Greek Students Explore Maritime Professions Through Onboard Experience

Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Christos Stylianides welcoming elementary school students on board the Elyros ferry in the port of Piraeus. Photo source: Maritime Ministry

In an effort to inspire younger generations to pursue careers in the maritime sector, Christos Stylianides, Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, welcomed elementary school students from Piraeus aboard the passenger-vehicle ferry Elyros at the city’s port on December 6.

The event coincided with the celebration of Saint Nikolaos (or Saint Nicholas), the patron saint of sailors and maritime workers in Greece.

“Having declared 2024 and 2025 as years dedicated to maritime education and training, we are organizing events across Greece to introduce our children to Greek seamanship, a tradition we are all proud of,” said Minister Stylianides.

Photo source: Maritime Ministry

The initiative aims to familiarize children with coastal shipping and provide insights into maritime professions. Stylianides emphasized the importance of encouraging young Greeks to consider careers at sea, stating, “For Greek shipping to maintain its global leadership, we need Greeks on board, working on vessels.”

The minister pledged to make this initiative an annual event, expressing gratitude to the Ministry’s General Secretariat of Maritime and Ports and the Association of Passenger Shipping Companies (SEEN) for their support in organizing the activity.

Photo source: Maritime Ministry

During their visit to the Elyros, students toured key areas of the ship, including the captain’s bridge, and engaged with officers of the commercial navy. They learned about the significance of coastal shipping in connecting Greece’s islands with the mainland and had their questions about maritime work answered.

Photo source: Maritime Ministry

This nationwide event welcomed over 1,500 students from 40 elementary schools located in regions such as the Northern Aegean, the Dodecanese, Crete, Evia, and Attica. Similar visits were held at ports in Piraeus, Mytilene, Rhodes, Iraklion, Chania, Kimi, Kos and Kalymnos, offering students firsthand exposure to life aboard shipping vessels.