The findings of the latest Seafarers Happiness Index report by the Mission to Seafarers reveal a mixed but increasingly positive picture of seafarers’ well-being, with the happiness index increasing slightly to 6.99 in Q2 2024, marginally up from 6.94 in Q1 of this year.
However, the survey results reveal concerns over the emergence of two classes of life at sea for seafarers. There are suggestions of a ‘digital divide’ when it comes to accessing the benefits of modern communications and connectivity at sea, as well as different levels of training and preparedness for new fuels and new technologies for crew on different types of vessels.
According to the feedback from the Q2 report, the positive shift in seafarer well-being is a testament to improvements in several critical areas, including shore leave, wages, training, crew interaction, and workload.
Although this modest improvement in an otherwise stable set of results is welcomed, the picture is slightly more complicated than meets the eye. Vessel type can significantly affect the well-being of seafarers, with seafarers on tankers reportedly feeling well-prepared, qualified, and ready to tackle the challenge of new fuels. In contrast, those on dry cargo and container vessels feel left out of crucial technologies and developments emerging in the industry.
Key trends in numbers:
- General Happiness 7 ↑ from 6.86
- Contact with family 7.14 ↓ from 7.22
- Shore leave 6.76 ↑ from 6.56
- Wages 6.88 ↑ from 6.81
- Food 7.03 ↓ from 7.23
- Ability to keep fit and healthy 6.99 ↓ from 7.18
- Training 7.28 ↑ from 7.23
- Interaction with crew 7.75 ↑ from 7.68
- Workload 6.32 ↑ from 6.11
- Access to welfare facilities 6.8 ↑ from 6.58
Those serving on vessels with up-to-date communications technology comment on how it is transforming the social and emotional landscape of life at sea, as it is critical for connectivity and links to home. Many seafarers express profound gratitude for maintaining regular contact with loved ones. However, for those who do not have those means of communication, life on board can be challenging; many are facing limited data, slow connections or no access at all.
Similarly, shore leave, a crucial aspect for maintaining mental and physical health, is often restricted for seafarers due to tight port schedules, regulatory barriers, and inconsistent practices across different ports and companies. While access to recreational facilities like gyms is essential for maintaining health, the quality of equipment and safety standards often need to be improved. Additionally, cost-cutting measures can lead to monotonous meals, adversely affecting crew morale.
Every single seafarer deserves access to the fundamentals that are needed to support a safe and rewarding life at sea, including access to shore leave, decent connectivity, good onboard facilities, and regular training.
..Andrew Wright, Secretary-General, The Mission to Seafarers, said.
Yves Vandenborn, Head of Loss Prevention Asia-Pacific, NorthStandard, added: “At 6.99/10, Quarter 2 of 2024 marks a small increase from 6.94/10 in Q1 2024. This rise is a reflection that seafarers’ happiness is stabilising and attests to the ongoing efforts and attention to enhance seafarer well-being. This quarter also registered a higher female participation rate at 15% from 9% last quarter. Although the data indicates improvements across several areas, there remains room for improvement in satisfaction levels for connectivity, health and fitness. NorthStandard will continue to work alongside international organisations to advocate for seafarers worldwide and play our part in maintaining this positive momentum.”
