The maritime industry is experiencing a silent but significant transformation one driven not by ships, but by the people who navigate with it. A growing number of experienced seafarers are choosing to transition ashore, seeking new opportunities, stability, and better work-life balance. But what drives this shift? And what do these professionals need to succeed in their second careers?
Drawing from the SEA4SHORE Case Studies, a series of in-depth interviews conducted with seafarers across Europe, we explore the lived experiences of those who made the leap from sea to shore.
What Drives the Transition?
1. Family and Lifestyle Needs
The most frequently cited reason for leaving sea life was the desire to be closer to family. Long months at sea, unpredictable schedules, and lack of communication strain personal relationships especially for those with children. Seafarers increasingly prioritize stability, routine, and emotional connection.
2. Career Growth and Development
Many respondents expressed that their career growth at sea had plateaued. Ashore, they saw opportunities for leadership, specialisation (e.g. in education, logistics, or compliance), and creative engagement in maritime-related fields.
3. Physical and Mental Fatigue
Fatigue, both physical and psychological, was another key driver. Aging, chronic fatigue, and the cumulative stress of onboard responsibilities took a toll. Some reported burnout, leading them to seek roles that would maintain their professional identity but reduce physical strain.
What Helps Make the Shift Successful?
1. Maritime Background Is a Strength
Shore-based employers value seafaring experience. Nearly all participants said their technical knowledge, discipline, and real-world insight made them strong candidates in sectors like maritime education, port management, insurance, logistics, and consultancy.
2. Training and Career Support Is Crucial
However, many felt unprepared for the transition. Respondents expressed a strong need for guidance on CV writing, interview preparation, and understanding land-based job structures. One participant said, “I didn’t know how to write about my watchkeeping skills in a way that made sense to an HR manager.”
3. Networking and Mentorship Make a Difference
Several seafarers emphasized the role of professional networks and former shipmates who had transitioned earlier. Mentorship and role models helped them find direction, validate career choices, and gain practical advice.
Challenges Along the Way
The shift to shore work isn’t without barriers. Some common challenges mentioned were:
- Difficulty adjusting to office culture and fixed working hours
- Gaps in IT and digital communication skills
- Uncertainty about long-term job security in land-based roles
- Lack of formal pathways for transition
Moving Forward: How the Industry Can Respond
These insights point to an urgent need for structured career transition pathways for seafarers. As part of our SEA4SHORE initiative and broader project partners, we develop digital tool that help translate maritime skills to land-based competencies.
Conclusion
Seafarers are resilient, highly trained professionals with valuable perspectives that can enrich the entire maritime ecosystem ashore. Supporting their transition is not just a matter of retention or logistics it’s a recognition of their lifelong service to global trade, safety, and sustainability.
SEA4SHORE remains committed to empowering this transition through research, tools, and community-led innovation.
Help Shape the Future of Seafarers’ Careers Ashore
Are you a seafarer thinking about your next steps ashore? Do you want to help others make the transition from life at sea to a rewarding career on land? Your experience matters and your insights can make a real difference.
As part of the SEA4SHORE Erasmus+ project, we are developing an online platform to help seafarers identify the skills seafarers gained at sea and explore career paths ashore. But we need your help to ensure it truly reflects the real-life experiences of people like you.
By completing this questionnaire, you will:
- Reflect on the valuable skills you’ve developed in your maritime career
- Help identify new opportunities for seafarers transitioning ashore
- Contribute to shaping tools and resources for the wider maritime community
Your answers are important for making the SEA4SHORE platform practical, useful, and relevant for seafarers across Europe and beyond.
Click below to proceed to the questionnaire and read more about the project’s purpose.
https://sea4shore.com/questionnaire/