The shipping industry is no stranger to regulation. Seafarers and ship operators work within a vast framework of international conventions, national legislation and company procedures designed to promote safety, efficiency and compliance across global fleets. In many respects, the challenge facing shipping today is not a lack of regulation, but ensuring that the standards already in place are properly understood, consistently applied and practical to implement onboard.

That is why this year’s World Maritime Day theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence”, feels especially relevant. While policies and regulations may be developed ashore, their success is ultimately determined at sea, where crews are responsible for translating those requirements into daily practice while managing operational demands, maintaining safety standards and keeping vessels running efficiently.

This places seafarers at the heart of maritime excellence. Much attention is understandably given to the global seafarer shortage, but the industry needs more than simply enough people to fill vacancies. Shipowners and managers require competent, experienced and adaptable maritime professionals who can navigate an increasingly complex operating environment shaped by digitalisation, technological change and evolving environmental regulations.

As vessels become more advanced and regulatory requirements continue to expand, training has never been more important. However, training is most effective when it offers practical value rather than becoming another compliance exercise. Seafarers want to develop their skills and improve their career prospects, but they also want training that helps them perform their jobs more safely and effectively onboard. This was reflected in the latest Danica Seafarers’ Survey, where 64% of respondents described training as very or extremely useful, highlighting the value crews place on professional development when it is clearly connected to the realities of life at sea.

At the same time, successful implementation depends on more than competence and training alone. The working environment in which seafarers are expected to apply new procedures and meet growing expectations must also be considered. In our survey, 44% of respondents reported experiencing stress during their most recent contract, an increase from 35% the previous year, while 16% said they had experienced depression. These findings serve as an important reminder that every new requirement, no matter how well intended, ultimately relies on people to deliver it. When workloads increase without the necessary support, there is a risk that compliance becomes an additional burden rather than a driver of safer and more efficient operations.

Strong communication plays an equally important role. During periods of geopolitical uncertainty and disruption, we have consistently seen that seafarers respond positively when companies are transparent about challenges, keep crews informed and take the time to listen to concerns. Trust is built through openness, and organisations that foster strong relationships between crews, masters and shore-based teams are often better positioned to implement change successfully and overcome unexpected challenges when they arise.

The industry would also benefit from listening more closely to the people who are actually carrying out the work. Seafarers have a unique perspective on whether procedures are practical in real operating conditions and can often identify gaps between what appears effective on paper and what works onboard in practice. Their experience can provide valuable insights that help companies refine policies, improve processes and ensure that regulatory requirements achieve their intended purpose.

Looking ahead, retention must remain a priority. Experienced seafarers carry knowledge, leadership and operational expertise that cannot simply be replaced through recruitment alone. By investing in cadet development, creating stable crew pools and providing clear opportunities for career progression, shipping companies can strengthen workforce resilience while preserving the experience that is essential for safe and efficient vessel operations.

Just as importantly, the industry must continue to make seafaring an attractive long-term career. Recruitment may solve immediate crewing needs, but retaining skilled seafarers requires competitive employment conditions, meaningful professional development opportunities and employers who recognise the unique challenges that come with life at sea. Supporting seafarers throughout their careers is not simply a workforce issue; it is fundamental to maintaining high standards across the maritime industry.

Ultimately, moving from policy to practice is about ensuring that regulations deliver real value where they matter most: onboard ships. Maritime excellence is not achieved through procedures alone, but through competent seafarers who have the skills, experience, support and working environment needed to put those procedures into action. When the industry gets that balance right, good policy becomes good practice, and the benefits are felt by shipowners, operators, crews and the wider shipping industry alike.

By Henrik Jensen, Founder and CEO, Danica Crewing Specialists