Said Zarhoune
Founder & Managing Director, OIECA
From the sea to expertise: a career forged by experience
Before being a maritime expert, arbitrator and consultant, Said Zarhoune is first and foremost a man of the sea. For over 25 years, he has lived to the rhythm of the tides, fishing campaigns and the daily challenges of maritime operations. As captain of deep-sea fishing vessels for 17 years, he exercised major responsibilities, combining decision-making, crew management and mastery of operations at sea. Today, this hands-on experience forms the basis of a rare expertise: a deep and authentic understanding of the realities of the maritime sector.
Academic background and professional certifications
Said Zarhoune has strengthened his field experience through advanced academic and professional training, including:
- Master in Maritime Business Administration (ISPM)
- Advanced diploma in Maritime Law and Maritime Commercial Operations (Lloyd's Maritime Institute)
- Continuing professional development in STCW standards, Maritime Safety and International Regulations (ISEM)
- Certification in Sustainable Blue Economy and Climate Change - Morocco, Indian Ocean, Africa (UNIVERSITÉ SENGHOR)
- Certification in The Ocean at the Heart of Humanity (Virtual Environment and Sustainable Development University)
- Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Certification (Institut Agro Rennes-Angers)
- And others...
A vision built around operations and strategy
Over the course of his career, Said Zarhoune has gradually broadened his scope of action, moving from the operational to a more global and strategic vision of the maritime sector.
Faced with the challenges of sustainability, performance and governance, it has developed an integrated approach based on :
- Visit responsible maritime governance
- Visit sustainable management of fishery resources
- The development of’Africa's blue economy
- Improving the technical and economic performance of maritime activities
His ambition: make the link between field experience and international standards.
From experience to expertise
With a rich background and extensive operational experience at sea, Said Zarhoune naturally turned to maritime expertise, arbitration and strategic consulting.
Recognized for his professionalism, he was named Sworn legal expert to the Agadir Court of Appeal and acts as a Certified marine referee.
Today, he is notably involved in :
- Marine technical expertise and incident analysis
- Maritime dispute resolution (arbitration and mediation)
- Strategic advice for shipowners, operators and institutions
- Support for high value-added maritime projects
→ His approach: operational experience + technical rigor + strategic vision
A strong commitment to training and transmission
Convinced that the future of the maritime sector lies in the quality of human skills, Said Zarhoune is actively involved in training and the transmission of knowledge.
He acts as temporary trainer (ITPM Laâyoune, CQPM Agadir) on key topics: fishing technology, sea reports, ship management and meteorology.
Through these commitments, it participates in :
- Training seafarers and enhancing their skills
- Developing programs adapted to local realities
- Promoting international standards (STCW Convention, IMO)
- Preparing professionals for changes in the sector
→ His conviction: training means building the future of the maritime industry.
Leadership and professional commitment
Said Zarhoune is a key player in the structuring and development of the maritime sector in Morocco and Africa. As a President of the Association of Fishing Vessel Captains in Morocco (ACCM), It actively promotes the profession and defends the interests of seafaring professionals.
Its commitment is part of an international dynamic through its membership of several key organizations:
- Arbitrator and mediator certified by the International Court of Mediation and Arbitration
- Full member of the International Association of Marine & Shipping Professionals (IAMSP)
- Member of the National Union of Experts, Mediators and Arbitrators in Morocco
- Member of the National Council of Legal Experts in Morocco
- Active member of the Moroccan Center for Arbitration and Consulting
It acts as a facilitator between the academic world, institutions and operators to encourage innovation and support transformations in the sector.
OIECA: a vision becomes reality
It was against this backdrop that he founded OIECA - OceanLex International Expertise, Consulting & Arbitration. This firm embodies a clear ambition:
→ To provide high-level maritime expertise, rooted in the realities of the field and aligned with international standards.
Through OIECA, Said Zarhoune is developing a platform dedicated to :
- Maritime expertise
- Strategic consulting
- Arbitration and mediation
- Professional training
International ambitions, African roots
Convinced of the potential of the African continent, he is working to :
- Positioning Africa as a major player in the maritime economy
- Supporting international companies in their development in Africa
- Promoting sustainable, high-performance maritime governance
A window on the world
Said Zarhoune is part of an international dynamic, developing partnerships with institutions, experts and companies around the world.
Signature
«With us, you sail towards excellence - with fairness, integrity and sustainability.»
Areas of expertise & career path
Navigation and Command
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Deep-sea fishing captain with over 25 years of experience at sea.
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17 years in command on board pelagic vessels, guaranteeing unrivalled on-the-ground knowledge of maritime operations.
Legal Expertise and Arbitration
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Sworn Judicial Expert in marine fishing at the Agadir Court of Appeal.
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Certified Arbitrator and Mediator, recognized by the courts of the Kingdom of Morocco.
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Specializing in amicable dispute resolution, post-loss appraisals and international regulatory compliance.
Personalized support
Freelance trainer and teacher at leading institutions:
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ITPM Laâyoune : Fishing technology.
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CQPM Agadir : Maritime reporting, Ship management and Marine meteorology.
Sustainability and responsibility
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President of the Association of Fishing Vessel Captains in Morocco (ACCM) : Working to professionalize the profession.
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Active member of several national and international mediation and arbitration organizations.
Affiliations and Accreditations
Mr Said Zarhoune is a member of several prestigious bodies, guaranteeing
the quality and neutrality of OIECA's work:
Member of the National Union of Experts, Mediators and Arbitrators in Morocco.
Member of the National Council of Legal Experts in Morocco.
Member of the International Court of Mediation and Arbitration.
Member of the Centre International de Médiation et d'Arbitrage (Rabat & Atlantique).
Active member of the Centre Marocain d'Arbitrage et de Conseil.
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