| I was just asked to complete an executive survey regarding the industry in an effort to determine what 10 years down the road might look like and the state of preparedness of the industry. It covered the many hot points in our industry, from environment to safety to political upheaval and piracy. What it highlighted to me is the full range of competencies required by maritime professionals today to meet these issues. Gone are the days when the C-suite was only responsible for delivering returns to shareholders and making sure there was enough money in the coffers to pay the creditors. Today, the C-suite has to be conversant in global regulatory issues, be involved in compliance strategies and implementation, and be attuned to the holistic well-being of staff and crew—not to mention planning for the indeterminant future. Concurrently, it is important for their trusted advisors to be current with the latest technologies to meet regulations, be connected 24/7/365 with the operations of the ships, protect both the physical and virtual aspects of the company, and build a transparent system of communications to all. Shipping has always embraced challenges—it has sailed over horizons to unchartered waters to deliver goods and bring back cargoes which enrich the lives of society. That mission hasn’t altered, but the risks are on a scale today unforeseen 6000 years ago when man first took to the sea. Today’s challenge is to contain that risk and access opportunities through the gathering of information, exchange of ideas, and the forum to have frank conversations about what works and why. See you at SHIPPINGInsight in October where this will all take place! Keep optimizing, Carleen | 
