A professional is a member of a profession or any person who earns their living from a specified professional activity. The term also describes the standards of education and training that prepare members of the profession with the particular knowledge and skills necessary to perform their specific role within that profession. In addition, professionalism has to do with how you conduct yourself during your business affairs; different tasks to different people. Talking about shipping industry, seafaring with its STCW rules could meet all the requirements of a profession. 1. Be the best Professionals strive to excel. It takes effort and commitment to remain at that standard and to even look to excellence. A maritime professional focuses at the expectations of his position and seeks out the skillset, knowledge and training to reach them. 2. Be dependable Seafarers accept the duties of the role and position and keep their promises, meet their commitments, learn from their mistakes, and take responsibility for their errors. For instance, a Master is accountable for all; this could be an ultimate praise for professionalism. 3.Be a team player Take for example ship navigation and/or mooring operations. They do not necessarily imply professionalism. It is mainly about how you plan yourself; how you communicate and cooperate with your mates. Professionals know how to contribute to a larger cause and make others around them better. 4.Be respectful Harassment, aggressive attitude, and offensive personal habits can face suspension of seafarers’ contracts. The multicultural nature of shipboard work requires every seafarer to adapt to the diversity and understand the positive aspects. Good business etiquette is a sign of respect for those around you, respecting others is not only good, it is good for your career. 5.Be positive It important that a seafarer, his/her collogues and the organisation maintain a positive, resilient outlook even when things get tough. There are many methods by which stress could be reduced while working and mindfulness is one of them. 6.Be ethical Those working in acknowledged seafaring professions exercise specialist knowledge and skill. Responsible maritime professionals work to avoid any ethical lapses and weigh their options carefully when facing ethical delimmas. Question 1. Briefly explain THREE (3) of the elements.