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🇪🇺 Interreg IPA South Adriatic 2021–2027
SA SKILLS Project · Adriatic Blue Growth Cluster

ABGC Digital Platform
Users Guide

Complete Reference Manual for Platform Users, Partners & Administrators

Step-by-step instructions for navigating, managing, and using all modules of the ABGC Digital Platform — eCommunication, eDocuments, eLearning, and eCommerce — developed within the SA SKILLS project framework.

Website
southadriaticskills.org
Version
1.0
Date
February 2026
Classification
Public

Impressum

Document Title
ABGC Digital Platform — Users Guide
Version
Version 1.0
Date of Publication
February 2026
Prepared by
University of Montenegro — Institute of Marine Biology, Put I Bokeljske brigade 68, 85330 Kotor, Montenegro
On behalf of
Adriatic Blue Growth Cluster (ABGC) — SA SKILLS Project (Project ID: SA-0200142)
Programme
Interreg IPA South Adriatic 2021–2027 — Co-funded by the European Union under IPA III
Project Duration
01 July 2023 — 31 October 2027 (subject to approved modifications)
Website
https://southadriaticskills.org

Disclaimer: This Users Guide has been prepared within the framework of the SA SKILLS project. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union, the Managing Authority, or the participating countries.

© 2026 University of Montenegro — Institute of Marine Biology. Reproduction permitted for non-commercial purposes with source acknowledgement.

Table of Contents
1Introduction 2Quick Start Guide 3Getting Started — Registration & Login 4User Profile Management 5eCommunication Module 6eDocumentation Module 7eLearning Module 8eCommerce Module 9Platform Navigation & Dashboard 10FAQ & Troubleshooting AAppendix — Field Reference & Glossary
Part I
Platform Overview & Getting Started
1

Introduction

An overview of the ABGC Digital Platform, its purpose, intended audience, and the four core modules that make up the integrated digital ecosystem.

The Adriatic Blue Growth Cluster (ABGC) digital platform serves as a collaborative digital environment supporting cross-border cooperation among stakeholders from Montenegro, Italy, Albania, and the broader Adriatic region. It fosters knowledge exchange, skills development, and sustainable blue economy growth.

1.1 Purpose of the Guide

This Users Guide provides comprehensive instructions for navigating and using the ABGC Digital Platform, developed within the framework of the SA SKILLS project under the Interreg IPA South Adriatic Programme 2021–2027.

The guide supports users in:

1.2 Who This Guide Is For

General Users User
Individuals creating and managing their personal profiles, connecting with peers, and accessing platform content.
Project Partners
Institutional representatives responsible for content contribution, coordination, and governance activities.
ABGC Members
Institutional and individual members of the Adriatic Blue Growth Cluster participating in governance and cross-border collaboration.
Learners
Students and professionals participating in ILMs, HELMs, Master programmes, and other training activities via the eLearning module.
Sellers & Providers
Blue economy stakeholders using the eCommerce module to present products and services to the community.
Administrators Admin
Authorized personnel managing platform operations, content oversight, and user access controls.

1.3 Platform Overview

The ABGC Digital Platform is structured around four core modules:

💬eCommunication

Enables interaction and networking among registered users. Supports direct messaging, connection management, and cross-border collaboration within the blue economy community.

📚eDocumentation

A structured repository for project deliverables, policy documents, training materials, reports, and scientific publications. Ensures transparency and organized access to resources.

🎓eLearning

Provides access to accredited training programmes including ILMs, HELMs, Master-level courses, and ECTS-based certification opportunities aligned with the European Qualifications Framework.

🛒eCommerce

A virtual marketplace enabling presentation of blue economy products and services, promoting SME visibility and cross-border economic interaction across the South Adriatic region.

📋 About the SA SKILLS Project

The SA SKILLS project (ID: SA-0200142) runs from July 2023 to October 2027 under Interreg IPA South Adriatic 2021–2027, co-funded by the European Union. It supports the development of high-level, market-responsive competences for a digitalized and sustainable South Adriatic region.

2

Quick Start Guide

A concise overview of the essential steps to get up and running on the ABGC Digital Platform. For detailed instructions, refer to the relevant chapters in this guide.

2.1 Create Your Account

  1. Open southadriaticskills.org in your browser.
  2. Scroll down to the "Join the ABGC Community" section on the landing page.
  3. Complete the registration form — all fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
  4. Select the platform modules you wish to access.
  5. Accept the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
  6. Click the "Register" button to submit your registration.
📧 Confirmation Email

A confirmation email will be sent to your registered inbox immediately after successful registration. Check your spam or junk folder if it does not arrive within a few minutes.

2.2 Log In to the Platform

  1. Click Account → Login in the top-right corner of the landing page.
  2. Enter your Username or Email and your Password.
  3. Click the "Login" button.
✅ After Login

Your full name will appear in the top-right Account button, confirming you are successfully logged in.

2.3 Complete Your Profile

Navigate to Account → Edit Profile and fill in your details:

2.4 Use the Main Platform Modules

eCommunication
Search for users, send connection requests, and use direct chat to collaborate across institutions and regions.
eDocumentation
Access the knowledge repository: project reports, policy documents, training materials, and scientific publications.
eLearning
Participate in ILMs, HELMs, Master programmes, and certification courses in the blue economy and related fields.
eCommerce
List or browse products and services in the Blue Economy Marketplace — fisheries, aquaculture, marine tech, tourism, and more.

2.5 Need Help?

📞 Support

If you experience difficulties, contact the platform administrators through the Support section on the website at southadriaticskills.org. Detailed troubleshooting guidance is also provided in Chapter 10 of this guide.

3

Getting Started

Step-by-step guidance for accessing and activating your account on the ABGC Digital Platform, covering registration, email verification, login procedures, and password management.

3.1 Registration

Navigate to https://southadriaticskills.org/ to access the platform landing page.

Figure 3.1 — The ABGC Digital Platform landing page at southadriaticskills.org
Figure 3.1 — The ABGC Digital Platform landing page at southadriaticskills.org

Scroll down to the "Join the ABGC Community" section. Complete the registration form by entering your account details in all required fields marked with an asterisk (*).

Figure 3.2 — Join the ABGC Community registration form
Figure 3.2 — Join the ABGC Community registration form
✅ Tip — Profile Visibility

For better profile visibility within the platform, it is recommended to complete all available fields, including optional ones such as Organization Name, Country, and City.

The following fields are available in the registration form:

Full Name *
Your display name on the platform. This will appear in the top-right Account button after login.
Email Address *
Your primary contact email. Used for login, notifications, and password recovery. Cannot be changed after registration.
Password *
Must be at least 8 characters long and contain at least one letter and one number.
Organization Name
The name of your institution, company, or affiliation. Optional but recommended.
Country
Your country of residence or institutional affiliation. Optional.
City
Your city of residence. Optional.
Select Platforms
Choose which modules to access: eLearning, eCommerce, eDocuments, or All Platforms. Access preferences can be adjusted later.
✅ Tip — Module Selection

If you are unsure which modules to choose, select "All platforms." Access preferences can be adjusted later through your profile settings.

⚠ Important

Registration cannot be completed without accepting the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Register button will remain inactive until this checkbox is selected.

  1. Click the "Register" button to confirm your registration.
  2. After successful submission, you will be redirected to the landing page as a registered user.
  3. The Account button in the top-right corner will update to display your registered Full Name instead of "Login."
Figure 3.3 — Account button updated with the registered user's full name
Figure 3.3 — Account button updated with the registered user's full name

3.2 Email Verification

Upon successful registration, an automatic confirmation email will be sent to the address provided during registration.

📧 Note

If you do not receive the confirmation email within a few minutes, please check your spam or junk folder.

3.3 Login

To access your account, click the Account button in the top-right corner of the landing page and select Login. You will be redirected to the Login page.

  1. Enter your Username or Email in the first field.
  2. Enter your Password in the second field.
  3. Click the "Login" button to access your account dashboard.
Figure 3.4 — The Login page
Figure 3.4 — The Login page
✅ Tip

You may use either your registered username or your registered email address to log in — both are accepted.

⚠ Important — Case Sensitivity

Login is case-sensitive. Ensure that your password is entered exactly as created during registration. Check that Caps Lock is not enabled.

3.4 Password Reset

If you have forgotten your password, follow these steps to regain access:

  1. On the Login page, click the "Forgot password?" link below the Password field.
  2. Enter your registered email address in the prompt field and confirm.
  3. Check your inbox for an automatic password reset email from the platform.
  4. Open the email and click the provided reset link.
  5. Enter your new password and confirm it in the second field.
  6. Click Save to apply the new password.
  7. Return to the Login page and sign in using your new credentials.
⚠ Important — Link Expiry

The password reset link is valid for 10 minutes only. If the link expires, repeat the process by clicking "Forgot password?" again. If you did not request a reset, ignore the email — no changes will be made to your account.

Part II
User Guide — Profile & Core Modules
4

User Profile Management

This chapter explains how to edit and manage your personal profile within the ABGC Digital Platform, including cover images, professional details, contact information, skills, and account settings.

4.1 Edit Profile

To update your profile information, click the Account button in the top-right corner — it displays your registered Full Name when logged in.

On your profile page, click the blue "Edit profile" button. The profile will switch into edit mode, revealing all editable sections.

Figure 4.1 — User profile overview after registration
Figure 4.1 — User profile overview after registration
Figure 4.2 — Edit profile mode activated
Figure 4.2 — Edit profile mode activated

4.1.1 Profile Header Area

Change Cover
Click the "Change cover" button to upload a cover photo. Recommended ratio: 4:1 (e.g., 1600 × 400 px).
Profile Photo
Click the camera icon over your avatar to upload a profile photo. Recommended ratio: 1:1 square (e.g., 400 × 400 px).
Name Field
Update your display name if necessary. This name appears throughout the platform.
Headline Field
Enter a short professional description (e.g., Blue Economy Specialist or Marine Biologist at University of Montenegro).
✅ Tip — Default Avatar

If no profile photo is uploaded, the system will automatically generate a default avatar displaying the first letter of your registered name.

Figure 4.3 — Profile header area
Figure 4.3 — Profile header area

4.1.2 Profile Content Sections

About
An editable text box for your professional summary or biography. This is the first thing other users see when they visit your profile.
Experience
Click "+ Add" to enter professional experience entries: job title, organization, date range, and description.
Education
Click "+ Add" to enter academic background: institution, degree, field of study, and dates.
Figure 4.4 — Profile content sections (About, Experience, Education)
Figure 4.4 — Profile content sections (About, Experience, Education)

4.1.3 Contact Information

The following contact fields are available in edit mode:

Email
Read-only. The email used during registration cannot be modified for security reasons.
Phone
Enter your phone number in international format (e.g., +38269000000).
Website
Enter the full URL of your personal or institutional website.
LinkedIn
Enter your full LinkedIn profile URL (e.g., https://linkedin.com/in/username).
X (Twitter)
Enter your full X profile URL (e.g., https://x.com/username).
⚠ Important

The email address used during registration cannot be modified after account creation. If you need to change your email, contact the platform administrators.

4.1.4 Skills

  1. Scroll to the Skills section in your profile edit view.
  2. Type a skill name into the "Add skill" input field.
  3. Click Add to confirm and attach the skill to your profile.
  4. Repeat for each additional skill.
✅ Tip — Skill Discoverability

Adding relevant skills such as "Marine Biology," "Aquaculture," or "Blue Economy Management" helps other users find you through the platform search feature.

Figure 4.5 — Contact information section
Figure 4.5 — Contact information section

4.1.5 Additional Options

Search Users
Use the "Search users" button to find other registered platform users by name, organization, or skill.
Connection Requests
View and manage incoming connection requests. Accept or decline requests from this panel.
Settings — Password
Click "Change" to update your account password. You will need to confirm your current password.
Profile Visitors
Displays the count of registered users who have visited your profile page.
Figure 4.6 — Skills, Settings and Profile Visitors
Figure 4.6 — Skills, Settings and Profile Visitors

4.1.6 Save or Cancel Changes

After making modifications to your profile:

⚠ Important

Changes will not be stored unless you click "Save Profile." Navigating away from the page without saving will discard all modifications.

5

eCommunication Module

The eCommunication module enables networking, collaboration, and direct messaging between registered users of the ABGC Digital Platform.

5.1 Module Overview

5.2 Searching for Users

  1. Navigate to Account → Edit Profile and click the "Search users" button, or use the platform search function via the top navigation bar.
  2. Enter a name, keyword, organization, or skill into the search field.
  3. Browse the results list and click on a user's name to view their full profile.
✅ Tip — Find Experts

Use Search Users to find experts in specific blue economy fields, connect with partner institutions, or identify potential collaborators for research and industry projects.

5.3 Connection Requests

  1. Visit the profile page of the user you wish to connect with.
  2. Click the "Connect" button on their profile.
  3. The target user will receive a notification and can accept or decline.
  4. Once accepted, you will appear in each other's connections list.

To manage incoming requests, go to your profile page and locate the Connection Requests panel. Accept or decline each request accordingly.

5.4 Chat and Messaging

Open Chat
Click Chat in the navigation menu to open the messaging panel. Active conversations are listed on the left.
New Message
Select a connected user from your connections list or search for a user to initiate a new conversation.
Send Message
Type your message in the text input and press Enter or click Send.
📋 Note

Chat functionality is available between connected users only. You must have an accepted connection with another user before initiating a chat conversation.

6

eDocumentation Module

The eDocumentation module is the centralized knowledge repository of the ABGC Digital Platform, providing structured access to project outputs, policy documents, training materials, and scientific publications.

6.1 Module Overview

6.2 Accessing the Repository

  1. Log in to your ABGC account (see Chapter 3.3).
  2. Ensure your account was registered with access to the eDocuments module.
  3. Navigate to the eDocumentation section via the platform's main navigation or Dashboard.
  4. Browse documents by category, or use the search function to locate specific content by title, author, or keyword.

6.3 Document Categories

Project Deliverables
Official outputs and reports produced within the SA SKILLS project scope.
Policy Documents
EU-level and national policy papers relevant to the blue economy, maritime sector, and South Adriatic cooperation.
Training Materials
Supporting materials for ILMs, HELMs, and other educational programmes available on the eLearning module.
Scientific Publications
Research papers and academic publications contributed by project partners and ABGC members.
7

eLearning Module

The eLearning module provides access to accredited training programmes, certifications, and educational resources aligned with the European Qualifications Framework and the needs of the blue economy labour market.

7.1 Programme Types

ILM
Innovative Learning Modules — short, professionally-focused modules for rapid skills acquisition in blue economy topics.
HELM
Higher Education Learning Modules — university-level modules carrying ECTS credits, aligned with the EQF.
Master Programmes
Advanced, structured learning pathways combining multiple modules for comprehensive qualification.
Certification Courses
Skills certification programmes with formal assessment and digital certification upon successful completion.

7.2 Accessing the eLearning Platform

  1. Ensure your account was registered with access to the eLearning module.
  2. From the Dashboard, navigate to eLearning. You will be directed to edu.southadriaticskills.org.
  3. Browse available courses by topic, level, or programme type.
  4. Click on a course to view its description, objectives, duration, and prerequisites.
  5. Click Enrol or Start Course to begin your learning journey.
📋 Note — EQF Alignment

All programmes on the ABGC eLearning module are developed in alignment with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and respond to validated labour market needs in the South Adriatic blue economy sector.

8

eCommerce Module

The eCommerce module functions as the Blue Economy Marketplace — enabling sellers, service providers, and stakeholders to list and promote products and services to the broader ABGC community.

8.1 Module Overview

8.2 Product and Service Categories

8.3 Creating a Listing

  1. Log in to your account and navigate to the eCommerce module at market.southadriaticskills.org.
  2. Click "Add Listing" or "Create Product/Service."
  3. Fill in the listing details: title, description, category, price or contact terms, and images.
  4. Review your listing for completeness and accuracy.
  5. Click "Publish" to make your listing visible to the marketplace community.
⚠ Note — Content Policy

All listings are subject to review for compliance with the ABGC platform content policy. Only blue economy-related products and services that meet the platform's quality and scope criteria will be approved for publication.

Part III
Navigation, Administration & Appendices
9

Platform Navigation & Dashboard

This chapter describes the main navigation structure of the ABGC Digital Platform and explains how to use the user dashboard and top-level menu items efficiently.

9.1 Top Navigation Bar

Menu ItemDescriptionAccess
HomeReturns to the ABGC landing page.All users
AboutOverview of the ABGC project, partners, and objectives.All users
NewsLatest news, announcements, and updates from ABGC and SA SKILLS.All users
EventsUpcoming and past events, workshops, and webinars.All users
DashboardPersonal dashboard with access to all enrolled modules, connections, and notifications.Registered users
ChatReal-time messaging with connected platform users.Registered users
ContactContact form and support information for the ABGC project team.All users
Account ButtonDisplays your name when logged in. Access profile, edit profile, and logout options.Registered users

9.2 Language Selection

The platform supports multiple languages selectable via the flag icon in the navigation bar:

9.3 Dashboard Overview

9.4 Administration Panel Admin Only

Admin

The Administration Panel is accessible to authorized administrators only. It provides tools for managing platform content, users, and operational settings.

Admin Panel — Available Functions
  • User management — view, edit, suspend, or remove registered user accounts
  • Content moderation — review and approve eCommerce listings and eDocumentation uploads
  • Module configuration — enable or restrict access to platform modules by user group
  • News and Events management — create, edit, and publish announcements
  • System logs and access reports
10

FAQ & Troubleshooting

Answers to the most frequently asked questions from platform users, along with guidance for resolving common issues.

10.1 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I registered but have not received a confirmation email. What should I do?
First, check your spam or junk folder. If the email is not there after 10–15 minutes, ensure you entered the correct email address during registration. If the problem persists, use the Contact form on the platform to notify the support team.
Q: I forgot my password. How can I reset it?
On the Login page, click "Forgot password?" and enter your registered email address. A reset link will be sent to your inbox. Note that the link expires after 10 minutes. See Section 3.4 of this guide for full step-by-step instructions.
Q: Can I change my registered email address?
No. The email address used during registration cannot be changed through the self-service profile editor. If you need to change your login email, contact the platform administrators directly via the Support or Contact section of the website.
Q: I selected the wrong platform modules during registration. Can I change this?
Yes. Module access preferences can be updated at any time through your profile settings. Navigate to Account → Edit Profile and adjust your module selection, then save your profile.
Q: How do I connect with another user on the platform?
Search for the user using the "Search users" feature, visit their profile page, and click the "Connect" button. Once they accept your request, you will be connected and can communicate via the Chat feature. See Chapter 5 for full instructions.
Q: Are the eLearning courses free of charge?
Most courses are available to registered platform users at no cost as they are developed within the SA SKILLS project framework. Some advanced programmes may have specific enrolment requirements. Check individual course pages for details.
Q: How do I list a product or service in the eCommerce marketplace?
Ensure your account includes eCommerce module access, then navigate to the marketplace and use the "Add Listing" feature. Fill in the required details, add images, and publish. See Chapter 8.3 for the complete workflow.
Q: Is the ABGC platform available in multiple languages?
Yes. The platform supports English, Montenegrin, Italian, and Albanian. Use the language selector flag in the navigation bar to switch languages at any time.

10.2 Known Issues

Issue — Password Reset Link Expired

Symptom: Clicking the reset link results in an error message indicating the link is no longer valid.

Cause: Password reset links are valid for 10 minutes only.

Resolution: Return to the Login page, click "Forgot password?" again, and request a new reset link. Complete the process within 10 minutes.

Issue — Profile Photo Not Displaying After Upload

Symptom: After uploading a profile photo, the image does not appear or the default avatar is still shown.

Cause: Browser cache may be retaining the old version, or the image format/size may be unsupported.

Resolution: Ensure the image is in JPG or PNG format with a 1:1 aspect ratio. Refresh the page with a hard reload (Ctrl+Shift+R). If the issue persists, try a different browser.

Issue — Login Fails Despite Correct Credentials

Symptom: Entering correct email and password returns a login error.

Cause: Login is case-sensitive. Caps Lock may be active, or there may be extra spaces in the entered fields.

Resolution: Verify Caps Lock is off and there are no trailing spaces. Try a private/incognito browser window. If login still fails, use "Forgot password?" to reset your credentials.

Issue — Module Not Accessible After Login

Symptom: A specific module is not visible or accessible from the Dashboard.

Cause: The module was not selected during registration, or access has not been granted.

Resolution: Navigate to Account → Edit Profile and check your module preferences. Enable the required module and save your profile. If the module remains inaccessible, contact the platform administrators.

A

Appendix — Field Reference & Glossary

Quick reference for key terms, acronyms, and field definitions used throughout this guide and across the ABGC Digital Platform.

A.1 Key Terms & Acronyms

ABGC
Adriatic Blue Growth Cluster — the organizational framework and platform brand supporting blue economy cooperation in the South Adriatic region.
SA SKILLS
High-Level and Market-Respondent Competences for a Blue and Digitalized "Smart and Skilled South Adriatic" — the Interreg project (ID: SA-0200142).
ILM
Innovative Learning Module — a short professional development course focused on applied skills in the blue economy.
HELM
Higher Education Learning Module — a university-level course carrying ECTS credits aligned with the EQF.
EQF
European Qualifications Framework — the EU-wide framework for recognizing and comparing qualifications across member states.
ECTS
European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System — a standard for comparing academic credits within the European Higher Education Area.
IPA III
Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance III — the EU funding mechanism under which the SA SKILLS project is co-funded.
SME
Small and Medium-sized Enterprise — a primary beneficiary audience of the eCommerce and eCommunication platform modules.

A.2 Platform URLs

Main Platform
https://southadriaticskills.org
eLearning
https://edu.southadriaticskills.org
eCommerce Marketplace
https://market.southadriaticskills.org
eDocumentation
https://info.southadriaticskills.org

A.3 Contact & Support

📞 Technical Support

For technical issues, registration problems, or access requests, use the Contact or Support section on the ABGC website at southadriaticskills.org/en/contact.

The platform is operated by the University of Montenegro — Institute of Marine Biology on behalf of the Adriatic Blue Growth Cluster.