The introduction of new technologies and digital solutions undoubtedly boost the demand for highly-skilled professionals in the maritime industry.
A survey of Latvian crewing companies conducted by the Registry of Seamen in the third quarter of 2022 found that the global demand for seafarers far exceeds the actual supply. According to the Latvian crewing company data, the global merchant fleet is in dire shortage of operational level (junior) officers (EDH, AB, OS, motormen, fitters, pumpmen) and management level (senior) officers.
The statistics of the national education information system concerning the employment of graduates show the RTU Latvian Maritime Academy graduate employment rate of 93.5%, which is 11.58% higher than the average employment rate of graduates in the country. Considering the constant demand for highly qualified ship officers, RTU Latvian Maritime Academy study programme graduates have a guaranteed job in the maritime sector, in line with the obtained professional qualification, after obtaining the appropriate maritime census.
As of autumn 2022, RTU Latvian Maritime Academy holds monthly meetings with representatives of crewing companies to inform RTU Latvian Maritime Academy students of the open shipboard practice and job opportunities. Both students and crewing companies welcome such meetings as an opportunity to find out the necessary information in person and agree on cooperation. Representatives of crewing companies are certain of the quality of knowledge, skills and competences of RTU LMA students and are therefore happy to offer shipboard practice and job opportunities.