Page 26 - 2022 - Q3 - Minerva in Focus

ATHINA TRAINING CENTER ATHINA Training Centre through
the eyes of Minerva's officers
ATHINA Center has been embraced by
Minerva's officers, who greatly appreciate the
efforts and resources the company allocates to
promoting their professional development. At
the following pages, we present the thoughts
of Minerva's officers on the decision of the
company to establish a Training Center, the
benefits that ATHINA offered them, as well as
their expectation for the future.
26 MINERVA IN FOCUS – ISSUE 21 / Q3 2022
Master Grigorios Fiotakis,
8 years with Minerva Marine
ATHINA is a state-of-the-art center
What do you think of the company’s
decision in 2018 to establish an in-house
training center?
I think establishing our Training Center
was an excellent decision as it enables the
proper development of our Officers.
Acquiring the necessary theoretical
knowledge at our Training Center courses
enables Officers to monitor all the changes
that have been implemented, such as
changes in the SMS policy. At the same
time, the center’s simulators allow them to
perform tasks under actual conditions.
Has training at the ATHINA Center helped
you to be more efficient in your job
onboard the ship?
Yes, it has. In my opinion, ATHINA is a
state-of-the-art center whose simulators
reproduce the actual conditions of the ship
- as if you are onboard.
Since its inception, the ATHINA Training
Center motto has been “Where Seafarers
Always Come First.” Did you get this feeling
when you visited ATHINA for a seminar?
Yes, I was one of the lucky ones, as I did
seminars when I had already started
working. You feel it from the first moment
the door opens. You are greeted with a
smile and served delicious meals, but you
also receive constructive feedback when
you make mistakes.
What would you expect/like to see from
ATHINA in terms of training and develop-
ment in the future?
I would like ATHINA to organize specific
seminars, such as Framo handling, electro
welding, Maerflex handling, practical use/
troubleshooting of Seasoft (arrival, depar-
ture, loading, discharging, and noon reports),
and the practical use of Marine NS5, how to
complete the Master’s Nav Audit Reports, etc.