FOR the past 30 years, the Seafarer Workforce Report has offered the maritime industry a unique insight into the demographics of shipping.

Every five years, it measures the available supply and demand of officers and crew and provides an opportunity for the industry, at least in theory, to adapt its training and recruitment policies to fit - although given the near-constant dearth of available officers as a routine conclusion, one wonders how much agency the various players actually have in this equation.

The latest report, published today, yet again warns of a serious potential officer shortage and despite the reporting of a 46% rise in female seafarers this year, it should be pointed out this only takes us to 1.28% of the total global seafarer workforce.

Joining us to cut through the data and provide the headline conclusions is podcast regular Guy Platten, secretary-general of the International Chamber of Shipping.