The benefits of respectful relationships, kind leadership and mentoring in maritime

by Steven Gosling, MSc AFNI, Head of Information and Publications, The Nautical Institute

Over decades, if not centuries, the maritime industry has developed technical expertise, rigorous safety protocols, and the ability to navigate complex global supply chains. As the sector continues to evolve, it’s becoming increasingly clear that technical proficiency alone is not enough. So-called ‘soft’ or non-technical skills – such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork – are now understood to be key to ensuring smooth operations, enhanced safety, and a positive working environment on board and ashore.

Interpersonal and emotional competencies enhance the ability to act appropriately during critical situations, adapt to diverse teams, and maintain clear communications. These skills can be the difference between success and failure; hence, they must not be neglected in a demanding industry in which the safety of crew and vessel is paramount.

The human element

At the heart of maritime operations lies the human element: the interactions, behaviours, and decisions of individuals and teams. While automation has streamlined many processes, it has not eliminated the need for decision-making, leadership, and interpersonal communication. Mariners must now work symbiotically with advanced systems, bridging the gap between technology and human intelligence.

Effective team management, critical thinking during emergencies, and the ability to foster a culture of inclusion are irreplaceable components of successful maritime operations. Safety is, in particular, closely linked to soft skills, making them essential. Clear communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making can prevent accidents, reduce human error, and enhance overall efficiency.

Not something to take for granted

When people are operating in isolated and high-risk environments at sea, clear and effective communication underpinned by emotional intelligence is vital. Any friction within the team is also exacerbated by the need to work and live together for months at a time.

Poor communication has been identified as a significant factor in maritime accidents and operational inefficiencies. Many reports by the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch reveal that miscommunication has contributed to numerous collisions and near-misses at sea. Clearly, effective communication is not something to take for granted but is a skill we need to develop. This can be done through training as well as experiences, such as respectful relationships, kind leadership, and mentoring.

An important element of soft skills training is embedding the concept of respectful relationships. Respectful behaviour should be set as a ground rule for all communications and professional relationships. Soft skills training provides participants with practical tools on how to engage with each other with respect – even when they disagree. These tools can include asking questions to understand the perspective of others instead of rushing to judgment in reaction to something said.

Leadership and teamwork are, too, essential for maintaining morale and operational efficiency. Crew members must be able to work collaboratively, resolve conflicts, and adapt to challenging situations. In emergencies, strong leadership and excellent team cohesion can make the difference between a controlled response and chaos. Being a strong leader does not necessarily mean being autocratic. Kind leadership embeds respect and empathy and fosters collaboration, effective communication, and performance improvements. Adopting such an approach can be considered a formal mentoring process since it builds everyone’s skills, both technical and soft.

Two-way knowledge transfer

One of the most effective examples of respectfully applying soft skills in the maritime industry is in the use of mentoring. The ocean has always been a challenging working environment, but today’s fast-changing technology and the introduction of novel fuels demand new skills from cadets and experienced seafarers alike. The key to handling these changes lies in one of the most time-honoured maritime traditions: mentoring.

Mentoring is crucial for cadets learning to navigate life at sea. Experienced crew members sharing real-world insights and practical knowledge through mentoring help bridge the gap between formal training and real-life operations. It is not only the less-experienced seafarers who can benefit from mentoring; senior officers adapting to new technology can also learn from the new generation, so a mutually respectful relationship develops.

Creating an environment where mentoring occurs naturally is essential. As such, The Nautical Institute has set seafarers a challenge to spend just 10 minutes a day calmly reflecting and sharing experiential knowledge and support with a colleague, and this knowledge can be paid forward to their juniors or seniors. This challenge is not only an invitation to be available to mentor someone else but also to be mentored and seek the wisdom of someone else, no matter their age, rank, or experience. The Nautical Institute published the second edition of Mentoring at Sea last year (and you can gind an introductory extract here).

Overcoming cultural barriers

Ships today are more multicultural than ever, and working with colleagues from diverse backgrounds presents both challenges and opportunities. While language and cultural differences can sometimes hinder effective communication, they also enrich and broaden the experience and skills on board. By fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding, kind leaders and mentors can bridge cultural gaps, tap into a wide range of know-how, and create stronger, more cohesive teams.

A simple yet effective way to encourage inclusivity is by ensuring a common language is spoken aboard. Experience has shown that when crew members consciously make efforts to include all nationalities in discussions, mentoring and leading become more effective, overall teamwork improves, and people are simply happier. This can improve the overall mental wellbeing of the entire crew.

How to develop soft skills

Unlike technical competencies, soft skills are not easily measured or taught through traditional classroom methods. These competencies require interactive, experiential learning that encourages self-reflection and adaptation. For facilitators of soft skills training, the goal is to create an engaging and psychologically safe environment where mariners can explore these skills and apply them in real-world scenarios. Participants must feel free to question what they do not understand and believe that their desire to fill gaps in their knowledge is actively encouraged.

Senior officers and team leaders play a crucial role in this process. As role models leading by example, they have the power to instil essential soft skills in their crew. By recognising appropriate moments to mentor and guide their teams, such leaders can ensure that every member is equipped to handle challenges effectively.

Structured role play also has an important part to play in developing soft skills because it allows teams to practise resolving conflicts and explore how they will navigate disagreements in a simulated environment. There is also great value to be extracted from more formal teaching of soft skills. The graphic shown illustrates how different stakeholders can interact with each other during such sessions.

The bedrock

The maritime industry is at a crossroads. As technology advances, it’s imperative to remember that people remain at the core of every operation. Investing in the development of soft skills is not merely a nod to modernity but a strategic necessity that enhances safety, supports well-being, and drives organisational success.

By prioritising these often-overlooked competencies, maritime organisations can build a future in which every seafarer – whether on the bridge, in the engine room, or ashore – is empowered to lead, collaborate, and thrive. Soft skills are not just a complement to technical expertise; they are the bedrock of a resilient and progressive maritime culture. Let’s ensure soft skills receive the attention they deserve.