At MARITIME INNOVATORS, we believe mentoring is a cornerstone of lifelong learning and professional development in the maritime industry. Our approach to mentoring blends real-world maritime experience, academic insight, and digital innovation to support both seafarers and those transitioning to shore-based careers.

Our Background in Mentoring

Our Director, Ugurcan Acar, began mentoring in 2010 at Glasgow College (UK), guiding international maritime students through the complexities of their Officer of the Watch certification pathways. This early mentoring role shaped our ongoing commitment to seafarer development.

Through EU-funded initiatives like SEA MENTORS and SEA4SHORE, we have facilitated experiential knowledge transfer, career planning, and psychological readiness for life beyond sea service. These projects allowed us to develop digital mentoring frameworks tailored to the personal and professional needs of seafarers.

Our Mentoring Philosophy

We view mentoring as more than just guidance! it’s a structured and dynamic relationship that:

  • Enhances seafarers’ competencies in both technical and soft skills
  • Bridges the knowledge gap between generations of maritime professionals
  • Supports transition from sea to shore through career development strategies
  • Encourages self-reflection, growth, and mutual learning

Digital Mentoring Solutions

We integrate digital platforms and tools to make mentoring scalable and inclusive. Whether through online mentoring portals, mobile-friendly microlearning modules, or video interviews with experienced mentors, we make professional guidance accessible to seafarers across distances and time zones.

Key Project Contributions

  • SEA MENTORS: Developed mentor-mentee pairing systems for knowledge-based mentoring
  • SEA4SHORE: Explored mentoring as a tool for post-sea career development, with direct seafarer interviews informing content

Our Future Vision

We aim to establish further study and tools for the mentors and mentees, where retired or experienced seafarers support new entrants and those at mid-career crossroads. This includes:

  • Certification-linked mentoring schemes
  • Institutional partnerships with maritime academies
  • AI-powered tools to track mentee progress and feedback loops