Career pathways for seafarers and the risk of a skills gap

At a recent seminar hosted by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), speakers and delegates discussed the need to look beyond the sea-going stage of mariners' careers if the skills gap is to be properly addressed. P K Mishra, of IRS, reports

Seafarers are the backbone of global trade. Every day, they operate complex vessels that carry more than 80 per cent of the world's goods, ensuring the continuity of supply chains and the resilience of global commerce. Yet as the maritime sector faces rapid transformation driven by decarbonisation, digitalisation and new regulatory requirements, questions are being raised about the future of the workforce and whether the industry is prepared for the skills it will need.