Images Credit : TURTLE

In the ever-evolving maritime industry, the need for efficient and ethical recruitment processes has never been more critical. As the maritime industry operates globally, shipping companies need diverse and qualified seafarers from different parts of the world. Ethical recruitment is also necessary to ensure that all workers, regardless of their origin, are treated fairly and have equal access to job opportunities.

Maritime companies are currently facing recruitment challenges such as a global shortage of qualified seafarers, high turnover due to challenging working conditions, and the need to comply with international labor regulations. At the same time, seafarers are often vulnerable to exploitation through unethical recruitment practices such as agents requiring seafarers to pay high placement fees and fake job offers.

These issues drive demand from both employers and seafarers for transparent recruitment platforms that enable fair, regulation-compliant hiring. One platform taking a leading role in this space is TURTLE, which connects seafarers directly with shipping companies, thereby reducing the role of intermediaries in the hiring process. Its mission is clear: to empower seafarers to engage in a fair, self-determined recruitment process, while providing shipping companies direct access to a global pool of verified seafarers This shift away from middlemen aims to lower the risk of fraud and promote fair treatment for seafarers. For companies, adherence to ethical practices can improve their reputation, thereby making their positions more appealing to skilled seafarers. For seafarers, this approach not only streamlines the hiring process but also empowers them to take control of their career paths.

Founded in 2022 by Isabelle Rickmers in Hamburg, Germany, with a secondary location in Gdynia, Poland, Turtle today connects around 180,000 seafarers with 40 shipping companies globally including Hapag-LIoyd, NSB Group, Seaspan, Dorian lpg, Orion Serious Shipping, SMT Shipping, along with many others. One aspect that differentiates it to other recruitment platforms in the maritime industry is its business model. Unlike traditional recruitment platforms that may charge seafarers fees or rely heavily on third-party intermediaries’ job postings, TURTLE offers its services free of charge to seafarers, and strives to have direct jobs postings, making it an attractive alternative. Additionally, the integration of tools like salary comparison and AI driven job matching further distinguishes it from competitors.

That said, the majority of seafarers are still recruited by local agents and online job postings are still looked at with skepticism. But as the maritime industry faces growing complexity, efficient and ethical recruitment processes are more crucial than ever. Platforms like TURTLE that streamline the hiring process by allowing shipping companies to directly access a verified pool of seafarers without relying on third parties tackles efficiency and fairness head on. However, there are deeply ingrained practices that need to be overcome before these platforms can eradicate the bad practices that have plagued maritime recruitment.

References

Seafarer — TURTLE is the leading job marketplace for direct hiring in the maritime industry. (n.d.). TURTLE Is the Leading Job Marketplace for Direct Hiring in the Maritime Industry. https://www.go-turtle.com/seafarer/

Contributor : Ariana Tri Asti
Reviewer : Imam Buchari