The Mission to Seafarers published the findings of its Q3 2023 Seafarers Happiness Index report. The data from Q3 2023 show a significant drop in overall happiness to 6.66/10, down from 6.71/10 in Q2, and 7.1/10 in Q1.
This report covers Q3 2023 and is the third successive report to show such decline, sparking fears over the impact on all those working at sea. The results showed a decline in most areas covered by the survey, including wages, workload and onboard connectivity, which saw the most significant fall in happiness levels.
Key recommendations
- Facilitating shore leave and engaging with ports globally
- Addressing remuneration concerns,
- Promoting diversity and inclusion
- Managing workloads
- Leveraging technology to enhance work-life balance.
This extended downturn across all three quarters of 2023 so far paints a worrying picture. It seems clear that happiness levels will not recover to acceptable levels unless we can address the systemic challenges that continue to undermine the welfare of our seafarers
… said Revd Canon Andrew Wright, Secretary General of The Mission to Seafarers
Wages and salary 6.49/10 ↓ from 7.02
Seafarer salary satisfaction remains hampered by stagnant real wages over time, erosion of purchasing power, and perceived imbalances between pay and
workloads. Targeted adjustments and regular reviews pegged to economic indicators could improve satisfaction.
Economic and cost of living differences across seafarers’ home countries also impact satisfaction. There were calls for compensation to be adjusted by region to remain competitive.
Physical wellness 6.74/10 ↓ from 6.9
Maintaining onboard gyms and exercise equipment was also seen as an issue. The survey also heard reports of how catering budget constraints can force nutritional compromises, underscoring the need for well-provisioned ships and skilled catering crews.
This reality was also identified in the 2023 SEAFiT Crew survey, which is the largest survey on crew welfare conducted worldwide with the participation of 1.6K ships and 19K seafarers.
According to the 2023 SEAFiT Crew survey, the satisfaction level of Physical Wellbeing Index in 2023 showed significant reduction in comparison with previous years.
Connectivity onboard 6.81/10 ↓ from 7.11
Connectivity and communications represented a double-edged sword in this quarter’s feedback, enabling contact with loved ones, but potentially facilitating micromanagement from ashore. To address this, there were calls for guidelines to promote a healthy work-life balance through technology.
The 2023 SEAFiT Crew survey also pointed out that communication with home is the number one priority for seafarers. Despite the satisfaction in relevant Question (90.4%), seafarers still require more internet privileges on board.
While connectivity enables constant family contact, it also risks facilitating micromanagement from ashore, persistent barriers to shore leave undermine its importance as a respite, and nutritional compromises on board highlight the basic need for well-provisioned ships and skilled catering crews.
… commented Idwal Senior Marine Surveyor and Crew Welfare Advocate, Thom Herbert
Excessive workloads 5.81/10 ↓ from 6.5
The issue of overwhelming workloads again came to the fore. This was felt to be driven by expanding regulations and administrative tasks. There appears to be a growing sense of unmanageable responsibilities among seafarers, which is causing a huge amount of stress.
Interaction with crew on board 7.42/10 ↓ from 7.47
The report highlighted how prejudices and misunderstandings can impede social cohesion on board. There are cultural issues at play and pressures from home that are not always fully explored, including some troubling insights into gender disparities and barriers to diversity and inclusion.
This included reports of a lack of acceptance, discomfort and exclusion for female seafarers. To address these issues, it is essential that more is done to foster open communication and overcome biases.
Every cloud has a silver lining
The report is not without some positive feedback on life at sea. From a more encouraging perspective, respondents spoke of the benefits that a seafaring life can offer, including a steady income and adventure, whilst recognising that it also demands substantial sacrifice.
The only areas to buck the trend of a decline in happiness for this quarter were shore leave, training and food, where the report showed marginal improvements.
At 6.6/10, Quarter 3 of 2023 marks yet another dip in the overall happiness levels of seafarers at sea. This represents the longest sustained decline since the Seafarers Happiness Index was founded.
… said Yves Vandenborn, Head of Loss Prevention Asia-Pacific at NorthStandard