144 COMMENTARY Historically, the maritime industry has approached crew experience through the lens of compliance, focusing on certifications, rest hours and required documentation. But today, forward-looking operators are expanding that lens, recognising that crew satisfaction directly impacts retention, performance and onboard culture. At Ripple Operations, we work with maritime companies around the world, and we’re seeing the same friction points arise again and again. Most operators rely on a patchwork of legacy human resources (HR) tools, manual scheduling systems and separate platforms for payroll, training and communication. These silos make it nearly impossible to get a complete view of crew needs – let alone respond to them quickly or proactively. When turnover rates are high and regulatory risks increase with every misstep, crew experience becomes more than an HR concern – it becomes a strategic lever. It affects safety outcomes, continuity of service and an operator’s ability to scale or adapt. Improving it isn’t just about engagement; it’s about business resilience. To advance this conversation, we’re convening maritime leaders at the Crew Success Summit in October 2025. The event will provide a forum to share strategies, identify challenges and explore what modern crew support can look like. It’s an opportunity to learn from peers, hear directly from operators and discuss how technology can help – not by layering on another point solution, but by connecting the dots across the full crew lifecycle. We’ll also be unveiling our new platform, which has been designed in close partnership with our clients and built to reflect a future where maritime workforce management is integrated, data-informed and focused on the people behind every voyage. The future of maritime depends on the people who keep ships moving. Their experience shouldn’t be an afterthought. Delivering that edge takes more than good intent – it requires cross-functional alignment, the right technology and a deep understanding of what life at sea demands. The next frontier Meeting the needs of crew members is a gateway to a safer, more enjoyable onboard experience for guests HEATHER COMBS CEO at maritime software company Ripple Operations “ The future of maritime depends on the people who keep ships moving” Photo: iStock/Igor Kardasov
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