The 2024 CAREER4SEA Forum was held virtually on December 13th, focusing on key topics such as developing the future workforce, exploring career opportunities for young professionals, and offering perspectives directly from active seafarers, who provided an authentic view of life at sea during a dedicated session.
Expanding the workforce to include a more diverse range of individuals represents a significant opportunity for the maritime sector to tap into previously overlooked talent and attract those who might not have considered a maritime career. To address the skills development challenges inherent in this recruitment effort, distinguished experts emphasized the importance of collaboration among maritime stakeholders to design targeted education and training programs tailored to these groups.
The forum featured four panels that focused on a variety of issues currently facing the maritime industry and explored ways to enhance the public and younger generations’ perception of shipping. Throughout the event, esteemed maritime professionals participated in enlightening panel discussions, underscoring the need to adopt a fresh and modern image to inspire and engage the younger generation in pursuing careers within the maritime sector.
The event was organized by SAFETY4SEA having as lead sponsors the following organizations: The American Club and SQEMARINE. Other sponsors were: Arcadia Ship Management, Blue Planet Shipping Ltd, Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp., Capital Gas Ship Management Corp., Capital Shipmanagement, Döhle Seafront, Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited (EASTMED), Latsco Marine Management Inc., RISK4SEA, SEAFiT, UK P&I Club, V.Group.
Session #1 – Developing the future workforce
The first panel of the event, moderated by Anastasia Kypriotaki, News Editor, SAFETY4SEA, discussed the pressing challenges posed by digitalization and decarbonization, emphasizing their profound impact on the maritime industry and workforce development. The following experts participated: Capt. Konstantinos G. Karavasilis, Regional Director, Loss Prevention, UK P&I Club; Capt. VS Parani, Vice President – Marine, Tufton Asset Management and; Shaun White, Managing Director, Foreship UK Ltd. They shared insights on effective strategies for preparing for the future of work, highlighting the importance of investing in training, collaboration, and leadership that aligns with the sector’s evolving needs.
Session #2 – Build a clear narrative to raise industry’s profile
Experts of this panel, moderated by Anastasia Kypriotaki, News Editor, SAFETY4SEA, highlighted the significance of creating attractive career opportunities for young professionals and discussed why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has become a central theme for the sector. The following stakeholders participated: Capt. Christos Gianneios, Crew Manager, Niovis Shipping Co. S.A.; Claudia Paschkewitz, Director Sustainability/Diversity and Inclusion, Columbia Group; Maria Skarveli, Crew Manager, Dorian LPG Management Corp; Dr. Michela Terrei, Phycologist, I.M.A. ASSESSMENT AND TRAINING CENTER, INC. and; Giovanni A. Tuapin, President, Hartmann Crew Philippines, Inc. The panel underscored that prioritizing mentoring, psychological safety, and a supportive workplace culture is essential to attract and retain the next generation of maritime talent.
Session #3 – Seafarers’ Perspectives
Under the moderation of Sandra Psychogiou, Editor in Chief, SAFETY4SEA, the third panel provided a unique opportunity to hear directly from active seafarers, offering valuable insights into the realities of life at sea and the evolving maritime industry. The discussion, which featured Yrhen Bernard Sabanal Balinis, Third Officer & President, Office of the Youth in Maritime (YIMO); Danielle Centeno, Loss Prevention Executive, The American P&I Club; Kenneth John Gabais, Third Engineer, Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc; Jomel Mallorca, Third Officer, Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc. shed light on the challenges and rewards of a maritime career. Panelists reflected on the pros and cons of life at sea, citing the sense of adventure and professional growth as significant benefits, while highlighting challenges such as limited social opportunities and communication gaps with those ashore. The discussion also explored how emerging trends, such as automation and decarbonization, are reshaping the seafaring profession, emphasizing the need for proactive adaptation to these changes.
Session #4 – Effective training, upskilling & re-skilling programmes
The last panel was moderated by Sandra Psychogiou, Editor In Chief, SAFETY4SEA, and included the following experts: Chirag Bahri, International Operations Manager, ISWAN; Amalia Marcou, Crew Director & HR Manager, Enesel Dry SA; Marios Minou, Deputy Crew Manager, Latsco Marine Management Inc and; Dr. Marina Papaioannou, Regional Maritime Academies Manager, DNV & WISTA Hellas Representative who emphasized the growing importance of soft skills and explored ways to implement innovative training methods. The panelists underscored the value of continuous learning and advocated for a people-centered approach to the maritime sector’s transition toward decarbonization and digitalization.
Concluding the event with messages of encouragement, speakers urged young people to explore maritime careers, highlighting the sector’s unique potential for personal and professional growth in a dynamic, evolving global industry.
Wrapping up the four insightful panel discussions, Sandra Psychogiou, Editor-in-Chief of SAFETY4SEA, underscored the key takeaways for shaping the future maritime workforce: “The pressing challenges of decarbonization, digitalization, and diversity highlight an urgent need for collective action, particularly in preparing the next generation of maritime professionals.
The industry’s resilience and ability to adapt are proof that with collaboration and a forward-thinking mindset, we can unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation. For the future maritime workforce, these challenges are not obstacles but gateways to an exciting and transformative era in shipping!
….she remarked.
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