Mircea Panait

Chief Officer, Allure of the Seas

I graduated from CMU in 2006 and, upon completion of my cadetship period, I got a contract as 3rd officer on a container ship. Then, I had the chance to work on passenger ships. I started with Norwegian Cruise Line NCL, where I came to better understand what such a working environment and inter-departmental relations really mean. After one voyage as 2nd officer with NCL, I managed to join the Royal Caribbean Team, and I am still with them, after more than 10 years.

It hasn’t been easy because Romanians didn’t frequently work on passenger ships. I was the first Romanian officer to work with NCL and among the first with Royal Caribbean. I learned some beautiful lessons, some of them easier, some of them more difficult … but, most importantly, I learned that patience and a good cooperation with your peers and superiors are the key to success! Slowly but surely I was promoted and now I finally am Chief Officer Safety, which means I get to work with all departments, I provide training for all 860 crew members and I am responsible with onboard safety.

During 2014 – 2015 I was 1st officer on Allure of the Seas, which was, at the time, the largest passenger ship in the world. In 2008 I attended the training of 2300 people who were members of the Symphony of the Seas crew, which currently is … the largest passenger ship in the world!

Georgiana Tudorica

Marine Superintendent, UK

After graduating the Faculty of Navigation, I started my cadetship with Maersk Tankers, as 3rd and 2nd officer. I continued to work for Maersk Tankers, as 3rd and 2nd officer, on chemical and oil tankers until 2018, when I decided to pursue a career onshore. I worked as Vessel Operator, for the merchant marine, for the chemical tanks of Ace Tankers in Amsterdam and I recently started on a new path, namely I started working as Assistant Marine Superintendent for K Line LNG UK in London.

Personally, I have always wanted to travel and see the world, and pursuing an officer career turned out to be the best decision in that respect. Although there have been obstacles along the way, such as being a woman in a male-dominated field, I managed to break through and fulfil my dream. Although the financial aspect represents a big plus, it is equally important to find some other attraction points. In order to succeed in this field one needs passion and I recommend to all current and future students to also see the positive aspects of sailing and to enjoy every sunrise and every sunset at sea.

Nina Ehimov

Chief Deck Officer

I graduated from CMU in 2012 and, starting with 2014, I work on passenger ships. I started out as 3rd officer in 2014, 2nd officer in 2015 and 1st officer in 2016. Since January 2019 I am Chief Officer Deck. The beginning is never easy, but the strength and the experiences accumulate over time. The most important thing is to have a good foundation. If the foundation is shaky, nothing strong could ever be built on it, but is it is solid enough, the sky is the limit. My most sincere thanks go to my professors who, during the four years of studies, have helped me build a solid foundation.

If I could change something from my study years? I would read more books and “bother” my professors with more questions (I’m sure they wouldn’t mind). When you’re a student things are easy: you attend the lecture and them sit for the exam, but on the job thing are different: first you get tested, then you learn!

Victor Vlaciu

Chief Officer, Maersk Romania

In 2009, when I was a IIIrd year student at the Faculty of Navigation and Naval Transport, I carried out my onboard training on an oil tank. Upon graduation, starting with 2011, I worked as 3rd officer until 2015, when I had the opportunity to get promoted as oil tanker Chief Officer. Since 2017 I am captain on an offshore F.C.B. type of vessel, specialised in crew transfer and towage, for a Swiss company named Offshore Angola.

I am grateful that God guided my steps towards CMU, where I met wonderful colleagues, 100% dedicated professors who got involved in my academic and professional growth! I highly recommend the Faculty of Navigation and Naval Transport – Navigation major – not just because it is what is called a “lucrative job”, but also in order to build a career of a lifetime and benefit from multiple opportunities.

And YES – I succeeded in my professional, social and personal life also because of Constanta Maritime University. If you have strong will and belief, you can make it! Good luck to all CMU students!