As World Maritime Day approaches on September 25, Captain Kuba Szymanski, Secretary General of InterManager, emphasizes that senior managers must first reflect on their practices if they genuinely seek to enhance the quality of life for seafarers. With this year’s theme, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” Szymanski underscores the crucial responsibilities maritime leaders have regarding seafarer welfare.
Szymanski asserts that ship managers need to take a proactive stance in making their workplaces appealing to the next generation of seafarers. He outlines key points essential for advancing seafarer welfare: ensuring gender equality, providing social rights comparable to onshore employees, eliminating a blame culture, stopping the criminalization of seafarers, and improving safety standards at sea.
He advocates for a transformative approach that prioritizes these principles, arguing that only by putting their own practices in order can leadership attract and retain future maritime professionals. World Maritime Day serves as a prime opportunity to showcase the maritime industry’s benefits to younger generations, promoting resilience, teamwork, and clear career progression. Szymanski believes such careers offer rewarding pay and structured paths, making them an appealing choice for aspiring professionals.
