Dimitrios Dalaklis is a professor in the Maritime Safety and Environmental Administration (MSEA) Specialization at the World Maritime University. His expertise centre around safety and security issues at sea. "I am looking forward to my new role as the UArctic Chair in Search and Rescue (SAR), so as to positively contribute to a more safe and secure Arctic Region" says Dimitrios when asked about his new position at the UArctic.
Professor Dalaklis joined World Maritime University in 2014 after a distinguished 26-year career in the Hellenic Navy, where he accumulated his expertise in maritime safety, security, and education. At World Maritime University, he has been actively involved in the Maritime Safety and Environmental Administration (MSEA) specialization, contributing to the design and delivery of courses on maritime safety systems and security, seafarer training, and energy management.
Dalaklis’s research and teaching have consistently focused on critical Arctic-related issues, including shipping operations in icy waters, implementation of the Polar Code, and search and rescue (SAR) in Arctic contexts. His extensive publishing record includes numerous peer-reviewed studies and book chapters, with an emphasis on improving safety and security in Arctic maritime operations.
The professor’s academic journey includes advanced degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School in the United States and a PhD from the University of the Aegean, Greece, where he focused on maritime administration and policy formulation. His practical experience as a naval officer and expertise in implementing International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions like SOLAS, MARPOL, and STCW have made him a sought-after expert in oceans governance, environmental protection, and Arctic development.
In addition to his teaching and research, Professor Dalaklis has led numerous capacity-building initiatives, including training programs that emphasize the effective implementation of international maritime regulations. His leadership in Arctic research has also extended to coordinating and participating in international projects that address the unique challenges of search and rescue in the Arctic, where harsh conditions and vast distances pose significant risks.
As the newly appointed UArctic Chair in Search and Rescue, Dalaklis aims to further strengthen international collaboration on Arctic safety and SAR practices. His focus will be on improving operational strategies, advancing research in Arctic maritime safety, and enhancing training for professionals working in this challenging region.
You can find more information about UArctic Chairs here.