A LACK of information and guidance for young people on possible careers in the maritime industry will create a shortfall in years to come.

There's also fears that it could have a worrying impact on the industry and the UK economy.

That’s according to the charity Seafarers UK that has released a report ahead of Seafarers Awareness Week (June 20-26) which shows that the majority of young people have little or no knowledge of careers in the maritime industry.

Only two per cent say they have been given careers advice about the maritime industry, compared to professional services (18 per cent), science and engineering (21 per cent), health sector (19 per cent), retail (14 per cent), construction (eight per cent), uniformed public services such as police, fire service, paramedics (13 per cent), media (18 per cent), catering (eight per cent).

When asked from the above list of careers, which they thought offered good prospects, only 1 in 20 picked the maritime industry.

It’s perhaps not surprising that more than 70 per cent have never considered a career at sea as one in three have never even been onboard a ship.

The UK maritime industry directly contributes at least £11 billion a year to the economy, while supporting over 113,000 jobs. 

Approximately 70,000 people in the UK currently work at sea, including in the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, and Fishing Fleets.

According to a recent worldwide report there is a current global shortfall of about 16,500 officers in the maritime industry, but a need for an additional 147,500 officers by 2025 to service the world merchant fleet.

Seafarers UK believes these numbers are indicative of many new job opportunities in the industry and are calling for more guidance and education on possible career options.

National – research of 16-24 year olds

  • 71 per cent have never considered a career at sea or working on a ship
  • Only two per cent have been given careers advice about the maritime industry

Industries with best career prospects:

Professional services (47 per cent)

Science and engineering (38 per cent)

Uniform services (16 per cent)

Healthcare (13 per cent)

Media (13 per cent)

Construction (12 per cent)

Retail (5 per cent)

Maritime (5 per cent)

32 per cent have never been on a ship

South West

  • 79 per cent have never considered a career at sea or working on a ship

  • Three per cent have been given careers advice about the maritime industry

    Industries with best career prospects:
    Professional services (51 per cent)
    Science and engineering (43 per cent)
    Uniform services (13 per cent)
    Healthcare (eight per cent)
    Media (10 per cent)
    Construction (15 per cent)
    Retail (three per cent)
    Maritime (five per cent)
    27% have never been on a ship

South West
79% have never considered a career at sea or working on a ship
3% have been given careers advice about the maritime industry

Industries with best career prospects:
Professional services (51%)
Science and engineering (43%)
Uniform services (13%)
Healthcare (8%)
Media (10%)
Construction (15%)
Retail (3%)
Maritime (5%)
27 per cent have never been on a ship