The number of EU captains and officers on board ships under an EU flag is rapidly decreasing. The session discusses the consequent growing effect of shortage of European maritime knowledge and experience. It also looks at the main causes of this alarming development together with measures which could be taken in a European context by those responsible for future transport by sea. This mode is the most important way of transport in centuries to come.

P R O G R A M M E

Wednesday 19, 9:00 - 13:00

Room: Torre (Laboral)

CHAIR: Captain Fredrik J.van Wijnen, General Secretary CESMA

Christina Vartsos-Tzannetakis, Directorate General Mobility and Transport , European Commission

Captain Wolf von Pressentin, President CESMA

Captain Chris Lefevere, General Secretary EMPA (European Maritime Pilot's Association)

Captain B. van Scherpenzeel, Port of Rotterdam

Captain José Maria Blanco, Secretary of the Spanish Commission of Military History

(Lead: CESMA, Confederation of European Shipmaster's Associations Annual General Assembly)