ARTICLE The role of communication to the retention of seafarers in the profession Aimilia Papachristou 1 & Damian Stantchev 2 & Ioannis Theotokas 1 Received: 14 September 2014 /Accepted: 5 March 2015 /Published online: 1 April 2015 # World Maritime University 2015 Abstract The aim of this paper is to examine the availability of and access to communication facilities on board ships as a key factor that contributes to the retention of seafarers in the profession. To understand the communication options available on board ships and the attitude of seafarers, a survey of shipboard personnel has been conducted. More than 500 seafarers responded to a specifically designed questionnaire that aimed at gathering information on various work-related issues and on job satisfac- tion, with a particular focus on the role of communication services and their availability on board, the type of access to communication facilities and the cost of access for the seafarers. The analyses of the results have shown that respondents perceive the separation from family and the inadequate communication with family and friends while at sea as the most important issues hindering retention in the seafaring profession. While seafarers appear to be satisfied with their choice of joining the profession, when they are asked for the reasons that would lead them to abandon it, they consider as most important the inadequate communication with family and friends. This provides clear evidence of the role played by communication in increasing the retention rate within the seafaring profession. Keywords Communication . Internet access . Retention . Seafarers . Social media WMU J Marit Affairs (2015) 14:159–176 DOI 10.1007/s13437-015-0085-1 * Ioannis Theotokas gtheotokas@aegean.gr Aimilia Papachristou a.papachristou@aegean.gr Damian Stantchev D.Stanchev@napier.ac.uk 1 RESHIP Laboratory, Department of Shipping, Trade and Transport, University of the Aegean, 2a Korai St., Chios 82100, Greece 2 TRI, Edinburgh Napier University, Merchiston Campus, Edinburgh EH10 5DT, Scotland