What efforts have been made since the joint industry and government conference called Maritime Careers – Creating an Action Plan for Recruiting and Retaining American Mariners, held at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, May 23-24, 2001? Can we consider the last seven years as successful years in reference to this global issue or are the next seven years becoming crucial?
The conference in 2001 identified six principal issues impacting recruitment and retention:
1] Public education and awareness;
2] Regulatory burden of STCW 95;
3] Criminal liability;
4] Maritime policy, tax relief and other incentives;
5] Lifestyle and quality of life issues;
6] Recruitment/Career path.
Six working groups were set up to tackle each of these issues.
The final report ‘Maritime Careers: Implementing the Action Plans for Recruiting and Retaining American Mariners’ was presented May 1-2, 2002.
What has happened since this date and are these issues still valid?
Everyone that has heart for the maritime and marine industry knows that the BIMCO/ISF Manpower Updates are regarded as the most comprehensive assessment of global supply and demand for merchant seafarers.
The December 2005 Update had two main purposes: to describe the current worldwide supply and demand situation for seafarers, and to make predictions for 5-10 years ahead to assist the industry anticipate changes and to take appropriate action.
What appropriate action has been taken since 2001 and even before 2001?
According to BIMCO/ISF, there will be a shortage of around 27,000 officers in 2015, the magic year. This number will increase unless maritime training will be increased and measures are taken to address wastage rates. The ratings, on the contrary, will have a surplus of around 167,000 ratings.
You would conclude that simply training the ratings solves the officers shortage problem in 2015?
Best regards,
Dirk Meuzelaar | Managing Director
MaritimeJobSearch.com
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