Senior leaders from across the Eastern Mediterranean shipping community have called for greater collaboration, practical training and stronger operational readiness as the industry prepares for the evolving requirements of RightShip’s RISQ 3.2 inspection framework.
Hosted by SQLearn and Mintra, in collaboration with RightShip, during Posidonia 2026, the panel discussion brought together representatives from shipowners, managers, industry associations, and inspection specialists to explore how companies can move beyond compliance and embed safer, more consistent onboard practices. Mintra and SQLearn support maritime organisations with digital learning and competence solutions designed to translate regulatory and operational requirements into practical crew development.
The discussion was moderated by Vassilios Demetriades, Global Ambassador at Mintra, and featured:
- Kostis Antonopoulos, Associate Director Eastern Mediterranean, RightShip
- Metaxia Psalti, COO, Neda Maritime Agency Co. Ltd. and Vice-Chair of INTERCARGO
- Panagiotis Nikiteas, DPA / CSO / HSQE Manager, Maran Dry Management Inc. and Chairperson of the Dry Bulk Centre of Excellence
Rather than focusing solely on inspection outcomes, the discussion highlighted how RISQ 3.2 places increasing emphasis on operational execution, crew understanding and the consistent application of procedures onboard.
Vassilios Demetriades, Global Ambassador at Mintra, said:
“RISQ 3.2 represents more than an inspection framework. It reflects a change in philosophy, where people, processes and planning must work together. Supporting that transition requires practical, future-focused training that connects learning with the skills, behaviours and decision-making capabilities needed onboard. Organisations that invest in competence, leadership and operational consistency will be better prepared not only for inspections, but for safer day-to-day operations.”
The discussion reinforced the value of collaboration between inspection specialists, ship operators and training providers. Through their work with RightShip, SQLearn and Mintra are developing practical digital learning solutions that help crews understand and apply RISQ 3.2 requirements, strengthen onboard decision-making and maintain readiness across global fleets.
Kostis Antonopoulos, Associate Director Eastern Mediterranean at RightShip, said:
“The winners are those who can demonstrate control clearly, consistently and early. Owners and managers have to demonstrate readiness, not reactivity, agility, consistency and focus on high-risk controls. The shared outcome is fewer delays, a lower burden for the crew and more predictable commercial outcomes.”
The panel explored recurring inspection findings across navigation, mooring, maintenance and enclosed space entry, while examining how stronger alignment between ship and shore teams can improve both safety performance and commercial resilience.
Metaxia Psalti, COO of Neda Maritime Agency and Vice-Chair of INTERCARGO, emphasised that documented procedures alone are no longer enough.
“It is different what you have as procedures and what is being implemented onboard. We had to do a number of things, including training, familiarising them with all of the changes that we made to our procedures and doing extensive training.”
Panagiotis Nikiteas, DPA / CSO / HSQE Manager at Maran Dry Management and Chairperson of the Dry Bulk Centre of Excellence, spoke about the importance of empowerment.
“What is actually missing, in my understanding, is empowerment. There is still fear in the offices and onboard. This chain has to be working sooner rather than later. We have to be very well prepared to see what the future will bring.”
The panel concluded that training remains one of the most important enablers of successful RISQ 3.2 implementation. As inspections increasingly evaluate crew understanding, judgement and practical application, the industry must move beyond compliance-based learning towards building measurable competence and operational confidence.
With SQLearn’s established maritime presence in Greece and Mintra’s strong maritime presence in Cyprus, the two businesses bring deep regional insight to Mintra’s wider digital learning and competence capabilities.
