PORTLAND (AP) — A Portland-based trade group is hoping to stymie a shipping worker shortage at the management level by recruiting and cross-training professionals with related skills.

The Portland Press Herald reported (http://bit.ly/1QxmYak ) Leaders of the International Association of Maritime and Port Executives say their industry is looking for armed forces veteran merchant mariners skilled in logistics.

The association has scheduled a free seminar for Oct. 27 for veterans and mariners. They’re trying to attract workers who have recently transitioned out of the military or are interested in switching from a career on ships to one based on land.

Officials say the manager shortage stems from decades of decline in the port and terminal industry. The current generation of managers are now aging out of the profession as business is picking back up.