Leadership at Sea Through the Eyes of a Former Captain

By Capt. Jaspreet Singh Puri – Principal Consultant at Maersk Training

The maritime industry is changing fast, and as a former captain, I’ve seen first hand how leadership must evolve to keep pace. Back when I started, being a leader at sea was mostly about technical skill and operational discipline. Today, however, leading a crew requires more—maritime leaders need to be mentors, communicators, and team-builders who can unify their crew amid increasingly complex challenges.

Lessons from the Bridge: Why Leadership Must Evolve

Reflecting on my years at sea, leadership was always about more than issuing commands. But today, with smaller crews, shorter port stays, and younger officers seeking growth, mentorship, and balance, the expectations of maritime leaders have shifted. To build resilient, effective crews, we need to invest in leaders’ growth, not just through experience but through targeted leadership training.

Building Trust and Unity at Sea

Effective leadership today is rooted in creating a psychologically safe environment. This isn’t just about technical accuracy; it’s about establishing a culture where every crew member feels empowered to speak up, learn, and contribute. Structured training programs are invaluable for developing the interpersonal skills that create this atmosphere onboard, providing leaders with essential tools to navigate the complex dynamics of a modern crew.

Key leadership principles that make the biggest impact include:

Psychological Safety: People perform best when they know their voice is valued. Fostering a safe, open environment isn’t automatic; it’s a learned skill, and structured training helps leaders develop it with intention and consistency.
Mentorship and Empathy: Younger crew members increasingly seek mentors who offer guidance and support, particularly in challenging times. Effective leadership development emphasizes these qualities, teaching leaders how to empower their teams.
Inclusive Communication: With today’s multicultural crews, a “one-size-fits-all” approach to communication won’t work. Leadership programs focus on fostering inclusivity, enabling leaders to connect across cultural boundaries and build true cohesion onboard.
Adaptability and Composure: Crew members look to their leaders for stability in high-stress moments. By refining composure and adaptability, leadership training helps captains model resilience, which, in turn, strengthens the entire crew.

The Continuous Journey of Leadership Training

Moving from captain to instructor, I’ve seen how formal leadership training transforms those who take part. Leadership isn’t a static skill; it’s a continuous journey of learning and self-reflection. The best programs today, like those offered at leadership training camps, are helping maritime leaders develop the mindset and skills to build safer, more connected teams. These camps have met with great success, equipping leaders with the confidence and adaptability they need to lead in a fast-changing industry.

In maritime, leadership training has become the compass that guides us. As the sea evolves, so too must our approach to leadership, grounded in empathy, resilience, and a commitment to crew well-being. With the right skills, leaders can navigate these waters and inspire their crews to do the same.