GEMIMO candidates Hasan Burak AÇIN and Batur Alp ÖZDEMİR share their vision for a more visible and engaged chamber in the maritime industry.
Interview with GEMİMO Board Candidates Hasan Burak AÇIN and Batur Alp ÖZDEMİR from the 'Past, Present, and Future of the Chamber' Movement
As the election process for the Chamber of Marine Engineering (GEMİMO) approaches, the candidates for the board, Hasan Burak AÇIN and Batur Alp ÖZDEMİR, shared their professional experiences and visions for the chamber within the framework of the 'Past, Present, and Future of the Chamber' movement. Both individuals, who have extensive experience at sea and possess academic and international career backgrounds, provided insights on the future of professional chambers, strengthening ties with members, and goals for institutional transformation.
-Can you introduce yourselves? How has your professional journey shaped your perspective today?
-Capt. Hasan Burak AÇIN: I graduated from Istanbul Technical University, Faculty of Maritime Studies, Department of Marine Transportation Engineering in 2010. Throughout my maritime career, I have served as a deck officer, chief officer, and captain in international tanker companies. After approximately 12 years of sea service, I began working as a partner at MBT Ship Services and Agency, which provides third-party inspection and operational consulting services in liquid cargo and LPG. On the academic side, I completed my master's degree and am currently pursuing my doctoral studies. This experience has allowed me to view the profession not only from the perspective of the ship but also through the dimensions of operations, inspection, risk management, and training.
-Capt. Batur Alp ÖZDEMİR: I graduated from the Faculty of Maritime Studies at ITU in 2013. I have worked on tanker vessels for about 10 years, one of which was as a Long-Distance Ship Captain. I will complete my master's degree at ITU in 2025 and obtain the title of senior engineer. I served as a ship inspector between 2023 and 2026. Today, I continue my professional life as the general manager of Delmar Safety in the Netherlands, an international firm. I also maintain my social connections within structures such as the DEFAV Board of Trustees and the Association of Long-Distance Captains. This journey has allowed me to read the sea, land, technical evaluation, and international business culture together.
'Respect for the Past, Preparation for the Future'
-Mr. AÇIN, what does the 'Past, Present, and Future of the Chamber' approach mean to you?
-Hasan Burak AÇIN: This approach provides a very clear framework for me: to establish a corporate structure that is prepared for the future by accurately reading the present without denying the past. The accumulation, struggle history, and professional memory of our chamber are very valuable. Our perspective is not one of rupture; it is an understanding of renewal within continuity. We aim to create a chamber structure that is more visible, more active, and more connected to its members while preserving the seriousness of the institution, professional discipline, and culture of solidarity.
'Candidate with a Sense of Responsibility'
-Mr. ÖZDEMİR, what is the fundamental thought that motivates you to participate in the chamber's work?
-Batur Alp ÖZDEMİR: The fundamental idea that motivates me is this: The professional chamber is not just a carrier of titles or periodic agendas, but of professional memory and shared responsibility. Our profession requires heavy responsibility, discipline, and seriousness in representation. Therefore, a chamber for such a profession must also operate with the same weight. I see my participation in the chamber as a way to fulfill our debt to the profession on an institutional level. Thus, candidacy is more a decision to take on responsibility than a request for a position.
'Chamber Model that Touches Members'
-Hasan Burak AÇIN, what do you think a professional chamber should provide to its members most concretely?
-Hasan Burak AÇIN: I believe a professional chamber must first provide trust. When a member looks at the chamber, they should see a structure that represents them, protects their rights, values their professional development, and guides them when necessary. Additionally, it should take on a role that enhances professional solidarity among members, shares knowledge, connects young colleagues with experienced individuals, and follows transformations in the sector, conveying them to members in a simple and applicable manner. The chamber should not be an entity that is only remembered during election periods but should be a natural part of professional life. This approach is also compatible with the goals of professional development, protection of membership rights, and conducting research and studies in the field outlined in the chamber's regulations.
'Fundamental Elements of a Strong Chamber'
-Batur Alp ÖZDEMİR, what do you think is the difference between a strong chamber and an ordinary chamber?
-Batur Alp ÖZDEMİR: A strong chamber is not just one that holds elections or publishes statements. A strong chamber is one that establishes regular relationships with its members, protects professional reputation, brings together the younger generation with experienced individuals under the same roof, produces discourse when necessary in the public interest, and is recognized as a reference in its field. The chamber's regulations also include objectives such as protecting the professional rights and powers of members, conducting scientific-technical work, and contributing to the profession through publications and educational activities. We want to make these goals more visible and functional.
-Hasan Burak AÇIN, as someone coming from the sea, operations, and inspection, what priorities would you set in the chamber's activities?
-Hasan Burak AÇIN: I believe that the realities of the field and institutional work should not be separated. Safety culture, operational awareness, professional standards, current legislation, risk management, and preparing members for transformations in the sector are very important. Additionally, young colleagues need more guidance at the beginning of their careers. I believe the chamber should take on a role that not only evaluates these areas but also prepares, guides, and supports.
'Common Point: An Institution that Produces Together'
-Batur Alp ÖZDEMİR, what is the fundamental point you and Hasan Burak AÇIN agree on in this interview as two candidates?
-Batur Alp ÖZDEMİR: The fundamental point we agree on is seeing the chamber not as a personal space but as a common area of effort. We are both individuals who have served at sea for many years, taken on responsibilities, made decisions, and lived the field. Therefore, we approach the issue not only from a theoretical perspective but also from a practical one. What we want to bring to the chamber is a corporate structure that works more, listens more, engages more, and is trusted by its colleagues.
This chamber is a common value for all of us. The more we take ownership, participate, and produce together, the stronger it becomes. We have embarked on this journey with an understanding that respects the past, is responsible for the present, and is prepared for the future. We will work to be worthy of the trust of our colleagues.
-Hasan Burak AÇIN, finally, what message would you like to convey to your colleagues?
-Hasan Burak AÇIN: We are taking on responsibility not just to manage this chamber but to advance it further. We act with an understanding that respects the efforts of the past, sees the needs of today, and prepares for the maritime future. With the support of our colleagues, a more inclusive, more diligent, more visible, and stronger GEMİMO is possible.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
