Marine Log - March 2009 - (Page 29) BY JENIFER KIMBLE RECRUITMENT MARINERS M erchant mariners are the lifeblood of the marine business. Across the board, the maritime industry is faced with the challenge of how to recruit and retain talent to operate vessels. In 2008, the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MarAd) conducted the Maritime Operator Survey Concerning Mariner Availability. The results echoed the concerns of those in the business, including Crowley. From the 164 respondents, MarAd learned that 89% had attempted to hire mariners over the past year, but 71% of them encountered problems in recruitment. Additionally, the survey revealed that 45% had difficulty hiring licensed deck officers and 28% had problems hiring unlicensed deck personnel. So why the sudden difficulty obtaining personnel in one of America’s oldest professions? “There are several things contributing to the decline in qualified mariners across the globe, not just in the U.S. market,” explained Ira Douglas, Crowley manager of marine recruiting and development. Fewer mariners internationally means that some American mariners are entering the international job market, putting a greater strain on American recruiting and crewing. “U.S.-flagged vessels were typically better jobs but with international wages increasing, it’s harder to recruit talent,” explained Douglas. “The need has grown for licensed mariners. There are more ships on the water and with the increase in the energy services market, there is more work than there are bodies to do it.” The number of tankers worldwide rose 17% between 2001 and 2005 and container ships jumped 30%, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. But, Crowley provides many benefits above fair wages to those that do choose to make the maritime and logistics company their career home. For one, safety is of utmost importance and consequently is the number one item listed in the company’s core values. Second, the company provides a history of stability and diversification allowing mariners to feel confident that their job is secure with an established company. “Crowley’s diverse business lines provide a wealth of opportunities for capable, motivated individuals,” said Chris Peterson, vice president and general manager. “Starting off in a sea-going position provides a solid foundation from which to grow. From overseeing barge landings and logistics in the Russian Far East to managing a container terminal in the Caribbean, there truly are long-term career paths available at Crowley.” “Crowley has helped me build a career for the long haul,” said Frosty Leonard, director of operations. “They recruited me prior to my graduation from Maine Maritime Academy and since then, I’ve worked for them in Jacksonville, Philadelphia, Seattle, Valdez and Long Beach, finding challenges and advancement opportunities all along the way. The door is wide open with Crowley. You just have to decide whether or not you’re going to walk through it.” “Crowley has a good name and a safe reputation,” commented Douglas. “And it’s an international company that operates ethically and responsibly, but it still faces the same recruiting issues as the rest of the industry.” Janet Williams, crewing administrator in Seattle believes that the major challenges Crowley and the rest of the maritime industry are facing in obtaining and keeping crewmembers are regular schedules, length of voyages, travel and pay/benefits. Adding to the issue, there are only seven schools with licensed officer cur- riculums approved by the Coast Guard within the U.S., six of which are staterun schools: California Maritime Academy; Massachusetts Maritime Academy; Maine Maritime Academy; Texas Maritime Academy; Great Lakes Maritime Academy; and State University of New York Maritime Academy. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) is a federal academy run by MARAD. Furthermore, only Maine currently offers a program, which results in a towing license —something pivotal to Crowley’s line haul and energy support services. All USMMA graduates leave with three things: a license; a bachelor’s degree (Marine Transportation, Marine Engineering, Marine Engineering Systems, Marine Engineering and Shipyard Management, Maritime Operations and Technology or Logistics and Intermodal Transportation); and a commission. This is in contrast to the state schools that graduate only 59% in license-track programs. Douglas explained that licensed deck officers, which on Crowley’s tugs, include MARCH 2009 MARINE LOG 29 www.marinelog.com http://www.marinelog.com
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