The international association of tanker owners, in an effort to inform and support seafarers who choose to continue their careers ashore, presented a 25-page guide, which aims to facilitate this difficult transition.
It notes that many seafarers face unexpected challenges when they leave the sea, with some even returning to ships, due to a lack of a complete picture of the consequences and requirements of a new professional path ashore.
The importance of this initiative was underlined by Venice Kallipolitou, president of the Intertanko Human Capital in Shipping Committee and Director of Human Resources & Training at Tsakos Shipping and Trading S.A.
“Seafarers excel at sea, with their dedication, their professionalism and their excellent training. Offices ashore need well-trained and experienced seafarers to take on inspector duties,” she stated, noting that the new guide aims “to cover this gap and give the importance required by everyone in the sector.”
Ms. Kallipolitou further stressed that “seafarers should not approach the transition to shore blindly.”
As she said, every decision made must also weigh the broader interests of the family, while she expressed her thanks to all the members who contributed to the creation of the guide.
“The goal is to help seafarers prepare adequately and offer companies the tools they need to manage this key asset,” she emphasized.
According to the Intertanko guide, the reasons that lead a seafarer to transition are varied: from the search for new professional prospects and the desire for career progression, to personal needs related to family or health.
This transition, however, is often accompanied by stress, uncertainty and adaptation challenges.
The importance of open and honest discussion between seafarers and their families is highlighted, so that the transition is made with full awareness and preparation.
At the same time, it mentions that, when there are underlying concerns or difficulties, professional counseling can play a decisive role, offering support and enhancing the seafarer’s mental resilience.
The companies themselves also play an important role, as they are called to actively contribute to the integration process.
Intertanko suggests assigning mentors to new employees, providing mental health resources and implementing gradual integration plans.
Structured feedback systems between seafarers and supervisors are considered equally useful, so that any concerns are identified and addressed in a timely manner.
The guide also refers to specialized programs and seminars offered in the market, such as the inspector courses organized by various marine surveyors, which can act as a knowledge bridge for the transition ashore.
Seafarers moving to shore-based positions often face a significant change in their financial situation.
As highlighted in the Intertanko guide, salaries ashore are usually lower than the earnings they had at sea and are accompanied by tax obligations, resulting in a decrease in net income.
However, this transition offers a substantial advantage: a stable, predictable monthly salary, which facilitates financial planning and contributes to creating a better balance between professional and personal life.
It is noted that this important initiative by Intertanko comes at a time when the industry is facing increased staffing needs on land, while simultaneously seeking to keep the human capital of shipping active and productive, leveraging the valuable experience of people who served at sea.
Of particular importance, among other things, during the career transition of seafarers to shore, is the cost of living in the new work location, which can significantly affect the seafarer’s purchasing power. For this reason, careful budgeting is recommended, especially during the first months of adjustment.
At the same time, the guide emphasizes the need to carefully examine the tax residency status of the country of employment, as it may differentiate the amount of taxation or provide for exemptions. Professional tax advice is considered essential to avoid surprises.
Finally, it is reminded that seafarers, having lived for years in an environment of limited expenses, such as a ship, had a greater margin for saving. On land, however, the conditions are different, resulting in the need to redefine financial goals, such as savings, retirement, insurance coverage, and children’s education.
