One Government official declared that failure of one ship to sail to a scheduled rendezvous might be responsible for the sacrifice of a thousand lives. Minimum estimates on the number of men needed in addition to those serving aboard vessels ranged from 45,000 to 60,000. Monthly needs for experienced men average about 5,000. Most critical shortage is for engineers, mates, and able seamen. Time appeal to men now working at short jobs pointed out five important reasons why these men should ship out.
Nothing can replace actual experience aboard a vessel.
Four new ships are sliding down the ways every day. Experienced men are needed for these new vessels. Seamen are earning good wages and are protected by law in their shore jobs when they return from sea. Opportunities for advancement were never better. Able seamen have been able to go from A. B's to masters in 3 years.