The Aegean Sea trade winds cross the Mediterranean Sea on the easternmost corner of the Greek isle of Rhodes. The island has deep roots in maritime history and began building fleets as early as 600 B.C. During that era, the people of Rhodes developed rules of law to deal with shipping disputes. In the year 800 A.D., a later maritime law code was created called the Rhodian Sea Law. It is incredible to be interacting with the maritime community in the place where maritime law began.
Last week, I was able to visit the Aegean Institute of the Law of the Sea and Maritime Law in the old town of Rhodes. It was a wonderful experience to see the Institute and meet some of the current students that attend both the Institute and the University of Athens. I was able to interview several Greek students to learn more about the need for a youth maritime non-profit. It was wonderful to hear the interest and excitement from the students I met about becoming more involved in the global maritime community. I enjoyed hearing about the classes that they take at the Institute and the future career aspirations of the students. Discussing the current pressing challenges facing the maritime industry and possible solutions with current students was an experience I will not forget.
Over the weekend, I was able to tour the Maritime Museum. I was in awe looking at some of the old logbooks, letters from Captains, rare photographs, and history of Greek shipping exhibit which showed the progression of the maritime industry in the Mediterranean, starting in 1769. Being in Greece has shed a new light on the enormous depth of history surrounding the industry and the maritime museum tour significantly increased my knowledge of the origins and progression of shipping.
This week, I will be concluding my time in Greece in the capital city of Athens. There, I, with fellow Greek graduate students, will explore the ancient Temple of Poseidon (Greek god of the Sea) at Cape Sounion, built during 444–440 B.C. Also in Athens, I will be meeting with several maritime companies where I will be gathering more data to continue to further refine and shape the creation of a maritime youth non-profit that will help empower and encourage the next generation of maritime leaders.