Efthimios E. Mitropoulos, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation, a United Nations organisation responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the environment.
Every maritime career starts with training and education. This is true of the career of Efthimios E. Mitropoulos, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (MTO) as well. In an interview in Tall Ships & Sail Training 2010, the official annual STI publication, he looks back in pleasure at that period in his life. Commenting, among other things: “The daily operation of a sailing ship can be exceedingly tough and it is clearly not for everyone. But those who do take to it find that it can provide a living classroom in which otherwise dull lessons come magically to life.”
Not a relaxing experience
Everything comes together at sea, according to this maritime management professional educated at the Aspropygos Academy in Greece. “The wind is harnessed using the principles of physics; engineering skills are called upon to handle the sails and utilize the lines, sheets, blocks and tackles; navigation requires knowledge of mathematics, geometry, and geography. Knowledge of the currents and tides is used to fix one’s current position and navigate a safe course to one’s destination. The marine environment can provide a biology master class, while the vessel itself offers a lesson in history. And as for life skills, teamwork and discipline are vital on a large sailing vessel. The crew has to learn how to become self-sufficient very quickly. But make no mistake! Sail training is not a relaxing experience – until, of course, you are safely back in your home port.”