On 20th November, we had the pleasure to host the Director of the Directorate of Integrated Marine Ecosystem of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Ioannis Tipaldos and the Maritime Adviser of the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Athens, Mr. Adonis Pavlidis.  The Cypriot delegation was accompanied by the Director of H. R. and Training of the Tsakos Group, Mrs. Venetia Kallipolitou and Capt. Manolis Marinakis, responsible for Navigation Issues.  Our distinguished guests were given a tour of our state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, as well as, the Bridge and Engine room simulators, followed by constructive discussions with our students, emphasizing the need to attract young people to the maritime profession.

Within the framework of the educational program, “Ships entering school ports”, an online meeting of the A2 section took place with the ship S/T “Lisboa”.  The students had the unique experience of exchanging views with Master Gerassimos Pitaoulis and the crew and learnt about various aspects of the daily operations of the vessel.

On 13th December, we welcomed the General Director of HELMEPA, Mrs Olga Stavropoulou to our School, accompanied by Mrs. Katerina Tsartakleas, Treasurer of the Maria Tsakos Foundation.  Mrs Stavropoulou presented the program “Chios Climate Chance” to the educational and administrative personnel of our School co-organized with HELMEPA and co-financed by the “Maria Tsakos” and “Ioannis S. Latsis” Foundations. At the same time she elaborated on HELMEPA’s mission, the importance of developing soft skills and encouraged our students, who were chosen to be the ambassadors of the “Chios Climate Chance” programme, to spare no effort in raising climate issue awareness.

On occasion of the World Day of People with Disabilities Mrs Elisavet Iosifidou, a Chian athlete with special needs, member of the Disabled Sports Association of Chios “Iones” and the National Sports Federation of People with Disabilities in the sport of Boccia, visited our School. 

Mrs. E. Iosifidou discussed with our students about the everyday life challenges that people with disabilities face, and they also discussed the paralympic sport of Boccia.

On 16th November,  the Merchant Marine Academy of Chios, welcomed the first-year students for the current academic year and on the 28th of the same month, the Merchant Marine Academy of Oinousses welcomed its first-year students at the “Homerion Spiritual Center” of Chios.  Both events took place in the presence of representatives of the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy, the local officials, the military leadership, the academic community, shipping companies, as well as friends and families of the students.  The School’s Director, Mr. Ioannis Kokkas, the sailing instructor, Mr. Alex. Penos and Mr. Mich. Karamanis from the shipping branch in Chios attended both events, while for the event of Oinousses, Capt. Stelios Kostakis, Crew Manager of the Tsakos Group was also present.

Simultaneously, students from C’ Class, under the guidance of the Director and accompanying teachers, actively took part in the educational event  “I Choose Shipping”, organized by Isalos.net. This informative day presentation revealed valuable insights into the maritime industry and its diverse opportunities.  The event took place at the premises of the Merchant Marine Academy of Chios.