Behind every container, every tanker, every cargo crossing the sea, there are people. Seafarers – the officers, engineers, cooks, deckhands, and crews – are the lifeblood of global shipping. Without them, ships don’t move. Trade stops.
This subcategory focuses on the countries that supply the world with the most maritime professionals, and the systems, training, and challenges that shape their lives at sea.
The global merchant fleet employs over 1.8 million seafarers, and a large percentage come from a handful of countries with strong maritime traditions and crew training infrastructures.
The biggest suppliers include:
• The Philippines – The undisputed global leader, providing around one out of every four seafarers worldwide. Filipino seafarers are known for their technical skills, English fluency, and adaptability. The country has a vast network of maritime schools and overseas deployment agencies.
• India – A major source of both officers and ratings (crew). Indian officers are especially valued in tankers and bulk carriers, and the country continues to invest in maritime training and certification.
• China – A significant supplier of seafarers, especially for domestic fleets and Chinese-flagged international vessels. Many Chinese seafarers work within national companies, but the global share is growing.
• Ukraine and Russia – Historically strong in officer-level training, especially for tankers, bulkers, and offshore vessels. Despite recent conflicts, crews from these regions are still widely employed, though deployment has been affected.
• Indonesia, Vietnam, and Myanmar – Emerging suppliers with large populations and growing maritime schools. Crews are often employed on Asian-flagged vessels or through regional operators.
• European countries – Nations like Greece, Poland, Romania, and Croatia also provide officers, especially within the EU. These seafarers are highly trained and often work under EU regulations.
Supplying seafarers is both a source of national income and a matter of global logistics. Crew availability influences how fast ships move, how efficiently they operate, and whether they meet international standards.
But the industry faces challenges:
• A growing shortage of officers due to aging populations and lifestyle shifts.
• Crew fatigue, isolation, and health risks, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Automation and digitalization, which may change the nature of maritime jobs.
• The need for fair contracts, mental health support, and career development.
Countries that want to remain major suppliers of seafarers must continue investing in high-quality training, international certifications (like STCW), and ethical recruitment practices.
How do we protect and empower the people behind the global fleet – and what would a more human-centered maritime workforce look like in the future?
