PROBABLY the question we're asked most is: “What's the market like at the moment?” Of course, there are several answers to this question. The two answers that can be given across the board are: First, that in the majority of companies, hiring decisions are being made at more senior levels and they are naturally being much more cautious than they were a year ago. Secondly, people with jobs are aware that they are the lucky ones, which is producing a “loyalty factor” we haven't seen for some time

Will we ever solve maritime skills shortages? TRUTHFULLY? Probably not. We talk a lot about them but when push comes to shove very few people seem to believe we're achieving much. It's all about long term investment of course – both employer cash and Y-generation employee being willing to put down his or her i-Phone long enough join the industry in the first place and then stay the course as they rise up the ranks both at sea and ashore.

The Sailors' Society is looking for teams of 11 to take part in the Dragon Boat Challenge 2009, sponsored by Cargill, Rightship and Intertanko. This is a fantastic day and can be used as a team building day for your company, satisfying CSR responsibilities.

A BELATED happy Greek Easter to all our readers there. As spring advances in the northern hemisphere, recession, piracy and French port blockades blot the horizon

THERE'S nothing like a good snowfall to reveal three distinct characteristics of the British nation. First, whilst they may seem like a shy bunch, they're just waiting for an excuse to break down the social barriers and have a chat. A jolly good war has the same effect!

OF course, the recession is doing a fine job of giving people all over the world something to talk about. Never before have so many been so interested in or so opinionated about world economics.

POSSIBLY the largest ever survey of shore-side shipping salaries – from chartering managers to chief engineers – has recently taken place, with 29 companies reporting data for nearly 3,000 staff around the world.

DESPITE what we hear all the time, it is not true that people are our most important asset. The “right” people are, however. Whilst this may seem like a pedantic distinction, stop for a moment and analyse the people in your business. Think about:

Do your incentive programmes influence staff behaviour? We all build incentives around the assumption that they both “produce” and “reward” good results. But, again, think about the “right” people in your business…