The Role of Crew Management and Compliance Principles in Supporting Shipowner Performance through a Manning Agency: A Qualitative Case Study

Abstract

This study analyzes how crew management and compliance principles support shipowner performance through a manning agency. A descriptive qualitative case-study design was applied using semi-structured interviews, observation, documentation, and literature review. Six informants represented management, crewing, document/compliance staff, seafarers, and a shipowner representative. Data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña through data condensation, data display, conclusion drawing, and verification, supported by source and technique triangulation. The findings show that crew management operates as an integrated process from crew requests and candidate matching to verification, deployment, monitoring, and evaluation. Compliance functions as a risk-control mechanism covering identity, competence, medical fitness, travel, employment, safety, and manning requirements. Manning-agency effectiveness depends on accurate databases, appropriate candidate matching, alternative candidates, transparent communication, and responsiveness to schedule changes. The study recommends integrated databases, compliance dashboards, standby crew pools, route-specific checklists, communication service-level agreements, and post-crew-change evaluation to strengthen operational continuity, safety, efficiency, and shipowner trust.