Crew safety and wellbeing, enhanced technical knowhow on pollution prevention, strict implementation of safety procedures to avoid repeating accidents on board, cybersecurity and soft skills’ development constitute the main thematic categories of HELMEPA’s new Training Program based on the priorities identified from focused research among 52 shipping companies managing a total fleet of 1.100 vessels and 11 classification societies, P&I Clubs and maritime stakeholders. The compilation of the new Program also takes into consideration forthcoming legislative and technological developments along with safety and environment-related deficiencies recorded during Port State Control inspections.

Continuing the long-standing cooperation between the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association - HELMEPA and the US Coast Guard, the annual meeting of the USCG leadership and members of the Association took place online (due to Covid-19 restrictions), on Wednesday 14 December 2022, maintaining an open dialogue and highlighting areas of mutual interest and concern. Specifically, Rear Admiral Wayne Arguin, USCG Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, addressed 65 representatives of HELMEPA member-managing companies covering all contemporary issues on foreign-flag vessels trading in the US, such as crew wellness and alternative fuels, control of ship discharges through the forthcoming Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA), ballast water management and biofouling, new technologies and cybersecurity, replying to all their questions.

The need for further education and training of seafarers for the green and digital transition, as well as the commitment of the Greek maritime community to cooperate in addressing common challenges through sharing of technical know-how, experience and best practices, were highlighted by the qualitative data of HELMEPA's 2022 Refresher Training Program. The program was implemented by the Maritime Training Center (186 hours of training) with the active participation of 160 shipping companies and organizations.

While the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are gradually making their way into the policy environment, the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss are increasingly becoming evident in the Mediterranean basin.