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Embracing Technology Without Losing the Human Touch | Maritime HR & Administration Services

Maritime HR & Administration services are continually developing to keep up with the demands of the growing industry. With technology transforming almost every aspect of crewing, recruitment, and workforce management. From AI and automation to digital onboarding, technological innovation is enabling the industry to become faster, more efficient, and increasingly connected.

At Viking Crew, we welcome these advancements. By continually investing in technology that enhances our services, our administration has streamlined and improved the experience for both our clients and the thousands of seafarers we support around the world. Digital solutions allow us to process information more efficiently, reduce paperwork, improve compliance, and provide better access to essential services.

However, while technology is an invaluable tool, it can never replace the experience of successful crewing and human resources.

Seafarers are unlike any other workforce. They spend weeks or months away from home, working in challenging environments, often across different time zones and cultures. They face unique personal and professional circumstances that cannot always be solved by an automated response or an online portal.

A family emergency while at sea, concerns over employment, welfare, contracts, travel arrangements, payroll or career progression all require more than simply providing information. They require understanding, reassurance, and practical solutions delivered by people who genuinely understand the realities of life at sea.

This is where the human element remains irreplaceable.

For over four decades, Viking Crew has built its reputation on the relationships we develop with both our clients and our seafarers. Our teams combine extensive maritime knowledge with genuine care, ensuring every individual is treated as a person rather than a number. Many of our staff have seagoing experience or have spent years supporting maritime professionals, giving them a deep understanding of the challenges our industry faces.

Yes, technology helps us work smarter, as it enables our teams to spend less time on repetitive administrative tasks and more time doing what they do best, supporting people. However, it’s never used to replace a personal service, instead it’s used to enhance it.

Whether we are assisting a captain with an urgent crewing issue, supporting a seafarer through a difficult personal situation, advising on employment regulations, or helping a client build a high-performing crew, experience and human judgement remain essential.

As AI and digital platforms continue to develop, we believe the future of crewing is not about choosing between technology and people, it is about combining the strengths of both.

The most successful organisations will be those that embrace innovation while never losing sight of the fact that shipping is, and always will be, a people business.

At Viking Crew, we will continue to invest in technology that improves efficiency and service delivery, whilst remaining committed to the personal relationships, industry expertise, and human touch that have defined our business for more than 40 years.

Because behind every voyage is a crew, behind every crew is a person, and every person deserves knowledgeable, experienced, and compassionate support.

The Scarlett Box – An Emergency Solution for Female Seafarers

Scarlett Barnett-Smith is the proud Founder and CEO of a brand-new emergency period provisions solution, launched late last year, The Scarlett Box.

As a deck officer in the Merchant Navy, working her way up from a cadetship, the idea was conceived while working on board, as Scarlett soon found that on each vessel she was never provided with emergency period products.

“As a female in the maritime industry, it’s something I’ve always seen as a barrier, and the environment I work in should be as equally designed for me as for my male colleagues.”

Scarlett shared that she felt one of the leading factors for the lack of female seafarers in the Merchant Navy was due to this inequality, and that the environment itself would benefit from being more inclusive.

“If The Scarlett Box is in the workplace, it represents change. This change is intended to make more women comfortable in their working environment, which would help with retention and attraction.”

Scarlett Barnet Smith Holding the Scarlett Box

She believes that by providing The Scarlett Box on board, shipping companies can positively contribute to this change. By showing that they are stocking emergency period products alongside PPE, they are ensuring that women in the workplace are being thought of.

“Sometimes it can be quite isolating in a very male-dominated environment, and emergency period products are something I’ve needed multiple times, whether it’s whilst driving a ship, loading cargo, or being down in the engine room.”

With a legal responsibility to stay on duty as a deck officer, Scarlett created a solution to a very well-known panic many women will have faced at some point in their lives.

“We train for every emergency at sea, but this isn’t an emergency accounted for.”

After launching the solution at London International Shipping Week, she recounts how she never expected such a positive reaction.

“It’s gone better than I could have imagined. Most events I attended considered the future of shipping and what that looks like. To me, that means more females, that’s my dream. I think it will become a reality if we change the environment. I’m sure this isn’t going to make the whole industry change, but it is a start.”

But why now?1 Despite the seafaring industry having prehistoric origins and being long dominated by males, there is evidence of women disguising themselves as male sailors on Royal Navy ships in the 19th Century, as well as female pirates arming their own crews, or Captain’s wives taking command of ships while their husbands recovered from illness. Women have always had a presence in the industry and played crucial roles, but unfortunately, their needs were often left unconsidered.

The Scarlett Box contents

“A simple solution like The Scarlett Box in the workplace says we’re here, we’re accounted for, and we’re cared for.”

Having an emergency period is never pleasant, especially when you’re driving a 200m ship. Carrying that responsibility, alongside a personal emergency on a vessel, in a port, or in a training facility where you’re already under high pressure to perform your duty, shouldn’t stand in your way.

“I feel that the shipping industry will change at a rapid pace in the next five to ten years, and part of that is employing more women and having a more diverse crew. How we do this is by making menstruation more accepted and more comfortable for our female seafarers.”

While acknowledging the natural female cycle, Scarlett expressed how she is making a conscious effort to learn more about the psychological aspect of why women can feel embarrassed by something so natural. However, the reality is that it can be difficult in the workplace, and without a female voice to speak for her demographic, this issue can often be overlooked by male counterparts. Therefore, by creating The Scarlett Box, she is ensuring women are noticed and changing the stigma surrounding menstruation.

  1. Royal Museums Greenwich, The women who went to sea – dressed as men, [Internet]. Greenwich, London: Vivien Morgan [cited 2026 January 29]. Available from:https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/maritime-history/women-who-went-sea-dressed-men

Addressing the Cruise Industry Crew Shortage 

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. 

Group of yacht crew sat on the deck in a line

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.  

Yacht engineer working on engine

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. 

External view of cruise ship that is facing crew shortage

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. 

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