The results of the latest Seafarers Happiness Index show a further drop in seafarer happiness for the fourth quarter of 2023, raising serious concerns over conditions for all those working at sea.
According to the Mission to Seafarers, this is fourth successive quarter to show a decline in seafarer happiness. The Q4 2023 survey results show a wide range of reasons for this worrying trend, but common causes for concern expressed by seafarers taking part in the survey include feeling overburdened, underappreciated and disconnected, as well as concerns over a lack of shore leave and an inability to contact family.
General happiness at sea 6.36/10 ↓ from 6.66/10
The Q4 report shows an overall fall in seafarer happiness to 6.36 out of 10. This compares to 6.6 in Q3, 6.77 in Q2 and 7.1 in Q1 2023, and represents a considerable decline over the course of the year.
This fall in happiness is driven by a decrease in sentiment across most areas of life on board covered by the survey, with onboard connectivity being the only notable aspect that showed improvement. However, frustration was expressed by some respondents over what seems to be unfair inconsistency in vessel connectivity, with some vessels in the same fleet having better internet access than others.
Contact with family 7/10 ↑ from 6.81/10
Whilst some praised the availability of internet on board, others highlighted the need for better connectivity and more affordable options. Having access to good-quality internet is seen as a significant factor in choosing a particular company or vessel.
There was also some tension evident as some crew members felt they had a harder time being in contact than others on board: “As an engineer, I can only get signal by sneaking from my work. Deck crew and on the bridge have it easier”.
Interaction with crew 6.97/10 ↓ from 7.42/10
Respondents to the Q4 2023 Seafarers Happiness Index also expressed concern over a lack of social interaction and a growing sense of isolation. Whilst seafarers recognise the benefits of spending quality time with their colleagues, much more needs to be done to create focal points that provide time and space together, which in turn helps to build a sense of togetherness and a team ethos onboard.
The report once again highlights the importance of having adequate connectivity available to seafarers on board, combined with a good work-life balance and feeling appreciated by the shore management.
… commented Yves Vandenborn, Head of Loss Prevention Asia-Pacific at NorthStandard
Growing security concerns
The growing security threats to the lives of seafarers are also reflected in the results of the Q4 survey. It is clear that the escalating risks to seafarer safety from piracy, terrorism and war risks are having an impact on crew welfare. It is also adding to the workload burden on seafarers, due to the ramping up of security duties in higher risk waters. The survey also highlighted the importance of warlike operations area payments. However, there is likely to be a lag between the responses and the official designation of these areas. As such, the Q1 2024 survey should reveal the true impact of these changes.
Wages/salary 6.05/10 ↓ from 6.49/10
The sentiment amongst seafarers regarding wages showcases a mix of contentment and pride at providing for their families at home, through to concerns about stagnation and desires for better compensation. Some seafarers expressed satisfaction with their current salaries, considering it fair and sufficient to support their families or maintain a decent living standard. The majority of written responses, however, complained about a lack of wage rises over extended periods.
Access to shore leave 6.14/10 ↑ from 6.06/10
The experiences shared by seafarers regarding shore leave range from contentment to frustration due to various factors impacting their ability to go ashore. If shore leave is granted, then we see contentment. Where it is blocked, then real frustration creeps in.
There were also comments towards the end of the quarter about the impact of port security. Some seafarers were allegedly denied access to shore leave because of a supposed worsening security situation, and fears for their safety. It would be extremely concerning to have security replace COVID as a new excuse to deny seafarers some respite ashore
2023 in brief
Looking back at 2023, it is clear that the emergence from COVID was not accompanied by a return to pre-pandemic conditions for seafarers, despite an initial recovery in seafarer happiness in 2022. Extended contracts, diminished employment terms, downward pressure on wages and growing workload demands have undermined welfare and working conditions. In turn, seafarers continue to call for action on shore leave, connectivity, training, diversity, recreation, and mental health support, in order to see their working lives transformed into more sustainable, equitable, and fulfilling careers.
Following the uptick in seafarer happiness in late 2022 after the lifting of COVID restrictions, it is very disappointing to see the downward trend in happiness over the course of 2023. If there was ever any complacency about the circumstances facing seafarers around the globe, these results surely dispel that.
… said Revd Canon Andrew Wright, Secretary General of The Mission to Seafarers
