Mr. Efthimios E. Mitropoulos, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
was in India in first week of February on a whirl wind tour and his address to
the gathering warmed many a Indian hearts


Addressing the 2nd Indian Maritime Summit organized by CII in Mumbai, Mr. Efthimios E. Mitropoulos,
Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) said that 2008 marks the 60th anniversary
of the adoption of the IMO Convention. Over the years, the IMO's work has demonstrated beyond doubt that
international standards are the only effective way to regulate the industry. India, which has also just
completed its 60th anniversary as an independent country, is a country in transformation and has
demonstrated its desire and ability to take its place among the global leaders.



Profile of a Proud Mariner-Mr. Effimios Mitroplous

Here is a Profile of a Proud Mariner for our Young readers, IMO Secretary General who was once a Cadet, Mate, Teaching Faculty, Harbour Master and A Maritime Writer and still holds Seafarers Age Old tradition of dignity, dedication to duty and compassion for the mankind and environment close to his heart..
Efthimios (Thimio) E. Mitropoulos was born in Piraeus, Greece, on 30 May 1939, to a genuinely maritime family, being the son of a merchant navy chief engineer officer father and of a mother the daughter of a shipmaster and owner of brigantines and schooners captained by his sons.
In 1957 he entered the Aspropyrgos Merchant Marine Academy and, in 1958, wasappointed Captain of the Academy. He graduated with honours in 1959 as chief of his class.
Between 1959 and 1962, he served as apprentice cadet , second and chief deck officer on merchant ships on voyages around the world and, in 1962, he entered the Hellenic Coast Guard Academy as chief of his class. He graduated in 1964, again as chief of his class with honours.
He then started his career as a commissioned Coast Guard Officer in Corfu,first and Piraeus, later. He retired with the rank of Rear Admiral.
During his service with the Greek Maritime Administration, he also participated at meetings of ILO, UNCTAD, OECD and the Consultative Shipping Group. Between 1972 and 1976, he regularly lectured at the Hellenic Coast Guard Academy and the Greek Master Mariners' Centre of Superior Studies .
Between 1977 and 1979 he was Harbour Master of Corfu, with responsibility for the sea area surrounding Corfu and all the nearby Greek islands from the safety, security and environmental protection points of view.
Author of several books on shipping economics and policy, categories/types of merchant vessels, safety of navigation and other shipping-related matters. His book on "Tankers: Evolution and technical issues" won first prize at a pan Hellenic competition to mark the Year of Shipping, 1969.




Here are excerpts from his address in Mumbai
India Growth Story
“Today india is a country in transformation, since the economic reform began back in 1991, country is no longer an economic backwaters, today India is firmly established on the world as the major growth engine that drives the world economy. “
“ Policy of liberalization, size of investment in Indian shipping and infrastructure will make India infrastructure to world class level.”
IMO and Modern India both share a Common Bond of History
“ Both Modern India and IMO have come a long way, both were born in world raged by war and both had their teething problems ..however in the years that followed, the very essence of our structure and economic essence has changed specially so in the last 3 decades.”
Shipping is the essence of World Trade
“ Shipping makes a direct contribution to poverty alleviation, shipping also creates millions of direct and indirect contribution to employment scenario and economy of any country. Shipping has even more important role to play in global economy as ship transport remains by the far most economical mode of transport of goods across the globe. Vast majority of world trade is still carried by ships and will not change in foreseeable future.”
Indian Seafarers are Knowledgeable, Reliable, Dedicated and they are loved, respected and trusted all over the world
Manning of ships is truly global phenomenon and seafarers work on ships of not only their own country but also on ships of foreign countries and it a major source of revenue for many manpower supplying nations around the world.
India is a leading player in this global market. Today Indian seafarers are renowned all over the world for their skills, their knowledge, their professionalism, their integrity and reliability. They can be found on ships and boardrooms across the world in positions of great responsibility. They are trusted and respected in terminals around the world, the global demand for them is high.

IMO Centres of Academic Excellence have an Indian Origin Too
IMO and world shipping is also grateful to another Indian whose foresight and wisdom were responsible for setting up academic centres of excellence in IMO namely World Maritime University at Malmo and The IMO International Maritime Law Institute in Malta. IMO and world Maritime Community expresses gratitude to Mr CP Srivastava who was at the helm of IMO from 1974 to 1989 and we at IMO continue to build on his initiative and take his achievements and legacy forward.”

What India Needs to Do to retain Leadership
For India to retain its position of leadership in Maritime Industry, The country has to provide adequate maritime training and education to seafarers in the country.