Global maritime demand to require 300,000 more seafarers in 5 years

Captain Soe Min Aung, president of the Myanmar Seafarers Federation, said that the demand for sailors and officers in the global maritime industry could reach more than 300,000 in the next five years. Thus, more Myanmar sailors with better qualifications are required.
With increasing tonnage and number of ships, sailor demand is also expected to rise in future.
“Where there is a vacancy, if we can provide a qualified sailor, we will get a job. There is a huge demand for seafarers in the global shipping industry. To fill the gap, our sailors need to be skilled and well-qualified. And since we only have to use English on a ship that goes around the world, we think sailors need to be able to speak, read and write workable English at least. In the next five years, we need over 300,000 sailors – both men and women. So, employers will recruit sailors who meet their expectations,” said Captain Soe Min Aung.
MSF is currently offering free occupational English course in the workplace and free practical training courses for deck seafarers in one batch after another, which attract many interests.
“As a federation, one of our objectives is to help the development of the vocational skills of the Myanmar seafarers. On the one hand, we also aim to support the improvement of the social life of their families. In order to fulfil these two objectives, we have organized a free basic course for deck seafarers and a free English course in the onboard workplace,” he said.
For any information or requirement on matters related to sailors, individuals can contact and seek assistance from the MSF, he added. — MT/ZN/ED