Summary -YES to SEApping Forum @ Posidonia Sea Tourism 2025
YES Forum: Not Just a Bridge. A Lever for Transformation.
The YES to SEApping Forum 2025 was held with great success on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Heraklion, Crete, as part of the Posidonia SEA Tourism exhibition. The event brought together 200 young participants from various academic institutions across Crete, including the University of Crete, the Hellenic Mediterranean University, SAEK Rethymno, MBS College, the Metropolitan College, and the Merchant Marine Academy (AEN) of Chania.
Key Themes of the Forum:
Presentation of a joint research study conducted with professionals and youth, aiming to map expectations and enhance mutual understanding.
Discussions on career prospects in Shipping and Sea Tourism, emerging trends in ports, modern skills required by the industry, and practical advice for succeeding in a competitive professional landscape.
Strong presence of professionals from diverse sectors and positions across the maritime industry.
Once again, the YES Forum created a platform for intergenerational dialogue, offering a unique networking environment that inspires, informs, and integrates young people into the maritime world.
Danae Bezantakou, Founder of YES Forum, stated:
“It is moving and encouraging to witness the energy, thirst for knowledge, and genuine interest of young people in the regions to join the shipping family—especially considering that no one had ever introduced them to our industry before. YES Forum continues to serve as a career compass and a space for meaningful dialogue and interaction.”
YES to SEApping Events Across Crete:
Agios Nikolaos (Saturday, May 3, 2025): Book presentation of “Towards the Sea…” onboard the vessel Nostos.
Chania (Monday, May 5, 2025): YES TOUR TO SCHOOLS presentation to middle and high school students at the Chania Chamber of Commerce, and a presentation at the Technical University of Crete (School of Production Engineering & Management), where students learned for the first time that they could pursue careers in shipping.
Rethymno (Tuesday, May 6, 2025): YES TOUR TO SCHOOLS presentation to students at the House of Culture, with greetings from the Deputy Mayor of Education, Lifelong Learning & Youth, Mr. Nektarios Papadogiannis. This was followed by an informative session at the University of Crete, Department of Economics.
Heraklion (Wednesday, May 7, 2025): YES TOUR TO SCHOOLS presentation to students at the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce.
YES Forum Research Findings
“Young People & Shipping Companies: Bridging the Gap”
This study aimed to capture the views and needs of young people aged 20–33, alongside insights from shipping companies across all sectors. The results highlighted key challenges but also hopeful prospects for the future.
Youth: Willing, Worried & On Social Media
Young people want to work in shipping and see opportunities—mostly within Greece—but often hesitate, believing access depends on “connections.” The result? Low confidence and the pursuit of opportunities abroad out of necessity, even though staying in Greece is their top choice.
Social media is their main source of information, yet practical knowledge of the profession is lacking. The message is clear: more mentoring, networking, and guidance is needed!
📊 80% have already participated in career activities, with YES Forum’s Career Days standing out as the most effective job-seeking tool.
Companies: Ethics Yes, Experience Not Yet
From the employers’ side, opinions are mixed. Half of the companies are satisfied with young professionals, while the rest express concerns. Only 3 in 10 hires involve candidates without prior experience—immediate readiness is a must.
What companies value: ethics, professionalism, digital skills, and language proficiency.
What’s missing: practical experience, understanding of daily life in shipping, and a “mindset gap” with Gen Z.
YES Forum: A Platform that Connects Generations
For 11 consecutive years, the YES Forum has been building bridges. It provides mentoring, knowledge, professional networking, and real engagement opportunities.
60% of maritime companies participate actively through panels, presentations, and internship opportunities.
Young people see it as a confidence-building and industry-understanding tool.
Companies view it as a platform for talent discovery and genuine connection with the next generation.
YES Forum: Not Just a Bridge. A Lever for Transformation
The YES Forum is more than a networking platform. It’s a catalyst for change, shaping the future of the maritime professional landscape with boldness, inspiration, and strategic vision.
Access the full research findings here:
YES Forum Study
