Owing to the economic crisis and a staggering, 27% unemployment rate, young Greeks are being steadily driven to unusual parts of the world for work. The sea, which has always been an integral part of the Greek DNA, has the added benefit of promising salaries.
In the immediate postwar years, the Piraeus was packed with Greeks embarking for long and risky ventures in order to provide for their families. For years, Greek families were forced to remain separated from their loved ones in order to provide daily sustenance for their families.
A wealth of films and novels reflects the pain and agony of that era. One of Greece’s most famous writers, Nikos Kavvadias, fills his oeuvre with references to the sea-bound. “Son where are you going?” “Mother, I’m going to the sea.”
Over the decades, Greeks’ love for the sea brought their country enormous growth and domination. Many once-poor sailors became fabulously wealthy captains. The Greek standard of living began to climb.
As a result, Greeks started to turn away from shipping. The wages were very high, but they preferred safe jobs and to live closer to their families.
Now, with the economic crisis, young Greeks have once again turned to the sea for a better, more promising future. Exceptional minds are now claiming their stake in the national maritime heritage.
The Merchant Marine Academy (MMA) is the preferred destination for young Greek shippers. The most popular subjects are engineering and organization.
The average salary of a first-year employee ranges between 880 and 1700 euros per month. The wage for someone actually on board a ship jumps anywhere from 5200 to 9000 euros.
Increased Demand for Greek Shippers
Demand for Greek officers is high not only amongst Greek companies, but internationally as well. There is currently a tremendous worldwide demand for ship builders and engineers. According to a University of Aegean study, students come mainly from Attica, Macedonia and the Peloponnese.
In 2014, 1193 students enrolled at the MMA: 695 Masters students and 498 engineers. 3275 total applications were submitted to the Academy, thus confirming the great interest Greeks maintain in the sea.
Studying and Traveling
Attendance at the MMA lasts eight semesters. Two are spent on board Greek merchant ships. Students are also trained to sail foreign ships. They are provided knowledge of the English language and are drilled into becoming officers or master mechanics. After graduation, students acquire the master ‘C’ class in Merchant Marine engineering and the third grade in Merchant Marine, respectively.
The Evgenidis Foundation for maritime training distributes 44,000 books to the MMA annually. Since 1989, it has also offered 50 scholarships to deserving candidates.
Meanwhile, following a decision by Mr. Varvitsiotis to keep Greek maritime studies on par with other European programs, 1.6 million euros have been devoted to upgrading the Academy’s facilities.
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