Philippe Hermes
Philippe Hermes is a Brussels-based legal advocate and international consultant, known for his deep expertise in maritime security, international law, and the protection of human rights at sea. As the founder and executive director of Téthys Naval, Hermes plays a leading role in shaping policy, innovation, and legal standards across the global maritime and security sectors.
Philippe serves as an appointed expert to the International Law Association’s Committee on the Protection of People at Sea, where he contributes to shaping legal frameworks that ensure accountability and safeguard vulnerable individuals affected by maritime operations. His expertise is also recognised within the European Union’s BlueInvest Community, where he acts as a qualified expert, guiding sustainable maritime ventures through legal, regulatory, and investment challenges.
Beyond his corporate leadership, Hermes maintains a strategic advisory role across multiple international governmental and non-governmental organisations, including the Danube Commission, the Human Rights at Sea Charity, and Aquapol. His guidance supports legal compliance, ethical conduct, and security protocols across complex cross-border maritime networks.
“Good governance at sea is a collective obligation of all maritime stakeholders to uphold accountability, fairness, and the rights of those who work at sea.”
Philippe is also an active contributor to global regulatory efforts. He works closely with the Legal Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and serves in the Maritime Security Working Group of the International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA), promoting ethical standards in private maritime security operations.
Further underscoring his international standing, Philippe serves on the Board of Directors of the International Society for Military Law and the Law of War (Brussels) and the World Ocean Council (Barcelona), where he influences long-term policy on maritime governance, ocean sustainability, and international law.