There is currently a global shortage of personnel in the shipping industry, and getting seafarers to remain in their professions at sea is one of the industry's major challenges. The aim of this study was therefore to increase the knowledge of the factors that facilitate, but also those that hinder, seafarers to pursue a lifelong career at sea.


A review of international literature and a web survey with Swedish maritime students were conducted. The literature review revealed a structure based on geography and ethnicity. While all seafarers are affected by factors such as separation from family/friends and poor working conditions, seafarers from low-wage Asian countries are also affected by poorer conditions in the form of unfair recruitment, lower salaries and fewer promotion opportunities.


As a negative mismatch between maritime students' expectations and the reality of their future careers at sea creates dissatisfaction and can lead to an early transfer to a job ashore, the web-survey focused on student's expectations. The results showed that we need to make sure that the students can be proud of their choice of work, give them opportunities for personal development and make sure their tasks at work are interesting to retain them in their professions at sea.


In summary, while some of the factors affecting seafarers' decision to pursue a lifelong career at sea are the same for everyone, others differ depending on geographic and ethnic origin. Furthermore, examining students' expectations of their future careers at sea is important to avoid dissatisfaction and an early transfer to a job ashore.