ABSTRACT: The attractiveness of maritime professions has decreased recently, making the shortage of officers one of the greatest problems of the industry. Working conditions as well as the specific work environment have been identified as the major problem maritime industry has been facing with. Additional problem is the seafarers’ staying in global shipping. The paper has shown the results of the research conducted to determine the reasons why the students enrol at maritime studies, i.e. at nautical studies; what they expect after graduation; how they see their future in maritime industry, and whether they expect to continue working in the maritime industry permanently. The research itself was conducted in four countries’ members of the EU and it lasted for two years. The participants were regular undergraduate students of nautical studies. Statistical analysis was used in the research. Research results show that students choose a career in maritime industry because they think the profession on board will ensure stability and safe future, high paying salary, social status, and prestige. However, most of them want to spend a limited amount of time working on board and continue their career working ashore. All the above issues indicate that the trend of a shortage of qualified seafarers, especially officers, could continue in the future.

KEYWORDS: Maritime Labour Market, Attractiveness of Maritime Profession, Student Career Motivation, Nautical Studies, Onboard Career Intentions, Seafarer Shortage, Comparative Analysis, Statistical Methods

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