The shipping industry has been warned it needs to combat the skills shortages it has or face increased insurance claims.

Insurance broker Aon warns that marine operators need to combat the skills shortfall through more effective recruitment and retention plans to ensure future officers are fully equipped to handle technological advances and new trading patterns, therefore preventing claims as a result of human error.

Statistics show that the number of vessels is increasing year on year but there is an estimated shortage of around 10,000 officers or about 2% of the total workforce. It is predicted that the shortfall could stand at 27,000 by 2015.

The industry also has an ageing officer population, with 50% aged over 40 years old.