The 'Mentor I DO' project, initiated by IDO in collaboration with four maritime faculties, brings together captains and chief engineers with 30-40 years of experience and university students, half of whom are women and half men, in the field. This mentorship model, which will be implemented for the first time in Turkey, opens a new door for the transfer of experience and equality in maritime.

Launched after nearly a year of groundwork and a long preparation process, the 'Mentor I DO' project connects IDO's deep-rooted experience in maritime with young people. In collaboration with Istanbul Technical University, Yıldız Technical University, Piri Reis University, and Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, the project involves long-distance captains and chief engineers with approximately 30-40 years of experience serving as mentors.

Within the scope of the project, mentors received comprehensive mentorship training lasting six months, while mentees underwent mentee training. Following this, the mentorship process began in the field with a total of 34 university students, 17 of whom are women and 17 men. In this special interview program, which will last approximately eight months, students will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with experienced captains and chief engineers on car ferries carrying passengers on the Yenikapı-Yalova and Pendik-Yalova routes.

NO EXAMPLE IN TURKEY

The program, which will be implemented in the field with a long-term mentorship model for the first time in Turkey, aims to allow students to discover their own talents, shed light on their career planning, develop leadership and teamwork skills, observe the importance of experience in situations requiring immediate intervention, and experience the real-life dynamics of the maritime profession firsthand.

The launch of the project took place on January 15 at the IDO Headquarters, with the participation of deans and department heads from the four universities, mentor captains and chief engineers, selected students for the project, and IDO management. In her opening speech, IDO Human Resources Director Nurullah Çalışır stated that they shaped the project together with maritime faculties, saying, 'We will all experience together how theoretical knowledge finds its place in the field during this journey. We are very excited to be able to offer this opportunity.'

'THE FOUNDATION OF SAFE TRANSPORTATION IS BASED ON EXPERIENCE'

IDO General Manager Dr. Murat Orhan emphasized the critical role of experience in the maritime profession during his speech. Highlighting that they are engaged in a job that carries the responsibility of public transportation and human life, Orhan stated, 'It is important for the ship to go from one place to another, but it is much more important for it to do so safely. The foundation of this safety lies in experience.' Addressing the students, Dr. Orhan remarked, 'If I were in your place, I would gather every piece of information I could from these experienced sailors; I wouldn't let them go easily,' underscoring the importance given to the project.

The captains and chief engineers who took on the mentorship role in the project also expressed a shared view that the transfer of experience and direct contact with young people holds great value in the rapidly changing maritime sector.

IN THE FIRST TRAINING PROGRAM, 17 OF THE 34 STUDENTS ARE WOMEN

University deans and department heads expressed their satisfaction with a nearly 40-year-old maritime institution bringing this visionary project to life, stating that the sustainability of experiential programs in the field would be a significant gain for the sector.

'Mentor I DO' not only focuses on the transfer of experience but also centers on an egalitarian approach in a traditionally male-dominated sector like maritime. The equal representation of female and male students in the program provides a strong contribution to transformation in the sector and to women taking a more visible and active role in maritime. The students who have had their first meetings expressed their excitement and happiness about participating in the program, stating that they felt the difference of the program from the very first meeting.

This pioneering project by IDO aims to provide young people with real experience in the field while shaping the future of maritime and transferring the sector's knowledge to new generations.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye