Future Thinking S4 E2: Setting Sail: Recruiting the Future Generation of Cadets

In this series of Future Thinking, our host Captain Yves Vandenborn, Head of Loss Prevention - Asia-Pacific, explores those at the heart of the shipping world; the seafarers - why they choose a career at sea, what makes it special and what the challenges are.

In this episode, we discuss the future of the maritime workforce through the experiences of cadets entering the industry today.

Joined by Lisa Oliver, Curriculum Manager at South Shields Marine School, and Johan Smit, Head of Wellness at Sailors’ Society, Yves discusses the challenges of attracting and retaining the next generation of seafarers amid an ongoing officer shortfall.

The conversation explores why young people choose a career at sea, common misconceptions about maritime life, and the factors influencing both recruitment and retention, including wellbeing, connectivity, changing expectations and career development.

Lisa and Johan also examine the support available to cadets throughout their training, from structured education pathways and mentoring programmes to peer support networks and wellbeing resources. Together, their expertise in this episode highlights how the industry can better prepare and support cadets, equipping them to navigate both the technical and personal challenges of life at sea and build successful maritime careers.

Highlights:

03:16 Officer Shortage Explained

05:42 Why Cadets Choose Sea

07:10 Misconceptions About Seafaring

09:12 Preparing For First Voyage

11:26 Reality Check Onboard

13:54 Sea Time Placement Gap

17:15 Connectivity And Wellbeing

20:16 Mentoring And Support

Johan Smith – Head of Wellness at Sailors’ Society

Johan joined the international maritime welfare charity, Sailors’ Society in 2014 to develop and lead its Wellness at Sea programme, a pioneering initiative which empowers seafarers to prepare and keep physically and mentally fit for life at sea.

The Wellness at Sea programme has since grown to become one of the leading wellness interventions for the shipping industry, benefiting thousands of seafarers every year and winning a Safety at Sea award for Best Crew Welfare Programme and a Seatrade Award for Investment in People.

Johan has worked with seafarers for many years, previously serving as a Port Chaplain for six years in Cape Town, South Africa. It was during this time that he became aware of the challenges many seafarers face and in 2011 he started developing his work on a wellness programme to meet seafarers’ needs. Johan also studied Theology and is also a qualified Social Worker.

Lisa Oliver – Curriculum Manager at South Shields Marine School

Lisa joined South Shields Marine School in 2012 as Curriculum Manager, with responsibility for developing and delivering the school’s responsive and bespoke short course provision. Since 2023, she has also led programmes supporting cadets in achieving their Engineering Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency, alongside teaching electrical and electronic subjects across cadet and management-level courses.

Prior to this role, Lisa worked as a lecturer in both further and higher education and served in the Royal Navy as a Weapons Engineer, bringing valuable industry experience to her teaching and leadership.

South Shields Marine School, based in the North East of England, was founded in 1861 and is the longest continuously operating marine training college in the world. It offers a wide range of commercial maritime courses, equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge required for a successful career at sea.