It is predicted that by 2030, the cruise industry will feel a global crew shortage. According to a study by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the intent to cruise stands at 82%, yet the supply of qualified crew is not meeting this growing demand. But as the industry continues to grow and significant new vessels join fleets, crewing agents and managers are facing this increasing challenge in sourcing the next generation of crew.
This shortage isn’t only felt by the cruise industry looking for its next Captains, officers, engineers, or hospitality staff; it’s also felt in the yachting industry.
A career at sea is not a new concept; however, it is still widely inaccessible. A recent survey conducted by the UK’s Department of Transport found that only 20% of students would consider a career in the maritime sector.
But can you blame them?
The Crew Shortage Amongst Young People
When the most desired careers by teens are doctors, lawyers, footballers, and artists, not all of these translate to a life at sea. There is also the appeal of becoming a paid influencer or content creator, with flexible hours and schedules suited to your lifestyle.
The widening job market, of course, isn’t the only factor responsible for the lack of new crew. However, it is a contributing one. The study also revealed that 38% of students said enjoyment in a subject or career was the most important factor for them, with 2% choosing opportunities to work abroad or travel. But what if we could align seafaring careers with these values?
Beyond the apparent lure of adventure, careers at sea offer creative challenges, a strong sense of community, and a clear sense of purpose that aligns well with what many young people seek. Working with diverse teams to solve unique problems on board can provide immense satisfaction and fulfilment. This means for many students, the idea of pursuing a cadetship should be considered not as just ‘leaving school’ but as stepping into a vibrant career path that meets modern priorities.
Cultral Shifts Affecting the Crew Shortage
As we’ve moved into a more health-conscious world, post-COVID, with a much more sustainable work-life balance for many, long contracts (working seven days a week for up to six months or more) are no longer appealing. Instead, employees are prioritising their mental and physical health by working in hybrid roles at shore, and switching off at the weekend, allowing a rest before the working week begins again on Monday.
In response to this shift, the cruise industry is implementing onboard initiatives designed to support wellness at sea. Many cruise ships now feature state-of-the-art gym facilities, mental-health support programs, including regular rotations for relaxation, and wellness workshops. These changes are part of an effort to align with modern work-life balance ideals, making life at sea more attractive to potential recruits.
Seafarer Retention and Incentives
The challenge is not solely about recruitment, however. Retention and promotion are equally critical. The cruise industry is fiercely competing for qualified engineers, many of whom are drawn to well-paid shoreside roles. Having said this, there are evidently many who do love this lifestyle, with the cruise industry supported by the estimated 200,000 seafarers on board cruise ships.
The retirement of the current workforce does necessitate finding fresh crew to replace them, and this responsibility doesn’t fall solely on recruitment agencies. While recruitment agencies play a critical role in filling positions, it’s crucial for various stakeholders to participate in building a sustainable talent pipeline.
How can We Rectify the Crew Shortage?
Schools can integrate maritime studies into their curriculum to spark early interest among students, parents can encourage exploration of diverse career paths, and current crew members can share their experiences to inspire and mentor the next generation. By fostering collective action from schools, parents, current crew, and agencies, we can ensure a steady flow of motivated and trained individuals ready to embark on vibrant careers at sea.
Through our efforts at Viking Maritime Group, we encourage those looking for a new career path to consider one at sea. By giving talks to students at local and national schools and colleges and encouraging Travel and Tourism students to participate in Personal Survival Techniques training sessions, we’re opening doors they previously might not have known existed.
If you’d like to be a Captain of a luxury Superyacht or would be interested in pursuing an engineering career onboard a cruise ship, then discover our helpful blogs, for more information on how to get started.
