Dr. Kokarakis, a 1979 graduate of the National Technical University of Athens, holds Ph.D. and Masters’ degrees in Naval Architecture and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. He worked as a consultant undertaking technical problems worldwide specializing in the technical investigation of marine accidents. He participated in the technical investigation of the Exxon Valdez grounding, the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, the drillship Sea-Crest capsize, the Piper Alpha fire and explosion, and many other maritime accidents. He is presently the Technical Director of Bureau Veritas in Southeast Europe, Black Sea & Adriatic Zone, responsible for the smooth technical operation within the Zone with a focus on the implementation of “green” regulations and fuel-saving techniques. He is a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers since 1976 and a Fellow of the Society, being currently the Chairman of the Greek Section since 2014.