Young Professionals & Students

Rising Voices, Future Leaders of the Maritime World

The maritime industry needs not only experience – it needs renewal. To remain vibrant, ethical, and innovative, it must welcome young voices, invest in early careers, and support pathways into leadership.

That’s where associations and networks for students and young professionals step in. These initiatives offer guidance, visibility, and connection in what is often seen as a traditional, hierarchical field. They create space for growth, experimentation, and international perspective.

In this subcategory, we highlight efforts that bring together young seafarers, engineers, port professionals, logistics trainees, policy students, and maritime business minds – shaping a more open, modern industry culture.

What They Are

These are groups and programs that:

• Empower students and early-career professionals across all maritime domains
• Offer access to professional networks, mentorship, and events
• Facilitate career discovery, internships, and global exchange
• Elevate youth participation in conferences, policy forums, and innovation challenges
• Promote diversity and inclusion in maritime training and recruitment

They may exist as:

• Standalone organizations
• Student chapters of major associations
• Initiatives within universities, academies, or national maritime programs

Key Examples

• YoungShip International: A leading global network for young maritime professionals, active in over 30 countries
• IMO Model Courses & Youth Dialogues: Programs that bring students into regulatory conversations
• University Maritime Societies: Present in many academies and business schools
• National Maritime Youth Councils or Cadet Networks – e.g., in Norway, the Philippines, and Nigeria
• Internship programs through companies, NGOs, and international organizations (e.g., EMSA, IACS, ICS)

What They Do

These youth-focused associations and programs offer:

• Networking & Mentorship: Pairing young professionals with experienced industry mentors
• Education & Exposure: Site visits, simulation labs, speaker panels, and webinars
• Leadership Opportunities: Youth boards, conference panels, and project pitching
• Career Development: CV workshops, interview prep, internships, and job fairs
• Policy Engagement: Platforms for youth input on sustainability and tech innovation

Why They Matter

Tomorrow’s maritime leaders are already here – but many need support, belonging, and opportunity. These groups help:

• Close the generational gap in knowledge transfer
• Bring fresh ideas into traditional structures
• Make the industry more accessible, inclusive, and attractive
• Prevent talent loss by inspiring long-term engagement and purpose

These youth initiatives are Turning Tides – not just preparing people for the future of maritime, but letting them shape it now.

Who They’re For

These programs support:

• Students in maritime and related fields
• Young professionals across operations, law, policy, and engineering
• Universities and training centers
• Companies seeking new talent
• Maritime conferences and forums looking for fresh voices

Reflection Question

What can the maritime industry gain by investing more in young professionals and early-career leadership?