The public is invited to a series of seminars, workshops to educate and challenge and make the most of networking opportunities at the Women's International Shipping & Trading Association's WISTA-UK event during London International Shipping Week (LISW) from September 7 - 11.

The first session will include a seminar on "Women in Command". Being in command is a challenging job so WISTA UK is taking this opportunity to examine the woman's role in the industry, said the press statement.

"It is estimated that only four per cent of seagoing staff are female, which is a potential resource being wasted. How can the industry recruit and retain seafarers to respond to the worldwide shortage of qualified crews? A challenging and new perspective will be presented," it said.

The second session, "The Perfect Dilemma - an Interactive Workshop," led by Capt Nigel Moniz and Capt Pushkar Gadam of DGS Marine, will focus on the complexities of maritime casualties.

It will examine the varied and high value risks that vessel owning businesses can be exposed to, as well as the multiple interested parties involved in smoothly concluding a voyage.

The session will advise interested parties how to react to these incidents, ambiguity surrounding the question of liability and how to adhere to local and international regulations.

Mike Godfrey, head of public relations at Image Line Communications will also make a presentation on crisis media relations.

The third session will include a presentation titled, "Old Father Thames there's life in the old man yet" led by historical geographer David Hilling MBE and Commander David Phillips MNI MVO, harbour master, Port of London Authority.

The presentation will cover how the River Thames has shaped English history, the changing use of Thames-side facilities and what's going on with the Thames today.

"LISW is one of the most prestigious and eagerly anticipated shipping events in the maritime world and WISTA-UK is delighted to once again be a part of the celebration of UK shipping. London has always been one of the centres of the maritime world and the return of LISW will once again give us the opportunity to show not only how important women are in shipping, but also why the UK remains at the forefront of maritime technology," said WISTA-UK president Sue Terpilowski.

If you are interested in signing up for any (or all) of the free WISTA-UK sessions during LISW, please book online - http://wistauklisw2015.eventbrite.co.uk