The purpose of this study is to identify methods for attracting more students into maritime colleges, for making sure they remain happy, satisfied with their decision and finally for enabling them to have job security. At International Maritime College Oman (IMCO), the Deck Officer program is a field of study that incorporates the ancient knowledge and techniques in navigation with the latest information and technology in the maritime industry. The industry requires officers who are well trained and capable of working as professionals on board vessels. The goal is to attract more students into the maritime industry, to ensure their achievement in future and to make sure they are happy with their choice to join the maritime industry. For the purposes of this research, a questionnaire about deck cadets’ experiences of work and life at sea, with thirty-one questions, was prepared, based on the authors’ experiences, and distributed to deck cadets studying in International Maritime College of Oman (IMCO). It was answered by sixty deck students in years two, three and four. The students were of both genders and from various countries including Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Egypt. The age ranges varied between eighteen to twenty-five. The main problems adversely affecting the students’ happiness and satisfaction were found to be related to loneliness and emotional insecurity at sea, resulting from inadequate opportunities for communication with family and friends, as well as uncertainty about employment prospects. Colleges need to focus more on supporting cadets’ emotional well-being. Shipping companies also need to play a greater role in reducing cadets’ uncertainty by sponsoring them, by providing guarantees of employment and by looking after them well at sea, especially by ensuring availability of cheap internet.

Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Literature Review
3. Methodology
4. Findings
5. Conclusion
References

• Mehrdad BEHFOROUZI(Dept. of Maritime Studies, International Maritime College Oman) Corresponding Author
• Noorul Shaiful Fitri ABDUL RAHMAN(Dept. of Logistics Management, International Maritime College Oman)
• Kambiz MOKHTARI(Dept. of Maritime Studies, International Maritime College Oman)