The Asian Development Bank (ADB) estimates that 800 Tuvaluan men are trained, certified and active as seafarers.
The ADB estimates that, at any one time, about 15 percent of the adult male population works abroad as seafarers.
However, the Great Recession impacted on export/import activities with a resulting drop in job opportunities for Tuvaluan seaman merchant shipping.
[5] In 2011 the Asian Development Bank (ADB) estimates there are 800 TMTI graduates registered for employment as seafarers.
The International Monetary Fund 2014 Country Report described the effect of the 2007–2008 financial crisis as reducing demand for the services of Tuvaluan seafarers.