Shipping’s persistent struggle to attract talent is not just a recruitment problem — it is also a communication problem, according to Panos Patsadas, global chartering manager at Trans Global Projects. Patsadas has launched a seven-part live online lecture series, A Career in Shipping, to provide a clear, honest view of maritime careers for young people, graduates, and career changers.
The Recruitment Challenge
Too many outsiders look at maritime without understanding how its sectors work or where they might fit, Patsadas told Maritime CEO (published on Splash247). Some are drawn by stories of quick money, while others are put off by the perception that shipping is closed, opaque, and accessible only to those with family connections. Patsadas wants to challenge both misconceptions. His course is designed to walk participants through main career options, common mistakes when entering the industry, and the myths that distort shipping’s image.
A Structured Approach to Maritime Careers
The course consists of seven lectures followed by a 45-minute Q&A session each. The fee is £750 ($990) per participant. Patsadas brings over 20 years of experience in breakbulk, heavylift, gas, and petrochemicals, having worked across shipowners, energy majors, and project cargo logistics. He also holds a degree in applied mathematics, a master’s in international trade and transport, and has been a certified life coach since 2021.
“A part of me wants to give the next generation what I didn’t have when starting out, which was guidance,” Patsadas said. The goal is not to persuade people to enter shipping but to help them decide if they should, based on facts — not fantasy or false expectations. Those who choose shipping need to approach it with intent: “At the end, they should know what they want to go into, why they want that area of shipping, and the basic dos and don’ts of how to get there.”
Debunking Industry Myths
Patsadas directly confronts two common half-truths in the industry:
- Myth: You need connections to get in. While knowing someone helps, it is not the only path. “The secret is to learn how to stand out in the era of AI and Easy Apply,” Patsadas said. Many candidates apply with little effort, making it harder to differentiate.
- Myth: Shipbroking is a shortcut to wealth. Broking is “currently the single most supplied sector of shipping, with thousands wishing to enter every year,” according to Patsadas. Success depends on the company, country, market cycle, and personal ethics — “your moral compass will be tested, time and again.”
The early reaction suggests demand is real. Within hours of posting a flyer on LinkedIn, Patsadas received interest from prospective participants and approaches from recruiters asking about cooperation.
Implications for Employers
For freight forwarders, logistics managers, and ocean carriers, the course highlights a growing need to better communicate career paths and realistic earnings to potential hires. Companies that treat recruitment as an ongoing conversation — not just a vacancy-filling exercise — may attract more committed, informed candidates. The course’s structured approach could serve as a model for internal talent development or partnerships with educational institutions.
Watch list: The industry’s response to Patsadas’ initiative may influence how other maritime firms invest in recruitment communication and entry-level training programs.
Sources:
