The Global Power of Turkish Seafarers: A New Era in Free Movement

Maritime transport, which forms the backbone of world trade, is one of the most strategic elements of the global economy. At the heart of this system are seafarers, who stand out with their professionalism, discipline, and technical proficiency.

Today, Turkish seafarers successfully serve all over the world, on every type of vessel and offshore platform, and under every flag. Thanks to the STCW agreements made by the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs with foreign flag states, Turkish seafarers can now work on vessels of 39 different flag states. The quality of our training institutions and the reliability we have gained in the field have made Turkish seafarers a strong brand in the global human resources chain.

Turkish seafarers, who years ago had limited movement due to visa barriers, bureaucratic restrictions, or regional differences, are now very close to becoming one of the most active stakeholders in the free movement of global maritime, thanks to technological integration, expanding OK-TO-BOARD applications, and international collaborations.

The Global Shortage in Seafarer Supply

The global maritime industry is currently facing a shortage of qualified seafarers, approximately at a rate of 7–8%. This, in fact, creates a significant window of opportunity for the Turkish maritime sector.

Fleet operators based in Europe, the Far East, and the Middle East are looking for reliable, qualified personnel who can work long-term. Turkish seafarers step in at this point, differentiating themselves with a human resource profile that features:

• Uninterrupted and optional flight routes via Istanbul Airport,
• A highly educated and young maritime workforce,
• Strong English communication skills,
• The ability to rapidly adapt to different vessel types,
• The capacity to work in harmony with many nationalities.

For this reason, Turkish seafarers are now regarded not just as “personnel” but as a strategic human resource. The global supply shortage increases the value of Turkish maritime labor; firms like QSM Global become the reliable bridges that export this value to global maritime.

New Balances in Free Movement Post-Pandemic and the Effect of Global Instability and War Policies

The pandemic was one of the most challenging periods that tested the resilience of the maritime sector. However, this process redefined the place of seafarers in the global economy. The designation of “Seafarers as Key Person” by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2020 showed the strategic importance of seafarers to the whole world.

Today, we see the lasting effects of this definition:

• Many countries recognize "visa-free OK-TO-BOARD" applications for seafarers or are integrating faster into the steps required to do so.
• Crew change and transit procedures are being simplified post-pandemic.

Even though global geopolitical risks continue, the fact that seafarers are now seen as the “main actors of trade” indicates that the right to free movement will be permanently strengthened.

The Potential and Global Compliance of Turkish Seafarers

Turkish seafarers are now actively serving in a wide geography, not only on Mediterranean or European lines but also on many routes and different fleet types. While Turkish officers and crew stand out with their high technical knowledge, team harmony, and adaptability, organizations like QSM Global bring this potential together with world shipowners, globalizing the “Turkish seafarer brand.”

Today, the vessel types where Turkish seafarers work include LNG, LPG, FSRU, chemical tankers, bulk carriers, and container ships. This diversity is an indication of the qualitative, not just "numerical," superiority of Turkish seafarers.

The Rising Cost Chain and the Importance of Professional Human Resources

Increased ship operating costs in the post-pandemic era have made the strategic importance of efficient and sustainable human resources more visible. Timely crew changes, reduction of crew fatigue, and the employment of trained seafarers in the right position—all of these are decisive factors directly affecting the running cost.

At QSM Global, we adopt a model that optimizes operational cost management and human resource management under one roof at this point. The key point that distinguishes us here is the optimal synthesis of the different perspectives of the company's two key founders. We synthesize the existing recruitment experience of Ebru KASAP, one of Turkey's leading names in personnel recruitment and management and customer relationship management, with my years of Operational knowledge under one roof. The assignment of the right person to the right ship at the right time both increases operational efficiency and contributes to our customers' sustainability goals.

Sustainable and Customer-Oriented Solutions Offered by QSM Global to Turkish and Global Maritime

QSM Global operates with a vision that redefines the future of human resources in maritime. For us, every seafarer is not just a job position but a strategic link in the maritime chain.

Some sustainable solutions we offer in line with this:

• Smart Crew Management Systems: We ensure efficiency by digitizing contract and rotation processes.
• Continuous Training and Welfare Programs: Besides the technical development of the seafarer, we support their psychological resilience and cultural adaptation. We do not just employ the seafarer on the ship; we closely monitor their physical and mental processes throughout their duties, acting as their constant support and behind-the-scenes protectors, as well as our customers'.
• Global Partner Network: QSM Global offers its customers 360° human resource management with its partners in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

The main purpose of this structure is both to facilitate the global movement of Turkish seafarers and to provide operational reliability and cost advantages to our customers.

Call for Solution and QSM Global's Perspective

We are now entering a new era: Sustainability in maritime is measured not only by environmental factors but also by human mobility and welfare. Our vision as QSM Global is to make Turkish seafarers not just "employees" in global maritime, but a symbol of trust and quality.

Conclusion: Sustainable Maritime Starts with People

The Turkish seafarer is now a strong brand on the global stage. This professional group, designated as a "Key Person" during the pandemic, today represents the sustainability of world trade. With the expansion of visa-free travel opportunities, the widespread adoption of OK-TO-BOARD systems, and increased international awareness, a period where all movement barriers for seafarers will be lifted awaits us in the near future.

Captain Orhan Kasap – QSM Global, Co-Founder / Istanbul – Türkiye

Source: 7deniz Magazine