The findings of the latest Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) report by the Mission to Seafarers show a positive start to 2024, with an overall increase in happiness from 6.36 in Q4 2023 to 6.94 out of 10 in Q1 2024, driven by a positive trend across all the aspects of seafarer happiness covered by the survey during this period.
In contrast to the consistent decline observed in 2023, the Q1 2024 SHI report depicts a mixed but cautiously optimistic rise in satisfaction among seafarers, shedding light on the positive and negative aspects of seafaring life. The positive shift in seafarer wellbeing reflects improvements in several areas.
These include enhanced financial security through fair wages and timely payments, fostering job satisfaction and camaraderie through positive crew relationships, as well as improved connectivity facilitating better communication with loved ones.
Additionally, seafarers reported the benefits of supportive company policies and leadership initiatives promoting crew wellbeing through access to recreational facilities, shore leave, high-quality culturally tailored food, and the prioritisation of health and safety concerns. Comprehensive training programmes have further bolstered seafarer competence and professional development.
Key trends in numbers:
- Contact with family 7.22 ↑ from 6.99
- Shore leave 6.56 ↑ from 6.14
- Wages 6.81 ↑ from 6.05
- Food 7.23 ↑ from 6.85
- Ability to keep fit and healthy 7.18 ↑ from 6.52
- Training 7.23 ↑ from 6.49
- Interaction with crew 7.68 ↑ from 6.97
- Workload 6.11 ↑ from 5.41
- Access to welfare facilities 6.58 ↑ from 6.06
Conversely, the report also underscores persistent challenges that will require systemic reforms to improve seafarer wellbeing. These challenges include addressing work-life balance issues such as extended contracts and limited shore leave, which contribute to excessive workloads, stress, and fatigue.
Substandard living conditions, connectivity issues – though improved – remain an issue, and disparities in access to welfare facilities are significant concerns. Moreover, poor management practices, including inadequate leadership and discrimination, alongside limited career advancement opportunities and predatory recruitment practices, continue to impact seafarer satisfaction.
A pressing issue highlighted in Q1 2024 is the persistent allegations of fraudulent working hours reporting, resulting in inadequate rest periods and compromised safety standards.
Seafarers are increasingly expressing unease and scepticism toward reported working hours’ accuracy, with a reluctance to speak out against potential misconduct. The manual nature of the process combined with a lack of contextual factors is perceived as inherently vulnerable to fraudulent activities, raising doubts about data integrity and effectiveness in capturing the nuanced realities of seafaring life.
After the depressing slump in seafarer happiness that we witnessed in 2023, it is encouraging to see a brighter start to 2024. We are cautiously optimistic that this points towards a better year ahead for seafarers, but sustained improvement will require meaningful action.
… said Andrew Wright, Secretary-General, The Mission to Seafarers
Yves Vandenborn, Head of Loss Prevention Asia-Pacific at NorthStandard, conveyed that as an organization advocating for seafarer wellbeing, NorthStandard found it heartening that the Index captured rising seafarer happiness levels in the first quarter of 2024, especially considering the decline reported in 2023. He also expressed encouragement that the overall increase from 6.36 / 10 to 6.94 was driven by gains across all 10 markers used, instead of a selective few.
Meanwhile, Thom Herbert, Senior Marine Surveyor and Crew Welfare Advocate at Idwal, emphasized the need to remain vigilant in addressing persistent challenges like work-life balance, substandard accommodations, and any discriminatory practices that undermine seafarer dignity and morale.
