OSM Thome is recognized for its global crew management services. What do you see as the company’s main strengths in this area, and what are the reasons shipping companies would choose you over your competitors?
At OSM Thome, our strength lies in placing people at the heart of everything we do. Shipping companies choose us not only for our scale and global reach, but because we combine that scale with a deep sense of accountability and personalized service. We directly employ the vast majority of our seafarers through our own manning offices, ensuring full compliance, long-term stability, and relationships built on mutual trust and most importantly, our values. We also invest heavily in training, digital tools, and crew welfare—ensuring our seafarers are well-prepared, highly motivated, and aligned with the highest industry standards. It’s this blend of operational excellence, human-centric leadership, and genuine care that truly sets us apart.
Seafarers are often described as the backbone of shipping. From your perspective, what more can be done to support them, both while at sea and when they are ashore?
Seafarers are not just the backbone, they’re the lifeblood of this industry. Supporting them means looking beyond their technical roles and addressing their full lived experience. At sea, this starts with safe working conditions, sufficient rest, and access to continuous learning and development. Safety is paramount and this is not only our commitment to our people but their families as well.
But meaningful support extends ashore as well. That’s why we offer programs that cover everything from mental health and family support to financial literacy and career planning. At OSM Thome, we view our relationship with seafarers as a partnership—not just with them, but with their families too. When families feel supported, seafarers can perform at their best, knowing they’re part of an organization that truly cares.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion have become central conversations across industries. How is OSM Thome approaching DEI, particularly within crewing, and what impact do you believe this will have on the future of seafaring?
The maritime industry has come a long way, but there’s still a significant journey ahead when it comes to DEI. At OSM Thome, we treat DEI as a foundational principle, not a project. We actively recruit women and underrepresented groups, ensure equitable access to career development, and foster inclusive onboard environments through clear policies and practical support, like gender-appropriate PPE and maternity provisions. We’ve also established structures like our Women’s Desk to ensure that female seafarers have the guidance and resources they need with access to shore support where needed. Embracing diversity isn’t just the right thing to do, it strengthens our crews, drives innovation, and reflects the global nature of shipping. Looking ahead, I believe diverse and inclusive crews will be a key differentiator for shipowners navigating a rapidly changing world.
Are OSM Thome's services certified according to international quality assurance standards?
Yes, OSM Thome’s services are fully certified under internationally recognized standards, including ISO and full compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). These certifications reflect our commitment to delivering consistent quality across all aspects of crew management, from recruitment and training to welfare and compliance. But for us, quality goes beyond certifications. It’s about building trust, with our customers, our seafarers, and our partners. We want shipowners to have complete confidence that their vessels are manned by capable, supported, and well-trained crews and for seafarers to feel secure knowing they are part of an organization that operates with professionalism, empathy, and integrity. Placing people at the heart of what we do is in our DNA as an organization.
