We read recently that the seafarer’s happiness level presents a downward trend and that more than a quarter of seafarers show signs of depression. Also, the results from SAFETY4SEA latest poll showed that 82% believe the industry is not doing enough to attract young talents to maritime jobs; only 18% replied positively. Which are the methods shipping organizations recruit seafarers? And what needs to be done to guide young people take up maritime jobs?
We know there are many talented young people in the UK who want a career in the Merchant Navy. But there are many more talented young people who we could attract if they knew the opportunities available to them.
Merchant Navy Training Board director Kathryn Neilson
The best tips to attract young people to join maritime jobs
- We should better educate them
Education is the very heart of the maritime industry. Seafarers should require extensive training before they can work onboard. For many young people it is a dream to graduate from a maritime university and start a sea job. However, many students complete their studies without practicing a maritime job during them. It is of essence to participate in drills, exercises, or assessments to familiarize themselves with potential risks. Otherwise, the first time onboard may cause a culture shock to prospective seafarers. Eventually, they tend to drop out maritime jobs. Studies have shown that crew members are generally more motivated with their roles when they’re constantly learning new things, as working onboard.
- Provide enhanced communications services
According to data presented by the “Mission to Seafarers”, seafarers are critical of companies who either do not provide internet or call access. Young seafarers say that internet access plays a key role to seafarer’s welfare. Indeed, the sense of isolation may be one of the worst feelings in maritime jobs. Enhanced communications services may be less expensive than training new crewmembers.
- Offer better wage
Financial factors are always significant when people choose a sea job. Wages earned in maritime jobs should be above the similar professions ashore to attract the Youngs join one of the ten most dangerous jobs in the world. Yet, in developing countries, ships’ officers working on internationally trading ships are amongst the very highest paid in their countries, according to ICS.
- Let’s not underestimate the need for shore leave
Shore leave can improve seafarers’ health as well as the safe and efficient operation of a vessel. However, in the past few years there has been a reduction in shore leaves granted to seafarers. Shore leave is a problem for the modern seafarers who want to be able to relax and feel refreshed. It worth mentioning here that, the amendments to the FAL Convention have entered into force globally from 1st January 2018, to strengthen seafarers’ rights to shore leave and to achieve the smooth transit in ports of ships, cargo and passengers.
- The importance of following the “hours of rest”
State poor management of crew on board ships usually increase workload. When hours of rest are not being followed, seafarer’s dissatisfaction stands to reason. Workload is considered heavy when one works excessive hours or performs demanding and stressful tasks which can also result in fatigue.
Future challenges that maritime jobs have in store
The shortage of seafarers has been identified as a global issue that is more likely to worsen in the immediate future because of the challenges ahead:
How technological advance will impact maritime jobs?
Future seafarers will experience their vessels becoming reliant on computerised technology. Moreover, the emergence of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) or artificial intelligence will facilitate the viability of remotely controlled or fully autonomous ships. However, studies indicate that autonomous ships would be managed from land-based facilities focusing mostly on specific tasks rather than entire jobs. To this effect, new positions will replace those being automated; augmenting rather than replacing humans.
Do cyber-attacks threaten maritime jobs?
Many cyber incidents onboard have shown lately that shipping company staff, including their seafarers, are the front line of cyber security. It is important, therefore, to train them on the cyber threats and security implications.
UK
The Charity Seafarers UK has issued a warning over a huge shortfall in young people entering UK maritime industry as this could have a major impact on UK economy in years to come.
- Only 2% of young people in UK say they have been given career advice about maritime jobs
- Only 1 in 20 young people thought maritime industry offers good job prospects
Malta
Malta, the largest in Europe maritime flag, does not have enough qualified and skilled employees to sustain the Maltese maritime jobs
Globally
In a global level, it is true that a clear majority of young people does not consider a career at sea. According to a worldwide report, there is a current global shortfall of about 16,500 officers in the maritime industry, but a need for an additional 147,500 officers by 2025 to service the world merchant fleet.
Over to you! How should the industry attract young people to join maritime jobs?
Share your comments below
First of all maritime jobs does not only involve seafarers but non-sea going sectors as well; because I see I article not making mention of them.
Maritime job offers should be made readily available for those with qualifications in the field; this I say from observation made in my country.
More maritime companies should go into agreement with maritime training institutes to offer training field for students in and after school
Priority for seafaring jobs are not given to African-west African Seafarers leaving them without jobs.
When we apply for jobs by tendering our CV and documents, we don’t even get a reply, some will tell you they don’t work with Africans.
This is not going down with us. The fact is; we whenever we get the opportunity to go onboard in our region, we are able to compete with our foreign counterparts.
We need equal opportunities