• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.61-78
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• 2024

This study centered on labor demand between ship officers and ratings in the maritime sector, focusing on human capital theory. Ship officers bear the primary responsibilities in ship operations, including navigation, compliance with safety procedures, crew and resource management, and strategic decision-making, necessitating high levels of education and experience. Conversely, ratings execute various tasks aboard ships under the guidance of officers, contributing to daily operations. Using a multifactor Cobb-Douglas production function, the study evaluated the productivity of ship officers and ratings and analyzed the segmentation of their respective labor markets. The analysis revealed that globalization did not significantly impact either ship officers or ratings. However, technological advancements notably adversely affected the labor demand for ratings, highlighting its role in widening wage gaps and exacerbating job insecurity among less skilled workers within broader economic and social contexts. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for appropriate employment policies responsive to fluctuations in labor demand for ship officers and ratings due to economic changes. It also underscores the importance of flexible responses to the impacts of technological progress on different job sectors, advocating for policy approaches that prioritize worker education and training.