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Deep Blue submits two strategic reports to the French Maritime and Coastal Development Agency (Conseil d’État) on maritime issues and maritime education
During a hearing on maritime issues, the association Deep Blue submitted an initial strategic report to the Ministry of the Sea, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs (Conseil d’État) focusing on the role of the sea in French public policy. Following this hearing, a second report was commissioned from the association, focusing specifically on maritime education and the promotion of a maritime culture amongst younger generations.
This phase marks an important milestone in the development of Deep Blue as a forum for reflection, policy proposals and support for public maritime policy. By mobilising its network of students, young professionals, seafarers, researchers and committed contributors, the association aims to provide public institutions with fresh, structured and practical expertise.
The first report, submitted during the hearing, addressed around twenty general questions relating to major contemporary maritime issues. In particular, it addressed maritime governance, sovereignty, training, maritime security, the blue economy, the role of young people in public policy, and the strategic role of the sea in France’s future.
This collaborative project aimed to shed light on the profound changes currently taking place in maritime spaces: rising geopolitical tensions, the protection of trade routes, the security of subsea cables, the energy transition, industrial sovereignty, the training of maritime professionals, the conservation of biodiversity and the adaptation of coastal regions.
Two reports to inform public decision-making
The reports are available here:
Hearing Report
Deep Blue’s contribution to the work on France’s maritime policy
Report on education
Deep Blue’s contribution to the work on France’s education policy relating to the sea and maritime affairs
Following this initial hearing, the Conseil d’État commissioned the Deep Blue to produce a second report, focusing on maritime education. This new commission is a direct follow-up to the discussions held during the hearing and reflects a commitment to continuing the dialogue on a key issue: integrating the sea into general, school, university and civic education.
This is because France has a vast maritime zone, a long naval history, a strategic maritime industry and overseas territories, all of which confer a particular responsibility upon it. Yet maritime culture remains far too marginalised in educational curricula, in public debate and in the training of decision-makers.
The second report therefore sets out to propose concrete measures to strengthen maritime education: raising pupils’ awareness; integrating maritime issues into the curriculum; promoting careers at sea; fostering closer links between institutions, the academic world and industry professionals; and raising awareness amongst young people of the major ocean-related challenges.
Deep Blue: a think tank dedicated to maritime issues
Through these two reports, Deep Blue reaffirms its mission: to support public policy by making a youthful, interdisciplinary and action-oriented contribution.
The association aims to act as a bridge between public institutions, the academic world, maritime professionals and the younger generation. Its aim is to help ensure that the sea is recognised as a fully-fledged political, strategic and civic issue.
Particular attention was paid to the contribution made by the cadets from the ENSM (École Nationale Supérieure Maritime), who are members of Deep Blue. Their perspective, informed by their maritime training and the operational realities of the sector, made a vital contribution to this collective discussion.
Their involvement serves as a reminder that maritime policies cannot be devised solely by institutions. They must also involve those who are training for careers at sea, who are familiar with the practical challenges involved, and who will form the next generation of France’s maritime workforce.
Making the sea a strategic priority
By submitting an initial report to the Conseil d’État, and then following this up with a second contribution on maritime education, Deep Blue has reaffirmed its commitment to helping build a genuine strategic maritime culture in France.
Today, the sea raises issues relating to sovereignty, security, the environment, the economy, training, innovation and power. It can no longer be viewed as a sector-specific or peripheral issue. It must become a key pillar of public policy.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the editors, contributors and members of Deep Blue who have been involved in producing this work. Their rigour, their commitment and the quality of their analyses demonstrate young people’s ability to make a meaningful contribution to major public debates.
Deep Blue In the coming months, it will continue its research, publishing and dialogue with institutions, with a view to promoting a simple conviction: France cannot fully envisage its strategic future without taking the sea into account.
