U.S. Consul Michael Gray was the last to speak and he simply expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to get to know Cuxhaven. He said that he had fallen in love with the city and would happily return. We were also somewhat surprised when he set aside his prepared remarks to share his genuine surprise and delight and the warm and welcoming community he had gotten to know. We certainly look forward to building up this relationship during Mr. Gray's three year term.

The evening dinner at Donner's Hotel, which rounded off the 19th, was a huge success and provided an intimate atmosphere for students, speakers, teachers and industry representatives. We felt this was an essential component in establishing rapport amongst the participants, who were also getting to know each other for the first time. By the end of the evening, it felt like we were all friends and easing into the next day seemed like a completely natural transition.

I would definitely not have missed the dinner for anything.

Day Two: 20th of March 2015 - Morning Session

The second day was inaugurated by Lord Mayor Dr. Ulrich Getsch. His rugged, frank and direct manner seemed almost like an embodiment of the no-nonsense, mercantile spirit of Cuxhaven. We were off to a rolling start and from here, we maintained the momentum.

Dr. Sarah Fiona Gahlen, Vice President of the German American Maritime Institute and a scholar at the University of Kiel's Institute of International Law led off the professional lectures by delving into vivid case law examples of captain's liability. From civil to criminal claims, we learned just how risky it often can be to be in charge of a vessel. To add an additional layer of concern, Dr. Gahlen illuminated aspects of newly passed environmental legislation. More liability and more paperwork for captains to manage has been the trend for some time now, and there appears to be no reversal in sight, even with more support from shore office staff at larger companies.