More Than a Roster: How H.H. BROTHERS Built a Culture of Crew Retention

The Challenge: The Human Cost of an Administrative Burden

At H.H. BROTHERS MARITIME, the philosophy has always been "our crew is our family." But as the company grew, the administrative reality of managing a global crew with spreadsheets and emails was putting that philosophy to the test.

"My day was a constant state of anxiety," says Mr. Rajesh Kumar, Crewing Manager at H.H. BROTHERS. "It was a race against time—chasing an expiring medical certificate for a Master joining in Houston, triple-checking payroll allotments for a crew in Singapore, answering emails at 10 PM about a missing payslip. We were so busy managing paper that we were failing at managing our people. The human connection was getting lost."

This reactive workflow created a vicious cycle:

• High Stress, Low Value: When a Superintendent plans a "Main Engine Turbocharger Overhaul," they &link the master Risk Assessment &for that task directly to the work order.
• Seafarer Frustration:Small frustrations for the crew—like a delayed payslip or uncertainty about their next contract—were eroding loyalty.
• Compliance Risk:The manual tracking of hundreds of STCW and MLC documents was a significant, ever-present compliance risk.

The Solution: Hard-Wiring Safety Directly into Maintenance

H.H. BROTHERS knew they needed a system that would not only solve their administrative problems but also enhance their relationship with their crew. They chose PRIME Marine's Crew Management System specifically for its integrated, people-first approach.

The system empowered both sides:

• 1. 
  The Crew The Crew felt respected and in control. They had instant access to the information that mattered most to them and their families.
• 2. 
  The Shore TeamTeam was freed from the constant barrage of routine queries. The administrative burden lifted, allowing them to focus on what humans do best: communication, planning, and support.

The Results: A Transformation from Administrator to Advocate

The implementation of PRIME Marine didn't just improve efficiency; it changed the very nature of the crewing department's job.

1. A Dramatic Reduction in Administrative StressWith certificate expiries tracked automatically and payroll queries handled by the selfservice portal, the team saw a 70% reduction in time spent on routine administrative tasks. This allowed them to work normal hours and proactively manage their fleet.

2. A New Focus on Seafarer Welfare and Development"I now have time to talk to my Chief Engineers about their career goals, not just their expiring certificates," Mr. Kumar explains. "I can have a meaningful conversation with a seafarer's family to resolve an allotment issue. The system handles the transactions, which allows my team to manage the relationships. This has been the biggest, most positive shift in our work life."

3. Measurable Improvement in Crew RetentionThis new, proactive, and supportive approach had a direct commercial impact. Seafarers felt more valued and connected to the company. Within 18 months, H.H. BROTHERS saw a 15% increase in their crew retention rate, particularly among their senior, most experienced officers.