Edinburgh Napier University

  The aim of this paper is to investigate the retention problem in the shipping industry and to identify the key factors (the availability of and access to communication facilities on board ships in particular) that contribute to employee turnover and retention.

To understand the communication options available on board ships, a survey of shipboard personnel has been conducted. Nearly 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.