Gdynia Maritime University GMU

On Saturday 12 April 2025, the graduation ceremony for the third edition of the postgraduate diploma Risk Management in the Offshore Extraction and Offshore Industry took place at Gdynia Maritime University. Graduating from the third edition of the postgraduate study programme conducted by the GMU Faculty of Navigation were 26 students.

The graduation ceremony was opened by Dr Agnieszka Blokus-Dziula, who welcomed all those who had been invited to attend and thanked graduates for their involvement during the last year. The next person to speak was Dr Sambor Guze, the Deputy Rector for Education and Student Affairs, who thanked those gathered for their trust in the programme and for choosing Gdynia Maritime University. In his speech, he spoke of the establishment of the study programme, which as he explained was the idea of Dr Przemysław Wilczyński, adding that the continued interest it receives from candidates is validation that the launch of the postgraduate programme was the right decision.

Dr Sambor Guze - Deputy Rector for Education and Student Affairs Photo Maciej Czarniak

As part of the third edition of the postgraduate diploma, a monograph entitled Selected Aspects of Risk Management in the Offshore Sector, a continuation of the publication Risk Management in the Offshore Industry, was produced. Both publications were published by Gdynia Maritime University as part of the Risk Management in the Offshore Extraction and Wind Energy Industry postgraduate study programme, and are dedicated to subjects taught within the programme. The works were written by the programme's lecturers, graduates, and students. In thanking all those who contributed to and reviewed the publication for their support, Dr Agnieszka Blokus-Dziula encouraged those gathered to read the work. An electronic version of the book is available on the GMU Publishing website: https://wydawnictwo.umg.edu.pl/content/wybrane-zagadnienia-zarz%C4%85dzania-ryzykiem-w-przemy%C5%9Ble-offshore

Head of the PGDip Risk Management in the Offshore Extraction and Offshore Extraction Industries – Dr Agnieszka Blokus-Dziula. Photo: Maciej Czarniak

The Deputy Rector for Science, Dr Dariusz Barbucha, also referred to the initiative of creating a publication, within the framework of the study programme, focused on topics related to the offshore wind energy sector and the extraction industry. He also highlighted that one of the programme's key successes is the fact that another cohort of graduates is completing their studies. At the same time, continuing to run future editions while maintaining high standards and sustained interest in the field remains a considerable challenge.

Dr Dariusz Barbucha – Deputy Rector for Science  Maciej Czarniak

Also addressing the graduates and guests was Professor Tomasz Tarasiuk, Deputy Rector for Internationalisation, Cooperation and Development, who emphasised that the study programme has led to the consolidation and further development of cooperation between industry, business and the University.

Professor Tomasz Tarasiuk – Deputy Rector for Internationalisation, Cooperation and Development Maciej Czarniak

Naturally, also in attendance at the ceremony were the course's lecturers, without whom, as was emphasised by Agnieszka Blokus-Dziula, the study programme could not go ahead. Also taking to the floor was one of the lecturers, Łukasz Sikorski, who has taught on the programme since the first edition. Reflecting on the subject of the programme and risk management as a whole, he concluded by appealing to graduates to not forget to also be guided by their hearts in their actions and decision-making.

Łukasz Sikorski. Photo Maciej Czarniak

Following the speeches was the most important part of the event, the presentation of the diplomas, followed by a group photo. As a warm gesture of thanks, the graduates presented Agnieszka Blokus-Dziula with a bouquet before posing for a joint photo of all those present.

Graduates of the third edition. Photo Maciej Czarniak

Photo: Maciej Czarniak

Following the ceremony, Joanna Rybicka-Gornowicz and Robert Grzegorowski invited everyone to gather for discussions and to exchange experiences.

Joanna Rybicka-Gornowicz and Robert Grzegorowski. Photo. Maciej Czarniak

Joanna Rybicka-Gornowicz began by asking the new graduates about how their newly acquired knowledge in risk management will be implemented in their current work. In addressing current issues, Robert Grzegorowski asked the participants what risks, in their view, might materialise in the offshore wind sector given the present geopolitical situation, and what risks have emerged as a result of the rapid increase in wind turbine capacity — particularly in relation to technology, quality and maintenance, and the supply chain.

Photo: Maciej Czarniak

In addition to key competencies in conducting Offshore Wind Energy projects, those taking part in the discussion also often mentioned soft skills, which Joanna Rybicka-Gornowicz consistently encouraged them to develop during the programme's sessions. Taking part in the discussions were graduates, including those from previous editions of the study programme, as well as lecturers and GMU authorities.

Photo: Maciej Czarniak

Each graduate was given a copy of the book Selected Aspects of Risk Management in the Offshore Sector.

Photo: Maciej Czarniak

We would like to thank all those who attended the graduation ceremony. Our sincere congratulations to all graduates - we wish you success in putting your new knowledge and skills into practice!

Details on the next edition of the study programme, scheduled to begin in October of next year, will be announced soon.