This is my undertaking to try and understand the current status of leadership in the maritime industry, especially onboard ships and in the shore offices of maritime enterprises.
Here's the link
The survey should take 10-15 minutes, some reflection, and some jogging of your memory.
Your responses will help inform the maritime industry of the challenges being faced and find solutions or initiate behavioural change.
As you can see from the chart below, from the initial responses, there is a clear need for leadership development on ships. Once we identify trends, both good and bad practices, we can mindfully address these through personal development initiatives and organisational or industry policy.
Some of the initial descriptive feedback included under good practice:
"At times of crisis, not blaming any individual and seeking a solution jointly."
"One of my captains led from the front, handling the tough situation of multitasking during dry dock by empathising with my condition and relieving me from the pressure of making mistakes. It worked for me as he directed me and took off all the fear and pressure from me."
Under leadership challenge:
"power distance"
"To get people to put in their best efforts, most of the time, people shy away from their potential."
Under description of incidents or situations from poor leadership:
"A wrong/delayed decision from master resulted in grounding of the vessel in bad weather at anchorage"
"During one of my assignments as chief officer, I was under constant pressure throughout the period as my senior never backed me, and the fear of the consequences of making mistakes made my position vulnerable and increased the possibilities of making an error."
"Office trying to blame ship staff after PSC deficiency even the defect was reported to office by ship staff earlier."
Initial feedback to the survey is very encouraging. I'm convinced that the survey will immensely benefit seafarers and the maritime industry. The results of the survey will also be published on my website as well as offered free of charge to anyone interested.
Your email will not be shared with anyone. All collected emails will be deleted by 1 July 2026.
Thank you very much.
Here's the link
The survey should take 10-15 minutes, some reflection, and some jogging of your memory. Your responses will help inform the maritime industry of the challenges being faced and find solutions or initiate behavioural change.
As you can see from the chart below, from the initial responses, there is a clear need for leadership development on ships. Once we identify trends, both good and bad practices, we can mindfully address these through personal development initiatives and organisational or industry policy.
Some of the initial descriptive feedback included under good practice:
"At times of crisis, not blaming any individual and seeking a solution jointly."
"One of my captains led from the front, handling the tough situation of multitasking during dry dock by empathising with my condition and relieving me from the pressure of making mistakes. It worked for me as he directed me and took off all the fear and pressure from me."
Under leadership challenge:
"power distance"
"To get people to put in their best efforts, most of the time, people shy away from their potential."
Under description of incidents or situations from poor leadership:
"A wrong/delayed decision from master resulted in grounding of the vessel in bad weather at anchorage"
"During one of my assignments as chief officer, I was under constant pressure throughout the period as my senior never backed me, and the fear of the consequences of making mistakes made my position vulnerable and increased the possibilities of making an error."
"Office trying to blame ship staff after PSC deficiency even the defect was reported to office by ship staff earlier."
Initial feedback to the survey is very encouraging. I'm convinced that the survey will immensely benefit seafarers and the maritime industry. The results of the survey will also be published on my website as well as offered free of charge to anyone interested.
Your email will not be shared with anyone. All collected emails will be deleted by 1 July 2026.
Thank you very much.
