Get serious about fixing barriers to maritime careers, Nautilus tells European Shipping Summit

Nautilus International took a firm stand for diversity and inclusion in the maritime sector during the European Shipping Summit, which assistant general secretary Sascha Meijer and head of international relations Danny McGowan attended on behalf of the Union and the European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF).

Ms Meijer participated in a panel discussion on closing the talent gap in seafaring by attracting and retaining more women, where she highlighted the importance of a better work-life balance as a key factor for recruitment and retention. Without improving flexibility for careers at sea, the industry would 'struggle to attract not only women but also young men to this beautiful and unique profession,' said Ms Meijer.

She proposed innovative labour contracts that allow seafarers – both men and women – to alternate between sea and shore roles, especially during early parenthood. Meijer suggested that subsidies or funding for such experimental, flexible models could help retain talent.

The panel also addressed critical issues such as sexism, prejudice, bullying, harassment, and violence in the maritime workplace. Ms Meijer stressed that combating these challenges is essential to creating a safer and more inclusive environment that appeals to a broader workforce.

Finally, Ms Meijer questioned whether the industry's push to remain internationally competitive –often through wage competition – can co-exist with its call to attract more European seafarers and women.

'Can we be serious about attracting European seafarers and women if we are also serious about competing globally on wages?' she asked, leaving the audience with a thought-provoking challenge.

Nautilus International's advocacy for diversity and labour reform signals a growing movement toward a more flexible and inclusive maritime industry. The Nautilus Federation, a group of 21 like-minded global trade unions in shipping and inland waterways transport, has released a new report which aims to finally end the conversation on recruitment and retention of seafarers, and prompt the industry to act on the issue.