How the mariner shortage could impact maritime security
Apr 3, 2025
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Sal Mercogliano, an associate professor of history at Campbell University and an expert in maritime history, dives into the alarming shortage of U.S. merchant mariners—a critical component of national defense. He explains how this deficit threatens both military and commercial maritime security. The podcast discusses efforts to revitalize American shipbuilding, the historical context of maritime labor challenges, and the modern recruitment difficulties faced by the industry. Mercogliano emphasizes the need for trained personnel to maintain operational integrity for national security.
The current shortage of mariners threatens U.S. national security by hindering the activation of the Ready Reserve Force during emergencies.
Systemic changes, including improved recruitment and training initiatives, are essential to revitalize the maritime workforce and ensure future readiness.
Deep dives
The Importance and Role of the U.S. Merchant Marine
The U.S. Merchant Marine operates as a crucial component of national defense and commerce, often regarded as a fourth arm of defense next to the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This civilian maritime workforce is responsible for transporting military supplies during wartime and ensuring the continuity of sea-based commerce in peacetime. However, there is a significant shortage of mariners that jeopardizes the nation’s ability to fully activate the Ready Reserve Force, as highlighted by studies indicating a shortfall of nearly 1,800 mariners even before the pandemic. The shrinking number of qualified personnel threatens both military readiness and the maritime industry's future, emphasizing the need for targeted recruitment and retention strategies to bolster this critical workforce.
Impact of COVID-19 on Merchant Mariners
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the already existing shortage of mariners by stranding many at sea and disrupting the flow of new workers entering the industry. Mariners faced challenges such as being unable to return home or obtain reliefs, leading to increased attrition as many left the industry altogether. The limitations on movement and safety protocols vastly complicated the onboarding of new mariners and weakened the workforce further. This situation highlights the urgent necessity for systemic changes to attract new talent to the maritime profession and ensure that existing mariners are supported effectively.
Historical Significance and Current Challenges
Historically, the U.S. Merchant Marine has played a vital role in military operations, including significant contributions during World War II, where over 10,000 civilian mariners lost their lives. Despite their historical importance, the sector has seen a gradual decline, with the number of U.S.-flagged ships decreasing from approximately 450 in 1990 to about 190 today. This reduction can be attributed to policy decisions favoring foreign shipping and competition, resulting in a decreased willingness for individuals to pursue maritime careers. The volatility of the maritime workforce is not only concerning for national security but also impacts commercial shipping operations across the country, illustrating the wide-reaching consequences of the mariner shortage.
Strategies for Reviving the Merchant Marine Workforce
To revitalize the U.S. Merchant Marine, there's an urgent call to enhance recruitment efforts and incentivize training through educational outreach and programs. Policy initiatives, such as offering tax incentives for using U.S.-flagged ships and improving maritime workforce conditions, are necessary to draw potential mariners to this career path. Additionally, increasing public awareness about the benefits of a maritime career could significantly shift perceptions and attract a younger workforce to the field. Implementing these strategies would not only address the current mariner shortage but also safeguard the future of the U.S. Merchant Marine, ensuring its vital role in national defense and commerce.
