Seafarer-Led Initiative Celebrates Success at Crew Connect 2024

January 13 ------ The inaugural meet and greet of Seatrade Maritime, conducted in partnership with Tommy Olofsen, conference chair of Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect Global, and Carl King, founder of Seafarer Social, showcased a significant gathering of aspiring and established maritime professionals. Notably, 15 cadets from the Philippines’ prestigious Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) attended, alongside 10 emerging seafarers, some of whom are influential social media figures.

Among the guests were Ivan Guzman, a cadet and educational content creator recognized as Personality of the Year at the 2024 Seatrade Maritime Awards for his outreach to 2.5 million followers promoting seafaring. Also present were Chief Engineer Mark Phillip Laurilla (@ChiefMAKOi), a social media influencer, and KC Abigail Chin, a second officer with a nomination for Seafarer of the Year.

Chris Morley, Group Director of Maritime Events at Informa Markets, emphasized the importance of engaging sea cadets, the future of the maritime industry. He highlighted the event as an opportunity for cadets to meet active seafarers and learn firsthand about life at sea, especially through the lens of influential social media narratives. The gathering aimed to energize discussions about recruitment challenges, diversity—focusing on the LGBTQIA+ community and female representation—and the overall perception of maritime careers.

The event fostered a safe environment for participants to share personal insights. Deck Officer Robert “Robi” John Landero expressed appreciation for the supportive network, which encouraged frank discussions about modernization in the maritime sector. He noted that sharing diverse stories can inspire aspiring seafarers and instill hope regarding their goals, despite challenges faced in the Philippines.

Co-host Carl King highlighted the event as a unique and necessary platform for meaningful connections within the maritime community. King advocated for such initiatives, indicating their importance in encouraging dialogue among diverse stakeholders in the industry.

Morley confirmed that this was the first of many such events, highlighting the potential for further engagement with maritime schools across the Philippines. The intention is to inspire the next generation of seafarers, addressing industry barriers to inclusivity and belonging. This approach is deemed essential for the continued evolution of maritime careers as they strive to attract new talent and cultivate a diverse workforce.

The Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect Global event proved to be a pivotal occasion for fostering community, encouraging dialogue, and building future pathways in the maritime industry, aiming to make seafaring a more accessible and appealing career choice.

Source: maritimefairtrade.org