Attracting the next generation to the maritime industry is a prominent issue – as in many industries these days. Siem Offshore wants to contribute to more young people joining the industry, and to succeed, we believe that all segments of our industry should work more closely together and be more proactive.

– Hope other companies will follow suit

– By working more closely with other stakeholders such as local schools like MS Lofoten, and support the important work they do by educating young people, we [the industry] can help attract more young people to our vessels and businesses. After all, it is about educating those who will drive us in the future, says Bernt Omdal, CEO in Siem Offshore.

– We truly hope that other local companies in the maritime industry will follow suit and support the important work that MS Lofoten does.

A unique school ship
MS Lofoten is a unique maritime high school for teenagers 16-18 years old. The vessel was built in 1964 and used to be a passenger and cargo vessel owned and operated by Hurtigruten. Since 2021, it has served as a school ship for the ideal foundation Maritim Videregående skole Sørlandet (Southern Maritime high school), which has been educating several thousand seafarers since 1918.

Besides theory and practice, the students live on the vessel where they learn to take responsibility, respect the other students and the practical work required to operate and maintain a vessel.

– Here, the students get to experience life at sea already during their education, and it provides a good basis for their apprenticeship as an able seaman or motorman. In this way we are educating our students to become the future seafarers that the industry is calling for, and we are thankful for all the support that let us do so, says Harald Rønning, principal at the school.

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Our future seafarers
When we [Siem Offshore] recently visited the school at its base in Marvika, Kristiansand, we also met with Lea Kaino, a truly inspiring young girl whose dream is to become a captain.

Lea finished school earlier this year and is now doing her apprenticeship to become an able seaman. Now she hopes that she can inspire others, especially girls, to choose a maritime education.

– More young people should take a maritime education! Working at sea is a high paid job with little schooling required. We do a lot of fun things on board, get to travel the world, experience different kinds of weather and get to know new cultures, she says, and continues:

– We [the crew on board] are always having a blast together, and the team spirit is strong. By choosing a maritime career – you will never look back!

By: Anine Bentsen
Communications Advisor
anine.bentsen@siemoffshore.com
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