A new survey of seafarers has just been launched to inform the maritime industry about their views on life at sea and future job prospects.
A key factor in the manning situation is the seafarers' job satisfaction. If they are unhappy with their work and social life at sea they will leave as soon as they can, whereas if they are content with their conditions they will stay longer. The more who leave early, the more recruitment and training levels must be increased to replace them.
So, in addition to the normal questionnaires to employers and governments concerning seafarer supply and demand, the 2015 Report will also be researching the views of those most affected by the supply/demand situation at the sharp end: seafarers themselves, MET institutions, manning agents and port welfare workers. ISWAN will be centrally involved in helping to collect and analyse the views and opinions of port welfare service personnel.
If you are a seafarer then please fill in the survey here. If you have contact with seafarers, as an employer, seafarer centre or union, then please encourage them to participate in the survey.
For further information, go to the project website at www.maritimemanpower.com