Last week fathom-news reported that the maritime industry is suffering from a shortfall of seafarers, and this is only expected to worsen.
There are some essential basics that need to be implemented in order to enable crew to feel a sense of belonging and a sense of career progression, thereby increasing the attractiveness of the job and reducing the likelihood of early exit.
According to Chris Wincott, Consultant at NJC Associates, seafarers that do not feel appreciated, have a sense of belonging, or feel cared for, are likely to exit their jobs early. Shipowners and managers must show appreciation, treat their staff as individuals and involve them in discussions, while understanding of personal circumstances is a must.
But there are many ways shipowners, operators and managers can go about ensuring their staff are happy and fulfilled. This week, fathom-news spoke with Steven Jones, FRSA and an expert of retaining crew within the maritime industry. Here are some key factors he considers essential in order to maximise crew retention.
Career progression 
According to Jones, seafarers need to feel that they have a developed and recognised career path. Progression is a must. It is not often obvious which level of a career path seafarers can take once they go ashore and the idea of working their entire lives at sea can make them leave the industry earlier than they might otherwise.
Safety and security
Seafarers need to feel safe and secure while at sea. As Jones tells fathom-news, “seafaring is not an attractive career choice if pirates are hijacking ships with seeming impunity, as had happened in the not so distant past. Crew need the perception of safety and of feeling secure.”
Connectivity
This might be an obvious one but Jones says there is no excuse not to provide good, fairly-priced online access for seafarers. Systems can deliver the user experience that seafarers crave, without impacting their wallets.
Respect
Not something that might necessarily be thought of immediately, but as Jones believes, professional respect is essential. He tells fathom-news that more and more people in shipping companies have not been to sea. While not necessarily a problem, it can arise as one if they do not extend adequate courtesy and respect to those working at sea.
In addition, seafarers are sometimes misunderstood. Do we really need to knit woolly hats for them for example? “We are treating them like down and outs, and there is a danger of creating a victim culture of the ‘poor seafarer’, which isn’t a very attractive recruitment campaign,” says Jones.
Abandonment
Jones believes that seafarers are still being abandoned by owners and have to fight their wages. This is evident even now as just last week the MV Rena was banned by AMSA from all Australian ports due to not paying its crew outstanding wages for several months. This sends a very bad message to those at sea or thinking about joining, says Jones.
Rest
Fatigue is a commonly voiced concern by seafarers and other industry professionals. We are always hearing about injuries and fatalities in which fatigue is quite often pointed at as the catalyst. Jones believes that crew numbers have cut to the bone and there is little wriggle room left. Seafarers have to work to the maximum across sustained periods and rest and recuperation periods are few and far between. Not only are fatigue and exhaustion the result but it can contribute to the onset of long-term mental welfare issues.
Camaraderie
Diminished social life due to few people onboard can lead to trouble. “Some are quick to blame social media, TVs in cabins or games consoles. I think this is a convenient excuse, the real issue is there are simply less opportunities to socialise. There is little or no down time, which means seafarers are often just trying to get through the time at sea and get home. Not a recipe for positive retention.”
Shore leave 
Jones is of the opinion that seafaring needs more enjoyment and to be made more pleasant. This includes not only allowing them time to get onshore and explore their surrounding environment, but also to ensure it is accessible to them. Making it affordable by not charging them to get ashore is one way of doing this.
Fathom-News
editor@fathom-mi.com
Fleet Transformation: The Event 2017
Formerly Ship Efficiency: The Event, Fleet Transformation is the event for technical, ship, fleet and business efficiency transformation.
THE BIG QUESTION: how to successfully transform operations within the new economic reality of the maritime industry today?
The Event focuses on the viable tools and technology to enable necessary change within the new economic reality of shipping and the business strategies that will achieve success.
