Director of the Institute

Fatima Zahra Boutfor is a **Graduate Maritime Engineer** with more than ten years of experience in the international maritime industry. She has further strengthened her professional background through studies in economics, providing a multidisciplinary approach to leadership, strategic planning and organizational management.

For over a decade, she has served on board vessels engaged in international trade, gaining extensive experience in shipboard operations, operational management and maritime systems. Working in multicultural environments has enabled her to develop strong leadership, communication and coordination skills.

As Director of PITIP-MITIM, she is responsible for the lawful operation of the institute, its strategic development and the effective management of professional and research activities. Particular emphasis is placed on building international partnerships and promoting high standards of professionalism, integrity and operational excellence within the maritime sector.

An important asset is her exceptional linguistic capability. She is fluent in Moroccan Arabic (Darija), Arabic, French, English, Spanish and Slovenian, enabling effective communication with partners and stakeholders in an international environment.

Through the combination of technical expertise, extensive seagoing experience, organizational leadership and multilingual communication skills, she plays a central role in the continued development and international growth of PITIP-MITIM.

Founder of the Institute

Ricardos Vassillakis is a **Master Mariner (Unlimited)** with more than sixteen years of international maritime experience. Since 2010, he has served continuously on ocean-going vessels, holding senior operational and leadership positions within the shipboard management team.

Throughout his seagoing career, he has been responsible for the safe navigation of vessels, ship stability, cargo operations, implementation of safety management procedures and the coordination of shipboard personnel. His professional experience has been gained in demanding operational environments and through close cooperation with international shipping companies, classification societies, port authorities and multidisciplinary maritime teams.

As a certificated Master Mariner, he combines extensive practical seagoing experience with a strong technical and academic background. His graduate thesis, awarded the highest academic grade, focused on advanced shipboard safety systems and maritime safety management.

In accordance with **Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/842**, he serves as an authorised maritime technical expert participating in inspections of livestock vessels. Working alongside official veterinary authorities, he contributes to comprehensive assessments of the technical, operational and safety conditions of vessels to verify compliance with applicable European legislation.

His professional work is characterised by precision, integrity and a strong commitment to maritime safety, operational excellence and regulatory compliance, with particular emphasis on the welfare of animals during maritime transport and the safe operation of shipboard systems.

Through extensive international experience, technical expertise and practical leadership at sea, he provides specialist knowledge in ship inspections, regulatory compliance, technical assessments and professional maritime consulting.