by John Faraclas
In modern times it was the late Sir Winston Churchill who first brought the besieged British public’s attention to the important as well as to the vital role the Merchant Navy plays – he called it “our Fourth Service”. After WWII it was the disbanded officers mainly from the Navy who manned the Shipping offices in the Square Mile which become the center of shipping and in particular making London the Administrative Capital of Global Shipping; Chartering, Ships Sales and Purchase, Marine Insurance, Shipfinance you name it… leading the UN awarding the IMO HQ’s to UK and in particular London!
It was all about Knowledge and sheer Discipline!
Prior to this, and as I was told from a member of Sir Winston’s entourage, it was the Greek Revolutionary sea-wise giants who converted their merchant ships to warships and made the Greek Independence happen in 1821 toppling the Ottoman yoke and this was in his mind being a great Greek Scholar on all issues, Naval in particular!
Today, Greek Naval, Coastguard Officers and Personnel join Greek shipping offices worldwide having exceptional academic knowledge and experience, discipline from the Military and vision in order to keep Greek Merchant Shipping at the top; they are highly in demand from headhunters and beyond…
I am more than honored to know Captain (HN) Nikolaos Filias, the current Hellenic Defense Attache in the British capital who recently graduated – July 2nd, from the “Maritime Science and Technology” Masters’ program by the University of Piraeus. This special graduation event took place at the grounds of Hellenic Naval Cadets Academy (School) in Piraeus. Just over 50 graduates attended the program. A great speech by the dean of the Piraeus University Angelos Pantouvakis as well as some good points from my Chian compatriot professor Ioannis Theotokas, director of the program.
I have been involved in the latest Gulf War – the Iraqi operation, and the involvement of the US Military Sea-lift Command in the early 90’s and can assure you as well as confirm you all of the importance in dealing with the top echelon officers who possessed both Naval and Merchant Navy knowledge – particularly in the Operation and Chartering of ships.-
This postgraduate program is supported by the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation, Seanergy Maritime and Spectrum Labs; well though and well done!!
