A Balance of Decisions and Efficiency in Maritime Crew Management

In the maritime industry, every decision carries significant weight, affecting not only the efficiency and safety of operations but also the well-being of crewmembers. The ability to see the big picture is paramount, and making the right choices involves a delicate balance of various

Irina Golubitskaja, who has been working in the maritime industry for more than 30 years and has gained a lot of experience while working as a Head of Crew Department at Tschudi, shares her valuable experience of how she balances decision-making in her work.

Crewing is a multifaceted process in the maritime world. “We are serving clients, seafarers and colleagues,” explains Irina. It's not just about hiring personnel; it's about creating a team that functions seamlessly for the vessel to operate safely. Every decision, whether it's selecting a crew member or deciding whether they fit the team dynamics, is of utmost importance and can have ripple effects throughout the entire operation. Crew managers are at the heart of the crewing process. They must navigate the intricate web of decisions, considering the needs of the vessel, the expectations of the owners, and, most importantly, the well-being and qualifications of the crew members. Their role is akin to that of HR departments in other industries, but it comes with unique challenges .

“Usually, we have half a day and in the best scenario 1-2 days to replace a team member,” sighs Irina. It can lead to additional work also for superintendents and technical departments, increasing expenses and causing delays.

Crew managers often face decisions where they must balance different priorities. For example, they need to consider official requirements, documents, and the conditions of a crew member's service while also factoring in their intuition and feelings about a candidate's suitability for a particular crew or shipowner.

“The way a new crew member leaves the previous company and how he joins anew one shows a lot to us,” explains Irina.

So, crewing is a delicate blend of the official and the unofficial. In a global industry like Tschudi Ship Management, crew managers must also be culturally sensitive. Owners and crewmembers hail from diverse backgrounds, and what might be standard practice for one may be unconventional for another. Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential to bridge these cultural gaps.

The decisions made by crew managers have a profound impact on crew members' lives and the overall success of maritime operations. Crew members often spend extended periods at sea, making their well-being crucial. A motivated and content crew not only works more efficiently but also reduces the costs associated with frequent crew changes. Wrong decisions can have a domino effect. A mismatched crew member can disrupt the entire team dynamic, affecting not only the vessel's performance but also its safety. “One of the biggest challenges of my day-to-day work is the coordination of information so that all departments have a unified understanding on the topic,” notes Irina concretely.

In the maritime industry, crewing is a complex and dynamic process that demands an experienced view of the big picture. Crew managers are central to this process, responsible for making decisions that impact crew well-being, vessel operations, and overall success.

"In my job, everything is in a constant state of change and the best approach is to adapt and steer the situation in your favor," remarks Irina.

With a keen eye for balance, a dedication to learning from past mistakes, and an unwavering focus on efficiency, they adeptly navigate the complex world of maritime crew management. Each day, every day. And often nights, weekends and holidays.

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