Recent Developments and Probable Future Scenarios Concerning Seafarer Labour Markets

 

During the past 25 years, demand for seafarers has changed a great deal, due to the creation of second registers in Western Europe as well as ship register adjustments in other flag states. Concurrently, supply patterns have shifted, with new supply centres emerging in especially Asia and Eastern Europe. In contrast, the supply of officers from OECD countries and especially the demand for ratings from these countries have dwindled. On this basis, key factors that have influenced the supply and demand of seafarers during this period are identified. After this, this paper looks at future challenges for the maritime industries. In connection with this, the follow­ing issues are covered: the age and nationality structure of the coming seafaring workforce, future scenarios concerning the provision of seafaring education, and possible future reorgani­sation of broader shore-based maritime labour between nations, seen in the light of the seafaring labour market situation and education issues. In the paper, distinctions between OECD, transition econ­omy and developing countries are made, when relevant.