What happens after you achieve your Master Mariner license? In this episode of On Course, Captain Christian Ciortan AFNI shares how joining The Nautical Institute helped him expand his professional development into a broader international role within the maritime community. A Naval Academy graduate and serving captain, Captain Ciortan explains why he approached membership not by asking what he could receive, but what he could contribute. Through The Nautical Institute, he gained: • International professional recognition • Access to expert knowledge, webinars and specialist publications • Direct engagement with fellow senior mariners • Opportunities to share insights and knowledge within the community • A voice supporting maritime regulation through the IMO The Nautical Institute’s relationship with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) allows our membership to provide real-world operational expertise into the regulatory process, ensuring that global maritime policies reflect practical onboard realities. For professional mariners seeking: • Continuous career development • Recognition of their professional competence • An internationally respected credential • A platform to share knowledge and expertise Learn more about The Nautical Institute: https://www.nautinst.org/about-us.html