(NEWS) MSEA Field Study to Turkey, 2014

July

2014

MSEA Field Study to Turkey, 2014

The third consecutive field study to Istanbul, hosted by the Turkish Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs, and Communications, took place from 4-9 May. Twenty-three students in the Maritime Safety and Environmental Administration (MSEA) specialization participated in the visit accompanied by Associate Professor, Dr. Aykut Ölçer, and Lecturer, Erin Williams. The aim of the field study was to understand the strategies applied by the maritime administration and shipping industry in Turkey that have led to significant progress in recent years.

The rich program commenced with a presentation by Mr. Gani Aygün, Harbour Master of Istanbul, on the activities and responsibilities of the Istanbul Harbour Master’s Office. At the Turkish Chamber of Shipping, the group was received by Mr. Hüseyin Ertan, Assistant Secretary General - Foreign Affairs, who presented the organization, memberships, and the various activities of the Chamber in the maritime industry.

A boat trip through the Istanbul Strait took the group to the Turkish Straits Vessel Traffic Service (TSVTS) where WMU alumnus (M.Sc. 1989 MSA(N)), Capt. Aziz Yaşar Yildirim, Director of TSVTS, welcomed the group and presented the responsibilities and services of TSVTS. At the Maritime Faculty of Istanbul Technical University, Prof Dr Nil Güler, the Dean of the Faculty, made a presentation about the activities of the University. The group also had the opportunity to visit Türk Loydu (Turkish Classification Society) where Mr. Süphan Pekgün, Co-ordinator, Foreign Relations and Strategy Development, made a presentation about the activities of the organization.

Additional visits were made to the Turkish Shipbuilder Association (GISBIR), Sefine shipyard, the Turkish Marine Environment Protection Association (TURMEPA), Istanbul Seabuses Corporation (IDO), Port of Ambarli – MARPORT, and the Turkish Coastal Radio Station.

Throughout the trip, participants had the opportunity to experience the local Turkish hospitality and to visit renowned sites in Istanbul including the Spice Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern, and the Sultanahmet Mosque.

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