Istanbul Sea Buses (IDO) has launched the “My Mentor is IDO” project prepared for maritime faculty students. Carried out in cooperation with Istanbul Technical University, Yıldz Technical University, Piri Reis University, and Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, the study brings together experienced names in the sector with the sailors of the future.
30 Years of Experience Meets with Youth
In the project, which had a preparation period of approximately one year, long-course captains and chief engineers with 30-40 years of experience within IDO are serving as mentors. A total of 34 university students, 17 of whom are women and 17 of whom are men, have completed their training process and started field studies. Within the scope of the eight-month program, students will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with experienced sailors on car ferries operating on the Yenikapı–Yalova and Pendik–Yalova lines.
“Experience Lies at the Heart of Safety”
Speaking at the launch of the project held on January 15, IDO Human Resources Manager Nurullah Çalışır stated that they shaped the project together with the faculties and said: “During this journey, we will experience together how textbook knowledge translates to the field. We are very excited to be able to offer this opportunity.”
IDO General Manager Dr. Murat Orhan addressed the critical role of experience, stating: “Getting a ship from one point to another is important, but doing so safely is much more important. At the heart of this safety lies experience. If I were in your shoes, I would take every bit of information I could from these experienced sailors; I wouldn't leave them alone.”
Emphasis on Gender Equality in Maritime
Mentörüm İDO aims to present an egalitarian model in the maritime sector, which is traditionally considered male-dominated. Keeping the number of female and male students equal in the selected group aims to increase the visibility of women in the industry. Through the program, it is intended for students to develop professional skills such as leadership, teamwork, and crisis intervention within real-life dynamics.
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