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training studying the ship’s engines. We
have another ship, Sismik (i.e.
Seismic), which is even older
than Akdeniz. We received
Sismik in 2006. Last year we
were able prepare Sismik for
on board training studies with
the efforts of our maritime
coordinator and our captain
and our students had their
short-term training studies on
Sismik. This year we are plan-
ning to provide two rounds
of training. Throughout the
summer Sismik will be very
active. But Sismik is not
adequately equipped for train-
ing purposes and that poses a
problem.
SeaNews: What is the
status of the Faculty when
compared to other mari-
time faculties?
Prof. Nil Güler:
We are
not in competition with other
faculties. We have a unique
mission compared to the other
faculties. We see ourselves as
a leading institution in this
area; we feel this way. Our
basic motive is not to com-
pete. Our target is to create
a positive contribution to the
maritime sector on national
and international platforms;
and thus to contribute to the
development of Turkish mari-
time sector. For this purpose,
we aim at improving the mari-
time education throughout
the country. We would like
to challenge ourselves, rather
than competing with others. We know our
improvement areas. We compete with our-
selves. Tomorrow, when or if other institu-
tions challenge us, we will be learning from
them as well.
SeaNews: In terms of the quality and
standard of the education, where do you
place yourself among the other educa-
tional institutions on maritime studies
around the world?
Prof. Nil Güler:
Let me tell you about
this fact: In many Western European coun-
tries, there are no more programs for train-
ing seafarers. They focus on R&D and
innovation. However in Eastern Europe and
countries like Ukraine and Russia, we see a
geometrical increase in training profession-
als for maritime sec-
tor. We are ranked
among the top five
in terms of training
maritime captains.
The highest num-
ber of graduates
is reported from
China, Philippines,
Ukraine, Turkey
and India. Though
we’re not the top
ranking country,
we are among the
first five. For exam-
ple, the Shanghai
Maritime College
is very advanced
in terms of train-
ing and as you can
imagine it is a very
populated school.
Our students are of
very high quality.
We accept students
with really very
high scores. They
are both smart and
hardworking. I don’t
want to mention the
names, but the col-
leges in our northern
neighboring coun-
tries accept a larger
number of students,
though they are
not as selective or
favored as our fac-
ulty. However, they
are better known
than we are.
As ITU, our mis-
sion is to train our
maritime students as engineers. We have
to make the best of the engineering stud-
ies; as it will be certified on their diplomas.
Their engineering qualification is, as well,
important for us. We provide high quality
education. Therefore we have a combination
of good quality students and good quality
education.
SeaNews: Do these students, after-
wards, spend a long time on the sea?
No, they don’t. The average time they
spend on the sea is assessed to be seven
years. To the question “How long do your
maritime graduates stay on the sea?”, the
rector of Odessa responded as such: “In
the old days, they used to spend 20-24
years on the sea. Now this has dropped to
16-17 years.” During my discussions with
international firms, they express that they
require long-term commitment. That is what
I understand. But I guess, our students are
not willing to commit to long-term contracts.
However, everyone appreciates the quality
of our student. Therefore our students can
easily find land based jobs as well, after
spending some time on the sea.
SeaNews: How were you affected by the
crisis in the sector? Does the faculty
experience any troubles in terms of pro-
viding internship opportunities and in
terms of employment after graduation?
Prof. Nil Güler:
We have been positively
affected by the sectoral crisis. Some new
lecturers of very good quality joined us.
This was a positive impact. However, our
students have encountered difficulties in
finding short-time on board training oppor-
tunities. Therefore we’ve got Sismik in oper-
ation for missing training for the last 2 years.
Our graduates encounter no obstacles in
finding employments. The crisis has cer-
tainly had some effects on them but not
to extent of being unemployed. How will
this situation develop? We have done some
statistical studies. Accordingly, for the year
2015, taking into account the number of
graduates from all faculties and the improve-
ment rate of the commercial fleet, we can
anticipate that there will be an employ-
ment surplus for Maritime Transportation
and Management Engineering graduates.
However this is not the case for Marine
Engineering Department. That department
has fewer students.
SeaNews: How does the SUNY pro-
gramme progress? Do the students of
this program have different advantages
or disadvantages? What are these?
Prof. Nil Güler:
Since education year
2003- 2004, ITU Maritime Faculty has been
providing two international dual degree
We do not com-
pete with oth-
ers
“We have a unique mission
compared to the other faculties.
We see ourselves as a leading
institution in this area; we feel
this way. Our basic motive is not
to compete. We would like to
challenge ourselves, rather than
competing with others. “
Engineers
“As ITU, our mission is to train
our maritime students as engi-
neers. We have to make the best
of the engineering studies; as it
will be certified on their diplo-
mas. we have a combination
of good quality students and
good quality education. “
Crisis in sector
“We have been positively affect-
ed by the sectoral crisis. Some
new lecturers of very good
quality joined us. This was a
positive impact. However, our
students have encountered dif-
ficulties in finding short-time
on board training opportuni-
ties. Our graduates encounter
no obstacles in finding employ-
ments. ”
Interview-Prof. Dr. Nil Güler
24
June 2013