Why Younger Generations Should Consider a Life at Sea

A Maritime Professional Overlooking the Sea. Image by Sukanya Sitthikongsak from Getty Images via Canva

June 14, 2025 — Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines

An Article by Emmanuel Lobitaña

As part of the younger generations, we want more than financial stability. According to recent maritime and human resource reports, Gen Z practically enjoy being at sea when they’re treated well, having contact with their loved ones, and bringing in social impact because of their job. So, how do maritime industries offer these ever-changing needs?

To attract and retain young seafarers, companies shift their focus toward crew welfare and quality of life. They now offer better internet access and mental health support to ensure seafarers stay connected and feel cared for at sea.

Training methods are also adapting to Gen Z’s digital habits and preference for engaging learning experiences. Meanwhile, companies embrace values like sustainability and inclusion to align with the ethical priorities of younger workers.

Moreover, we seek a sense of social impact through their work. Hence framing maritime careers as essential to keeping the world running, the industry taps into a deeper sense of purpose that resonates with the new generation.

A Maritime Worker at a Port. Image by Aflo Images from アフロ（Aflo) 

The Old and New Workplace Perspectives

 My father will soon retire from boarding any more ships. He’s been doing seafaring since the 2000s when he and my mother had my third sibling. In recent years, I’ve encountered a major transformation of many shipping companies’ paper-based documentation to e-signatures, PDF files, and portal log-ins. One thing I notice whenever my father asks for these techy errands, he’d always instruct me, “Add praises to the feedback form.”

I’ve always wondered why he would want to pat his high-ops’ heads. Will he get a higher salary? Get a promotion to a higher rank? Or is it just my workplace view not aligned with the older generation where my father is in?

But then there will always be realization of how two generations have different workplace views. I’ve been taught that feedback form—and so other surveys—isn’t only for saying positive things but inputting criticisms that will help both employees and the company.

Perhaps, younger seafarers have used their voices to influence positive workplace environments via these surveys, and so human resource managements encourage shipping companies to perform well in prioritizing employees’ well-being. “I think it’s really important that we promote a positive image of the industry,” says John Lloyd of The Nautical Institute.

Seafarers are Providers for Family. Image by FatCamera from Getty Images Signature via Canva

More than a Job—A Social Impact

In a recent study conducted by Ateneo de Manila University, one participant says, “I want to contribute to the people and the nation.” This shows that the mission-oriented approach surpasses the motivations of the older generations, highlighting a huge shift in workplace priorities.

K Line LNG Shipping UK’s managing director reiterates that the purpose of an organization is the fundamental reason why job seekers would want to be part of a greater achievement. Therefore, beyond the Philippines, generational shifts signal that today’s maritime workforce is motivated not just by pay, but by purpose.

And as younger seafarers seek roles that align with their values and contribute to society, companies are evolving to meet these expectations. Embracing a mission-driven culture may well be the key to attracting and retaining the next wave of maritime talent.

Bibliography:

Kypriotaki, Anastasia. “Sailors’ Society Tackles What Motivates Gen Z Cadets.” SAFETY4SEA,March 5, 2024. Accessed June 8, 2025. safety4sea.com/crewing/sailors-society-tackles-what-motivates-gen-z-cadets/.

OSM Thome. “Would You Recommend a Life at Sea to Your Children.” OSM Thome,  January 2G, 2024. Accessed June 8, 2025. https://osmthome.com/would-you-recommend-a-life-at-sea-to-your-children/.

Seatrade Maritime. “Attracting Millennials and Gen Z to the Shipping Industry.” Seatrade  Maritime, January 10, 2018. Accessed June 8, 2025. www.seatrade‑maritime.com/crewing/attracting‑millennials‑and‑gen‑z‑to‑the‑shipping‑industry.

Tan, Josephine. 2024. “Gen Z Employees in the Philippines Seek Purpose and Prosperity.”  HRM Asia, November 21, 2024. Accessed June 8, 2025. hrmasia.com/gen-z-employees-in-the-philippines-seek-purpose-and-prosperity/.