ANALYSIS ON RECRUITMENT OF FOREIGN SEAFARERS VERSUS LOCAL SEAFARERS

Abstract

This research study aims to examine the recruitment practices and preferences of shipowners and manning agencies in Peninsular Malaysia, with a specific focus on the hiring of local and foreign seafarers. The main objectives of the study are to compare the number of local and foreign seafarers employed and to investigate the factors influencing shipowners' preferences in the recruitment process. Data for the study was collected through questionnaires conducted with shipowners. The collected data was then analyzed using statistical techniques. The findings reveal that a majority of shipowners in Peninsular Malaysia tend to hire a higher proportion of local seafarers compared to foreign seafarers. However, this contradicts the Malaysian First Policy outlined in the Malaysian Shipping Master Plan 2017-2022, which aims to have a 90% Malaysian crew on Malaysian ships (Malaysia: A Maritime Nation, 2021). The preferences of shipowners emphasize the importance of teamwork capability and loyalty among seafarers, while also considering the nationality of seafarers to some extent. Based on these findings, recommendations are proposed, including the reimplementation of the Malaysian First Policy, offering financial incentives to encourage the employment of more local seafarers, and enhancing the communication skills of seafarers. These recommendations aim to improve the employability of local seafarers and contribute to the overall growth and development of the maritime industry in Malaysia.