Pandemic and Mid-Pandemic]” and “Decarbonization”.

In the context above, Professor Arcoumanis raised the issue of the IMO’s directive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by at least 50% by 2050. More specifically he said: “While the sector currently represents 2-3% of global CO2 emissions, 10-15 billion were spent by shipowners to put scrubbers on their vessels which will be obsolete in 10 years. Studies have shown that shipping is a long way away from meeting our 2050 target. Most companies do not have a strategy for decarbonization, because there is uncertainty and opinions differ”.

During his speech, Mr Arcoumanis spoke of the possibility of developing ammonia as a fuel (zero CO2) and said that shipowners need to ensure that their engines will be able to burn zero CO2 emission fuel. Professor Arcoumanis also mentioned the importance of having one Ministry in the future associated with Shipping,Energy and the Environment. “Greeks will rise to the challenge as we have the unique quality of ‘filotimo’ and clever intelligence”, he said.

Metropolitan College’s Superyacht Academy launches the new innovating institution “Yachting Talks“. This initiative aims to shed light on the significant current issues emerging in the Yachting sector, one of the most rapidly growing fields of the Shipping Industry.

In this context, Metropolitan College organizes Round Tables series which are hosted at Piraeus Campus. Stakeholders, leading figures, experts and high-qualified representatives of the Yachting sector that participate in each meeting, exchange their experience and know-how in an attempt to contribute to Metropolitan College’s broadened goal: the progress of the Yachting sector. 

The first Round Table hosted the following participants: Capt. Manolis Antonopoulos, Capt. Panagiotis Danopoulos, Capt. Dimitris Loizos, Capt. Thanos Vourvopoulos, Capt. Panos Zorzos, Fatou Bey Magagnin, Directe Service Membres at Yacht Club de Monaco and Capt. George Parissis as a moderator. Mr. Romanos Rodopoulos, head of the Maritime Academy and member of Metropolitan College’s board and Mrs Apostolopoulou Vicky, Business Development Executive at Metropolitan College’s Faculty of Shipping & Maritime Studies, also attended the meeting.

Photo-highlights from the first Round Table:

The discussion themed as “The Future of Superyachts in Greece and the Essential Role of the Crew on a Charter Yacht”. Cruising Destinations (comparison between Greece and West Med, Croatia & Turkey), key areas for crew improvement (training, availability & standards) in Greece and the impact of their seasonal nature of crew jobs were some of the topics approached.

The second round table was assisted by the President Greek Yachting Association/CEO Αtalanta Golden Yachts, Mr Michalis Skoulikidis, the President Greek Marinas Association/Managing Director Flisvos Marina SA, Mr Stavros Katsikadis, and the CEO Parcifal Yachting, Mr Hidirogllou Nicolaos and Capt. George Parissis as a moderator. Mr. Romanos Rodopoulos, head of the Maritime Academy and member of Metropolitan College’s board and Mrs Apostolopoulou Vicky, Business Development Executive at Metropolitan College’s Faculty of Shipping & Maritime Studies also attended the Round Table.

Photo-highlights from the second Round Table:

“Chartering in Greece – East Med & the Role of Well-Trained Crew” was the main theme covered by the second Round Table focusing on topics such as the full utilization of the Greek Marinas, the upcoming destinations in Greece & East Med, the role of well-trained crew on a Greek charter yacht, as well as, key considerations when looking for a well-trained crew.

Metropolitan College’s Maritime Academy welcomed and hosted Mr Antonis Trakakis, Technical Manager at ARISTA Shipping, at the Lecture Hall of Piraeus Campus for a speech concerning Forward Ships, an innovative technology in sea transportation.

Forward Ships, with its patented IP Kamsarmax design and simplicity of design, enables the adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as the fuel of choice for ships at a global scale.  Forward Ships has applied existing and tested technology to design a cargo ship that emits up to 35% less CO2, 80% less NOx,  99% less SOx, 99% less particulate matter (PM) than conventional ships, and that can produce up to 50% savings in fuel costs. Forward Ships is the result of Project Forward, a five-year R&D effort led by Arista Shipping. With its futureproof design, Forward Ships is taking the lead in meeting IMO’s 2050 emissions’ reduction targets.

It is worth mentioning that, within the framework of “Shipping Leaders in Residence” institution, the School of Shipping and Maritime Studies of Metropolitan College hosts leading figures and prominent personalities of the shipping industry throughout the year, who share their long experience with the students and the general public. Hosted lectures concern a different subject each time, directly related to the shipping industry and the nautical reality, but also related to the latest developments, trends and challenges of the industry worldwide.

Metropolitan College’s Maritime & Superyacht Academy was awarded at the “Greek Yachting Awards 2019”, receiving an Honorary Award for its pioneering training programmes, as well as, its significant contribution to the development of the yachting industry, one of the most important Greek industries. Mr Vaggelis Rodopoulos, member of the Board of Metropoltitan-AKMI Educational Group, attended this unique award ceremony, which took place at Zappeion Megaron, and received the award.

Yachting Awards, organised by ONDECK Media, were held for the first time in Greece in order to honour the leading figures of the Yachting, Superyachting and Sea Tourism industry for their vision and the implementation of innovative ideas that contribute to its progress.

A lot of prominent personalities and executives from the world of business and politics honoured the award ceremony with their presence.

A few words about Metropolitan College’s Maritime & Superyacht Academy

Metropolitan College is the largest UK Transnational Education Provider in Greece, offering more than 66 Bachelors & Masters in collaboration with top Universities in 7 campuses. Its Maritime & Superyacht Academy in partnership with the world-leading 70-year-old Warsash School of Maritime Science & Engineering of Solent University, Southampton, gives the opportunity to young people to attend one of the world’s leading maritime academies without leaving Greece. The Academy is based in the 3,500m² College facilities in Piraeus, and delivers Maritime Education with an international perspective, covering the whole range of maritime training [Merchant Navy Officers, Yacht / Superyacht Officers & Yacht Hospitality Crews], as well as undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Maritime Business, Maritime Law, Shipping & Port Management, Maritime Transport & International Logistics.

The Superyacht Academy of Metropolitan College offers yacht officers and crew training programmes of the highest standards in collaboration with Warsash Superyacht Academy (part of Solent University, Southampton), the Maritime and Coastguard Agency of the UK (MCA), the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), and the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI). The purpose of all yacht training programmes is to provide participants with advanced knowledge and skills that will enable them to succeed in an industry that is both extremely demanding and competitive.

Metropolitan College’s Maritime Academy received the SAFETY4SEA Training Award 2019, sponsored by Chandris (Hellas) Inc, at SAFETY4SEA Awards, for delivering high quality Maritime Education programmes in partnership with the world-leading, 70-year-old Warsash School of Maritime Science and Engineering of Solent University in Southampton.

SAFETYT4SEA Awards were announced at a prestigious awards ceremony which successfully concluded on October the 1st at Yacht Club of Greece in Piraeus. SAFETY4SEA Awards are held annually within the scope of fostering Safety Excellence & Sustainable Shipping and awarding industry’s prominent personalities and outstanding company practices for Excellence, Sustainability, Training, Technology, Initiative, Personality and Leadership. 

It is worth mentioning that other short-listed nominees for this category were IMCA, MAGSAYSAY Peoples Resources Corporation, Hellenic Navy – NAFTES and Veritas Training Center. The distinction upgrades Metropolitan College’s Maritime Academy as a world shipping leader.

At the ceremony attended Metropolitan College’s Maritime Academy academics and executives members, as well as representatives of Sοlent University, Southampton.

Metropolitan College’s Maritime Academy is one of the largest Maritime and Shipping studies Educational Institutions in South Europe, delivering Maritime Education with an international perspective in Greece and accredited by numerous maritime institutions worldwide. The Academy covers the whole range of maritime training, starting with merchant navy officers, Yacht/Superyacht officers and crews, undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Shipping and Port Management. Metropolitan College also collaborates with IAMI to provide specialized certifications in the field of Superyacht Training.

Metropolitan College’s Maritime Academy hosted 18 students and 2 academics from California State University-Maritime Academy.

The group visited the Campus of Piraeus where members of the administrative and academic staff of the Faculty of Shipping welcomed and guided them at the state-of-the-art premises of the campus located in the heart of Piraeus city.

Cal Maritime students had a fruitful meeting with the students and professors of Metropolitan College’s Maritime Academy during which they had the opportunity to discuss issues of common interest and exchange opinions and ideas on their future plans. Additionally, they attended lecture from Dr. Evi Plomaritou, professor at Metropolitan College, who delivered a speech in the steps for a successful career in shipping.

The visit was completed with great enthusiasm by both sides strengthening the communication and cooperation between the two institutions for the mutual benefit of the students.