Better safeguarding measures needed to support cadets at sea
(Posted on 07/05/25)
Cadets are increasingly struggling to complete their cadetships due to a shortage of available placements onboard.
In some instances, this scarcity has reportedly led to situations where individuals in positions of influence have taken advantage of cadets seeking essential sea time.
According to the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB), almost one third (31%) of seafarers are asked to pay a recruitment fee for jobs on merchant vessels. While some shipowners do offer structured cadet programmes, many prioritise hiring experienced crew, limiting opportunities for cadets to fulfil the 12 months of sea service required for certification.
This lack of opportunity can leave cadets exposed to exploitation by certain recruitment agents or port officials, who may place inappropriate demands or conditions in exchange for placement opportunities.
To help tackle these challenges, The Hood, a social media platform built specifically for the maritime sector, is working to digitalise the recruitment and placement process. The platform keeps a record of all recruitment activity for internal review, supporting transparency and enabling oversight. Its system is designed to promote transparency and ensure all transactions are properly documented. It also provides a framework for greater involvement from management and senior teams, helping to strengthen accountability across the board.
“The seafaring industry is becoming a narrower tunnel and one that rarely gains attention unless it is catastrophic,” says Josephine Le, founder and Managing Director of The Hood. “As an industry, we have a duty of care to our people, especially those on the front line at sea and those just starting their journey.”
The Hood is committed to work with local maritime and labour authorities to ensure the reported cases are handled appropriately and highlighting good practices from reputable employers. The platform will only accept recruitment companies and employers who are licensed and with valid MLC certificates. Only recruiters assigned by these companies may have access to the job portals and professional files of candidates.
Supporting and safeguarding cadets is vital for the future of the maritime workforce. Without accessible placements and protective measures, the industry risks losing young talent at a time when it should be encouraging and investing in them.
Latest News
AtoB@C Shipping takes delivery of Fleximar
(Posted on 23/12/25)AtoB@C Shipping, a subsidiary of ESL Shipping, has announced the successful delivery of Fleximar, the... Read more
Western Bulk re-enters ship ownership with selected partners
(Posted on 18/12/25)Western Bulk, together with reputable Norwegian partners A/S J. Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi, Premium Maritime... Read more
Pacific Basin announces formation of a Sustainable Energy Solutions team
(Posted on 18/12/25)Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, one of the world’s leading dry bulk shipping companies, has announced... Read more
Columbia expects significant growth as more owners shift operations to the UAE
(Posted on 09/12/25)Columbia Group anticipates a period of strong expansion as an increasing number of international shipowners... Read more
Norse Ship Management emerges as digital leader among new-generation ship managers
(Posted on 09/12/25)Norse?Ship Management has expanded its use of Smart Ship Hub’s high frequency sensor data and... Read more
Maritime health experts welcome STCW amendments, but urge against checkbox compliance
(Posted on 09/12/25)As the maritime industry gears up to welcome the IMO’s STCW bullying and harassment training amendments... Read more
NORDEN acquires Southern African cargo activities of Taylor Maritime
(Posted on 02/12/25)NORDEN has acquired the cargo activities of Taylor Maritime in Southern Africa (previously operated... Read more
IMO delay could spark fragmentation risks, warns EmissionLink
(Posted on 02/12/25)Philippos Ioulianou, Managing Director of EmissionLink, has warned the IMO’s decision to delay... Read more
VIKAND highlights bullying and harassment as major mental health concern
(Posted on 02/12/25)VIKAND has highlighted the need for cultural change in the maritime sector as reports of bullying, harassment... Read more
DNV and WMMF guide to support shipowners' path to net-zero
(Posted on 24/11/25)The maritime industry is experiencing a period of significant transformation, driven by rapidly evolving... Read more
