Posted: August 14th, 2022

What are the key challenges facing the maritime industry in terms of talent acquisition and workforce development

What are the key challenges facing the maritime industry in terms of talent acquisition and workforce development, and what strategies can be employed to address these challenges?

The maritime industry is a vital sector of the global economy, transporting about 90% of the world’s trade. However, it faces significant challenges in terms of talent acquisition and workforce development, as the demand for skilled and qualified seafarers is expected to increase in the coming years. According to a report by BIMCO and ICS (2019), the current supply of seafarers is estimated at 1.6 million, while the demand is projected to reach 1.9 million by 2028, resulting in a potential shortage of 300,000 seafarers. Some of the key factors that contribute to this gap include:

– The aging of the existing workforce and the low attractiveness of the maritime profession for younger generations, especially in developed countries.
– The lack of diversity and inclusion in the maritime industry, which limits the pool of potential talent and hinders innovation and creativity.
– The rapid technological changes and digitalization of the maritime sector, which require new skills and competencies that are not adequately provided by the current education and training systems.
– The high turnover and retention rates of seafarers, which are influenced by various factors such as working conditions, career prospects, remuneration, health and safety, and family life.

To address these challenges, the maritime industry needs to adopt a holistic and strategic approach to human resource management, focusing on the following aspects:

– Enhancing the image and reputation of the maritime profession, by raising awareness of its importance and opportunities among the public, especially young people and women, through effective communication and outreach campaigns.
– Promoting diversity and inclusion in the maritime industry, by fostering a culture of respect and equality, eliminating discrimination and harassment, and providing equal opportunities for career development and advancement for all seafarers, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, nationality, or background.
– Improving the quality and relevance of maritime education and training, by aligning them with the current and future needs of the industry, incorporating new technologies and digital tools, and ensuring compliance with international standards and regulations.
– Enhancing the retention and motivation of seafarers, by improving their working conditions and welfare, offering competitive remuneration and benefits packages, providing clear career paths and progression opportunities, and supporting their health and well-being.

The maritime industry is a dynamic and complex sector that requires a skilled and diverse workforce to ensure its sustainability and competitiveness. By addressing the key challenges facing talent acquisition and workforce development, the industry can enhance its human capital and performance, as well as contribute to the global goals of economic growth, social development, and environmental protection.

References:

BIMCO & ICS. (2019). Manpower Report: The global supply and demand for seafarers in 2018. Retrieved from https://www.bimco.org/-/media/bimco/ships-ports-and-voyage-planning/crew-support/manpower-report/documents/manpower-report-2018—executive-summary.ashx?la=en&hash=7F0E0C0F7D2B3C5A6E4E7F0A5E2A9D4C1C3F6A5B

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