Since 2016, Latvia has seen a steady decline in the number of sailors, reported the Latvian Maritime Administration.
According to data from the Register of Seafarers, in 2016, the total number of registered sailors in Latvia was 12,738, while at the beginning of 2026, it was 9,891, representing a decrease of 24%. Over the past ten years, the number of ordinary sailors has decreased by 32%, and the number of ship officers has decreased by 11%.
At the same time, the data confirms the high competitiveness of Latvian sailors in the international labor market: more than half, or 51.9%, work on vessels under the flags of European Union countries, 46.9% under the flags of third countries, and only 1.1% of sailors are employed on vessels under the Latvian flag.
The administration emphasizes that Latvian sailors are in demand on a global scale; however, the overall reduction in qualified personnel is becoming a serious challenge for both the industry and the long-term interests of the state. At the same time, this situation indicates a significant opportunity, as shipping is becoming a sector where the demand for specialists is growing faster than the influx of young professionals.
Based on forecasts from the international industry, the administration notes that in the coming years, there may be a shortage of about 90,000 qualified sailors worldwide if new specialists are not attracted. This means that competition for jobs in shipping will be significantly lower than in many other professions.
The institution also explains that the salaries of sailors in international shipping are competitive and, in many cases, very high. On large and specialized vessels, the income of captains and senior officers can reach $30,000 (25,422 euros) per month, depending on the type of vessel, level of responsibility, and experience. The salaries of junior officers and engineers also significantly exceed the average wage levels in many other industries, the administration emphasizes.
Moreover, the number of graduates from the Latvian Maritime Academy of Riga Technical University has been gradually decreasing in recent years, which in the long term affects the industry's ability to provide the necessary number of specialists.
It was previously reported that in 2024, the Latvian Maritime Administration operated with a turnover of 4.952 million euros and a profit of 123,845 euros.
The Latvian Maritime Administration was established in 1994. Its structure includes the Department of Maritime Safety, the Maritime Safety Inspectorate, the Ship and Port Protection Inspectorate, the Latvian Ship Register, the Register of Seafarers of Latvia, and the Latvian Hydrographic Service.
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