Ancora places a great emphasis in attracting qualified crew-members, realizing their very important role in the proper operation and safety of the vessels. Therefore, in 1994, it established the wholly owned subsidiary Medbulk Maritime Management in the Philippines to provide and train permanent staff to man the ships under its management. In 1998, this company was accredited the ISO 9002 initially by Lloyd's Register and subsequently by BV.

In order to select the best possible crew available, Ancora has a program in place, in cooperation with the J.P. Lacson Academy in the Philippines, educating deck and engineering cadets. This program is based on scholarships granted for the full 4-year education period, of which one-year is training on board (sandwich course).

Since 1997 when this program was initiated, Ancora has selected 61 scolars from that Academy and granted them a full scholarship, as well as 25 regular cadets from the same school.

All these selected cadets may amply cover the short and medium-term needs of Ancora for well educated deck and engine officers.

Following company's policy, all officers have attended special training courses, in excess of the statutory requirements, thus enhancing their professional knowledge and skills. These programs are attended in Manila, at well reputed training centers approved by both the government and the IMO. They cover the subjects of:
(a) Bridge Resource Management,
(b) Ship Simulation and Bridge Teamwork and
(c) Engine Room Resources Management.

Moreover, the company has in place a training course, which is carried out on board its vessels on a regular basis. A qualified Chief Officer with a strong academic background and especially trained for this purpose is employed on a full time basis as instructor. The subjects he covers include a wide range of safety issues, pollution prevention, cargo/ballast operations, ISM Code requirements and implementation of company's SMS. Occasionally, external consultants are invited on board to perform special training programs.

Prior to embarkation, all seamen are evaluated through the special program "Competence Evaluation of Seafarers CES 4.0," designed by Seagull A.S., Norway for that purpose. Their performance on board is continuously monitored through the Crew Appraisal Program. On a quarterly basis, the Master prepares an Appraisal Report for each officer and rating under his command. Additionally, the appraisal of the Masters, the Chief Officers, the Chief Engineers and the 2nd Engineers is made by the Superintendents and the senior management. The results are properly evaluated by the company and action is taken if necessary.

The relationship between Ancora and its crew-members is based on mutual commitment. This commitment is evidenced by the high rate of crew re-employment with Ancora, which, for the last several years, is consistently over 95%.