Choice of maritime career – following footsteps or a conscious decision

Abstract

Problem statement: Generation Y has reached a point where the majority of them have begun to make critical choices in regards to their careers. Preferences of this generation are incompatible with the current conditions that accompany work at sea. In the global seafarers labor market the number of officers from Europe steadily decreases. Nevertheless, Polish maritime universities (both public and private) receive hundreds of applications from candidates that are planning to become marine navigators or marine mechanics, even though the Polish merchant fleet consists of only a few dozen ships sailing under foreign flags.Purpose of study: Firstly - To investigate the factors that influence career choices of students from Polish maritime universities. Secondly - To illustrate the scope of the students' knowledge in regards to the reality of the maritime labor market, seafarers work, and their living conditions. Finally an assessment to decipher the real motivator behind their career choice and their own analysis of possible future work. Method: A survey containing questions from three areas was used: (i) factors influencing choice of study, (ii) knowledge of the maritime labor market, (iii) Personal background of survey participants. The questionnaires were filled out by the students of the Gdynia Maritime University: Faculty of Navigation (222 persons) and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (154 people).Findings and results: Most of the students declared that their choice of study was made independent of outside influence. However, it turned out that almost all of them have people who work at sea in their circle of family or friends. Students frequently got an idea of future job prospects by observing the careers of those around them (relatives or peers). The biggest motivator for this career path was high earnings while the biggest disadvantage was separation from loved ones. Keywords: Generation Y, seafarers shortage, maritime policies, career choice.