Challenges Facing New Seafarers: A Growing Concern

In recent weeks, I've received messages from new seafarers who have completed their training but are struggling to find a vessel to join. This issue highlights a significant mismatch between the number of vessels available and the increasing number of new seafarers entering the industry.

The Cost of Training Without Assurance

Many Thai seafarers come from marine schools, where they invest around $600 for a three-month Rating course. Unfortunately, these schools do not assist in finding vessels for their graduates. After completing their training, seafarers need to accumulate at least six months of sea time on an international trading vessel to qualify for a Certificate of Competency (COC). However, the number of available vessels in Thailand remains relatively constant, while the number of new seafarers continues to rise annually.

Changing Realities for Thai Seafarers

From my experience in the crewing sector, I understand the hope and expectation that new seafarers and their families have. They often anticipate joining a vessel and earning a good salary, as depicted in social media updates from other crew members. However, the reality for Thai seafarers today is vastly different from 15 years ago. Despite the number of vessels being lower than before, as shown by data from the Thai Marine Department's 15-year record(link), the number of Thai seafarers has increased, creating a challenging situation for new entrants to the industry.

Limited Opportunities Due to Economic Constraints

This situation is exacerbated by the limited number of Thai shipowners and operators, which has remained relatively low over the past 20 years. The mismatch between the growing number of seafarers and the static number of vessels creates a difficult scenario for those who have invested time and money into their training but find themselves without job opportunities. Thailand's economic environment has not attracted international shipping companies, and there has been no significant investment in this sector in over 20 years, with no signs of change in the near future. Moreover, Thai seafarers often find it challenging to compete with their counterparts from other nations, as discussed in a previous article, " Why Thai Seafarers Face Challenges in Joining International Companies".

A Call for Transparency and Guidance

We urge Thai marine schools to be transparent with their students about the realities of the industry. It is crucial to clearly communicate the challenges and potential difficulties that graduates may face after completing their courses. This information should be shared with both students and their families before they enroll. By doing so, they can make informed decisions, potentially choosing to invest their money in other industries or educational paths if the maritime industry no longer aligns with their goals.