There is a global shortage of seafarers, and experts say this will drive up wages for those in the profession. This crewing shortage is being driven by several factors, including an aging workforce and a lack of new entrants to the profession. This is causing concerns among shipping companies, who are struggling to find enough qualified personnel to man their vessels.
As the world economy continues to grow, the demand for ship services is increasing. Unfortunately, this increase in demand is not being met by a corresponding increase in the number of seafarers. This lack of maritime personnel is driving up wages in the shipping industry as companies vie for the services of experienced mariners.
The global shortage of seafarers
With the current global fleet of over 50,000 merchant ships, the demand for seafarers is estimated to be around 1,545,000. This is in addition to the 1,647,500 seafarers currently employed on merchant ships, which means that there is a large demand for seafarers for merchant ships alone. These are numbers that can intimidate any crew agency.
Forecasts say that the maritime industry’s workforce is set to grow in the future, but not quickly enough to keep up with the demand for ship workers. The global shortage of seafarers is a result of several factors, including an aging workforce, a lack of investment in maritime education and training, and a decline in the number of people joining the maritime industry.
Life at sea can be difficult and dangerous. Working on ships can be mentally and physically taxing, and in certain areas of the world, seafarers are in danger of encountering modern-day pirates. Crewing was already facing a variety of problems before the pandemic, which certainly didn’t help a variety of growing issues.
The impact of the shortage on the shipping industry
This shortage of seafarers has had several impacts on crew management, including higher wages and longer working hours for those who can find employment. The shortage has also led to an increased risk of maritime accidents, as companies are forced to take shortcuts in their hiring and training processes.
The global shortage of seafarers is a major problem that is likely to continue in the future, unless shipping companies, crew management, and the like find innovative ways to address this issue.
Fake seafarer CVs
Current and ongoing world events, such as lockdowns, the war in Ukraine, sanctions on Russia, and more have had a significant impact on ship services and the maritime industry’s labor force. The labor shortage has not only increased costs but has also encouraged some to apply for positions for which they’re not qualified.
Reports say that applicants have padded their CVs with untrue claims and experiences that they did not actually have. These applicants apparently hoped to try their luck with a potential employer that might be desperate enough to forgo doing their due diligence when hiring new employees.
How the shortage will impact seafarer wages
With fewer workers available to fill positions, shipping companies will be forced to offer higher wages to attract and retain talent. This could result in a domino effect, with wages increasing across the maritime industry. The shortage could also lead to more opportunities for seafarers, as companies look to fill vacant positions with qualified workers.
The lack of qualified crew is driving up wages and making it difficult for just about any crew agency to find talent. The situation is expected to worsen as the demand for maritime services grows and the pool of qualified workers shrinks. This shortage of seafarers is a global problem, and it is expected to have a significant impact on the maritime industry in the years to come.
As one of the largest crewing companies in the Philippines, Jebsen PTC offers relevant training and recruitment services for shipping companies. Through our approach, seafarers are equipped with the most updated knowledge and skills needed to succeed upon deployment. Learn more about our services here: https://jebsen-ptc.com
