FROM MARITIME HISTORY TO THE FUTURE: CAREERS, EMPLOYMENT, AND ADVICE FOR STUDENTS

Piri Reis University is training the seafarers of the future by combining maritime heritage with cutting-edge technology Prof. Dr. Nafiz Arıca shared the university’s vision and the career opportunities it offers to young people

Drawing inspiration from maritime history and steering toward the technologies of the future, Piri Reis University raises not only seafarers but also leaders who can stay composed in times of crisis, are well-versed in digital systems, and possess strong cultural awareness. Rector Prof. Dr. Nafiz Arıca shared with our journal the university’s educational approach, employment strategies, and career advice for young people in line with this vision.

MARITIME HISTORY ENCOMPASSES NOT ONLY TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS BUT ALSO CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATIONS. IN YOUR VIEW, WHAT ARE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES IN TÜRKIYE’S MARITIME HISTORY, AND HOW SHOULD THIS HISTORICAL HERITAGE BE REFLECTED IN TODAY’S MARITIME EDUCATION?

Türkiye’s maritime journey is marked by many milestones, yet the enactment of the Cabotage Law in 1926 stands as one of the most pivotal. This law came to symbolise both maritime sovereignty and economic growth. Soon after, the founding of institutions like the Naval Academy laid the groundwork for a modern maritime education system. During the Cyprus crisis, an ambitious shipbuilding effort took shape between the first and fourth development plans, marked by strong cooperation between military and civilian shipyards. For the first time in Turkish shipbuilding history, military ships were built in civilian shipyards, and civilian ships in military ones.

The years between 1964 and 1984 thus stand out as a rare period of synergy and innovation. After 1980, the rise of private enterprise in shipping and shipbuilding helped Türkiye emerge as a more global maritime player. The founding of Piri Reis University added academic depth to that long-term vision. Bringing this rich historical legacy into maritime education is of utmost importance. To do so:

• The curriculum should go beyond technical subjects and include maritime history.
• Students should be encouraged to visit museums, work with ship models, and explore archives.
• Universities should build ties with digital maritime archives and maritime museums.
• Cabotage rights must be taught as a foundation of national maritime strategy.
• The impact of Turkish maritime presence across the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and Indian Ocean can give students a strong global perspective. This would help equip them not only with technical expertise but also with cultural diplomacy skills.

WHAT KIND OF EDUCATIONAL APPROACH DOES PIRI REIS UNIVERSITY ADOPT TO IMPROVE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY? AND WHAT STRATEGIES DO YOU PURSUE TO ENSURE THAT GRADUATES ARE READY TO COMPETE GLOBALLY?

At Piri Reis University, our aim is to produce competent professionals for the maritime field who are also globally capable of making a meaningful difference. With this in mind, we have built our educational model on a multi-layered, hands-on structure that meets both national and international standards. Our maritime programs are fully aligned with the STCW 2010 standards set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). This allows students to graduate with both a bachelor’s degree and internationally valid officer or engineer qualification certificates.

Our curriculum is overseen by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. We place a strong emphasis on applied learning in the maritime field. That’s why we have developed advanced simulation centres where students can directly experience the real-world conditions they may face at sea. These facilities allow them to simulate authentic maritime operations and strengthen their vocational skills. To help our students succeed in the global job market, our university has adopted internationalisation strategies. By embedding global standards and cross-cultural elements into our education system, we help our graduates improve their chances of finding jobs around the world. At the same time, we are building strong partnerships with the maritime industry to broaden employment opportunities.

Through these collaborations, our students gain easier access to internships and job placements. Also, the university organises various programs and events to support the careers of its graduates. Our university is committed to continuously enhancing its teaching and learning processes to ensure that its graduates create real value for both society and the maritime industry. In this effort, we also focus on themes like digitalisation and sustainability. This integrated education model at Piri Reis University equips graduates to build successful careers across both national and international maritime sectors.

A MARITIME CAREER IS OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH LONG VOYAGES AT SEA AND TOUGH WORKING CONDITIONS. WHAT KIND OF ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER YOUNG PEOPLE PREPARING FOR THIS PATH, BOTH MENTALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY?

Those pursuing a career in maritime must first develop strong inner motivation. The limited social environment during extended voyages means one must be comfortable with solitude and capable of maintaining mental balance. Therefore, habits such as breathing exercises, meditation, or keeping a journal are recommended. In moments of mental pressure or crisis, the ability to stay calm and focus on solutions becomes essential. Personal development and crisis management modules offered at universities make a meaningful difference in building these skills. Working with crews from diverse national backgrounds also calls for cultural awareness and strong empathy.

Fluency in English is a key advantage, and certifications such as STCW credentials, first aid, and firefighting are vital components of professional readiness. As today’s ships operate with complex digital systems, familiarity with automation and sensor technologies is also critical. While the maritime profession offers benefits like strong salaries, travel opportunities, and career diversity, it should not be approached as merely a “mandatory job”. A genuine interest and curiosity for the field are what lead to long-term success.

DIGITALISATION, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, AND SUSTAINABILITY ARE ALSO GAINING GROUND IN THE MARITIME WORLD. IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT WILL BE THE MAIN TRENDS SHAPING THE SECTOR IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS, AND HOW IS YOUR UNIVERSITY PREPARING FOR THIS TRANSFORMATION?

Over the next decade, the maritime industry will undergo major transformations, from autonomous vessels to the adoption of green fuels. Uncrewed ships, made possible by artificial intelligence and sensor technologies, have already passed the testing stage and are entering active use. These vessels offer significant advantages in both cost efficiency and environmental performance. Remote monitoring centres and maritime traffic management systems are advancing.

AI-driven decision support systems are also becoming common in areas such as route optimisation, predictive maintenance, and cargo planning. These technologies help reduce fuel consumption, lower carbon emissions, and cut operational costs. Major progress is also expected in the area of green fuels and zero-emission goals. In line with the IMO’s 2050 targets, LNG, hydrogen, ammonia, biofuels, and electric propulsion systems are coming to the forefront. Adapting to these systems will become mandatory in new shipbuilding operations. Alongside all these, digital twin and simulation technologies have long been on our agenda. Maintenance, operation, and training processes will be tested in virtual environments using digital copies of ship systems. Training simulators will become even more realistic in simulating real-time conditions. On the flip side, as digitalisation deepens, ships, ports, and logistics chains are becoming more exposed to cyber threats. Cybersecurity is now emerging as a specialised field within the maritime sector. Finally, with the rollout of “Green Port” initiatives, ports are being reimagined as carbon-neutral facilities. Autonomous loading systems, drone-based inspections, and real-time traffic optimisation are also seeing rapid development.

HOW IS PIRI REIS UNIVERSITY PREPARING FOR THIS FUTURE?

Piri Reis University is going through an extensive preparation for this transformation. Alongside courses in digital maritime, artificial intelligence, and data science, Piri Reis University offers engineering education supported by advanced simulation labs and digital twin technologies. Experimental laboratories established on energy efficiency and alternative fuels offer students hands-on experience. Through EU, TÜBİTAK, and BAP-funded projects, the university involves students in international R&D initiatives, offering an educational vision grounded in not only technical excellence but also ethics, environmental awareness, and social responsibility.

FINALLY, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN MARITIME STUDIES BUT STILL HAVE DOUBTS? WHAT MINDSET SHOULD THEY ADOPT TO UNDERSTAND NOT ONLY THE OPPORTUNITIES THIS PROFESSION BRINGS BUT ALSO THE CHALLENGES THAT COME WITH IT?

Although the maritime profession involves difficulties such as loneliness, harsh natural conditions, and high responsibility, it is very important to approach these with a mindset that can turn challenges into opportunities. Long periods of separation serve as a school for personal growth and decision-making skills. Challenging physical conditions can be overcome by developing healthy lifestyle habits. In crisis moments, staying calm and being prepared through training are key.

The multicultural structure on ships enhances communication skills and empathy. In this sense, maritime not only develops a person technically but also helps them grow as an individual. In this profession, where safety and a strong sense of responsibility are essential, every task carries vital importance for both crew and environmental health. Moreover, keeping pace with rapidly changing technologies requires making lifelong learning a habit.

In this regard, maritime is a multifaceted career path that cultivates leadership, discipline, global vision, and technological competence all at once.