TRANS MARIS Launches the Call for Young Maritime Heritage Apprentices
17/06/2026
The TRANS MARIS project is pleased to announce the launch of an open call for young people aged 15–35 to participate in a unique cross-border mentorship programme dedicated to transmitting traditional maritime skills and knowledge.
A public presentation of the project and mentorship programme was held on 12 June 2026 at the Dino Škrapić Youth Centre in Rovinj.
The programme offers participants an opportunity to learn directly from experienced heritage bearers and practitioners through hands-on training in traditional sailing, rowing, sail-making, and boat maintenance. Through individual mentorship, participants will gain practical skills while actively contributing to the preservation of Adriatic maritime heritage.
In addition to practical training, mentees will take part in a rich educational programme that includes online lectures on cultural heritage, opportunities to participate in local maritime events according to their interests, and activities focused on heritage interpretation and community engagement.
Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about marine ecosystems and contemporary scientific approaches through collaboration with the Centre for Marine Research. The programme will further include a study visit to Venice and Cesenatico, where mentees will experience historic maritime traditions first-hand and have the opportunity to sail aboard traditional heritage vessels.
By combining traditional knowledge, practical skills, cultural heritage interpretation and international exchange, TRANS MARIS aims to strengthen the connection between young people and their maritime heritage while fostering new competencies relevant to sustainable cultural tourism.
The knowledge and skills acquired through the mentorship programme will continue to benefit local communities beyond the project's duration. Participants will be encouraged to contribute to the activities of the Ecomuseum House of Batana, recognised by UNESCO as a Good Safeguarding Practice, and to play an active role in ensuring the continued transmission of maritime heritage to future generations.
The TRANS MARIS mentorship programme represents an important step towards safeguarding endangered maritime skills, empowering young people, and building a sustainable future rooted in living heritage.
Applications are now open, and we invite all interested young people to join us on this exciting journey of learning, discovery and maritime adventure.
All information about the application process, eligibility criteria and programme activities can be found through the link:
https://www.batana.org/files/images/poziv-hr-1.pdf
The application deadline has been extended until 26 June 2026.
We encourage all interested young people to apply and become part of a new generation of maritime heritage ambassadors, contributing to safeguarding and transmitting traditional knowledge and skills for the future.
