TMMOB GMO Participation Group Reveals Ambitious Vision

TMMOB, prior to the general assembly of the Chamber of Ship Engineers (GMO) to be held on March 29, Ilham Çelebi, the spokesperson of the Participatory Ship Engineers movement and a candidate, announced his candidacy and presented the 'Participation Declaration' to the public.

The Participation Declaration, which promises to go beyond traditional representation, stands out with its claim to transform the profession’s accumulated knowledge into a management system that has tangible outcomes in the field, where every engineer's efforts are visible. It summarizes its approach as follows: 'We set out not to repeat values, but to establish a system that will implement those values in the field and touch the lives of every engineer.'

'We are closing the gap between intention and outcome.'

Ilham Çelebi pointed out that the fundamental issue in professional organizations is the disconnect between intentions and the results achieved, stating, 'Transparency, meritocracy, participation… These are values accepted by everyone. But how these will operate is not defined. Therefore, they do not produce results. We are closing this gap,' as he explained the goals for the new term.

Emphasizing that the movement is not built on opposition, Çelebi stated, 'We are not a reactionary movement... We participate, we do it together. We do it not just for the sake of doing something, but because it is the right thing to do. If I exist, you exist, the Chamber exists.'

'Management with an engineering approach.'

Çelebi underscores that the structure they propose is not an election promise but a system design with the following words: 'In engineering, something either works or it doesn’t. Our model is measurable, reportable, and sustainable. This election is not just a change of management; it is a change in the way of working.'

New generation model with 5 headings in Chamber management.

The announced Participation Declaration aims to transform the professional chamber from being limited to administrative functions into an institution that plays an active role in a much broader spectrum, including education, employment, data production, and international relations. The declaration envisions a scenario where students can find their way, new graduates can hold onto their profession, employees are not left alone, and women engineers are strongly represented.

The proposed corporate governance model is summarized under the following 5 main headings:

Transparency and Reporting: Regular sharing of activities and budgets with members.

Participatory Governance: Direct and active participation of members in decision-making processes.

Meritocracy and Ethical Management: Conducting processes with clear criteria and conflict of interest controls.

Human Resources and Competency Development: Integration of young engineers into the sector and system.

Professional Rights and Sustainable Working Environment: Improvement of standards across the sector.

'Not representation, but production together.'

Çelebi stated that every task performed under the new model will be monitored, saying, 'The output of every activity will be measured, how many members were reached, what changed, and how much impact was created will be shared regularly. With this approach, every engineer will become a part of the process, their contributions will become visible, and the value of their labor will not remain merely verbal but will find its real counterpart in the field and decision-making mechanisms.'

Focus on young engineers.

Çelebi emphasized that systematizing the transition processes of young engineers into the profession is no longer an option but a necessity for the sustainability of the sector.

According to the statement, the mechanisms for transitioning from internship to employment, mentorship programs, and technical competency development steps will be implemented in a planned, trackable, and output-focused manner. This system transforms young engineers from passive observers into active and value-creating participants in the process. Çelebi noted that this approach is a model that will shape the future of not only the Chamber of Ship Engineers but the entire sector.

Value of experience and community.

The Participatory Ship Engineers management board team aims to meet the needs of engineers in every area of the community with their extensive knowledge and strong experiences, led by Ilham Çelebi, and is determined to make their efforts visible.

'Will institutions be managed by habit or by system?'

This vision is considered a potential exemplary model not only for the Chamber of Ship Engineers but for all professional organizations in Turkey. Çelebi emphasized that the declaration they presented is not merely an election program, concluding his remarks with: 'This is not an election program; it is a governance model. If established correctly, it can change not only our chamber but the general working style of professional organizations. The real question in this election is: Will institutions be managed by habit, or by system? We propose to establish a system. Participation is good. A good ship engineer participates.'

Source: SeaNews Türkiye