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The role of communication to the retention of seafarers in the profession

Papachristou, Aimilia; Stantchev, Damian; Theotokas, Ioannis

Authors

Aimilia Papachristou

Ioannis Theotokas



Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine the availability of and access to communication facilities on board ships as a key factor that contributes to the retention of seafarers in the profession. To understand the communication options available on board ships and the attitude of seafarers, a survey of shipboard personnel has been conducted. More than 500 seafarers responded to a specifically designed questionnaire that aimed at gathering information on various work-related issues and on job satisfaction, with a particular focus on the role of communication services and their availability on board, the type of access to communication facilities and the cost of access for the seafarers. The analyses of the results have shown that respondents perceive the separation from family and the inadequate communication with family and friends while at sea as the most important issues hindering retention in the seafaring profession. While seafarers appear to be satisfied with their choice of joining the profession, when they are asked for the reasons that would lead them to abandon it, they consider as most important the inadequate communication with family and friends. This provides clear evidence of the role played by communication in increasing the retention rate within the seafaring profession.

Citation

Papachristou, A., Stantchev, D., & Theotokas, I. (2015). The role of communication to the retention of seafarers in the profession. WMU journal of maritime affairs / World Maritime University, 14(1), 159-176. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13437-015-0085-1

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 5, 2015
Online Publication Date Apr 1, 2015
Publication Date 2015-04
Deposit Date Apr 13, 2015
Print ISSN 1651-436X
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 14
Issue 1
Pages 159-176
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s13437-015-0085-1
Keywords Communication; Internet access; Retention; Seafarers;
Social media;
Public URL http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/7732
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13437-015-0085-1