Navigating Challenges in Maritime Recruitment

This chapter examines the recruitment difficulties faced by the maritime industry and the lack of public awareness about careers as merchant mariners. It highlights the importance of maritime academies, the necessity of modern recruitment strategies, and the realities of life at sea, including training requirements and crew composition complexities. Additionally, it discusses the decline of the U.S. shipping industry and its implications for labor shortages and local economies, urging collaboration for revitalizing interest in maritime careers.