The Mission to Seafarers’ latest Seafarers Happiness Index shows a decline in happiness, dropping to 6.91 in Q4 2024.
This marks the first downturn for four quarters, with restrictive port policies highlighted as a significant impediment to seafarer welfare. According to the Mission to Seafarers, there is a growing perception that if a port is not proactive in supporting shore leave then it is acting as a barrier to it.
Seafarer isolation and transport options
Many seafarers report feeling isolated and frustrated due to limited shore access, poorly maintained facilities, and inconvenient transport options. These challenges make it difficult for crew members to leave their vessels to rest and recharge, contributing to heightened mental strain.
Shore leave is not a luxury but as a vital opportunity for rest and mental recovery for seafarers. The decline this quarter highlights the critical need to sustain efforts to improve seafarer welfare and avoid complacency in addressing the challenges they face.
… said Ben Bailey, Director of Programme, The Mission to Seafarers.
These findings also highlight that while some improvements have been made in terms of interpersonal relationships and professional development, critical areas continue to undermine overall satisfaction and well-being.
The Q4 2024 report is again a stark reminder of the persistent challenges facing seafarers today. Despite pockets of progress, the decline in overall happiness, especially related to shore leave and connectivity, underscores the urgent need for industry-wide reforms.
… commented Thom Herbert, Idwal Crew Welfare Advocate.
Connectivity concerns persist
Connectivity issues remain a major source of discontent. Although free Wi-Fi is often promised onboard, inadequate infrastructure means that connectivity is frequently unreliable or unusable. This paradox leaves seafarers struggling to stay connected with family and friends, further intensifying feelings of isolation and negatively affecting morale.
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Connectivity: 7.05 ↓ from 7.38
Onboard connectivity is important for seafarers’ daily lives. Most vessels provide sufficient data allowances for personal use. However, the infrastructure supporting this connectivity varies widely between ships. -
Shore Leave: 6.12 ↓ from 6.52
Shore leave remains a significant challenge for seafarers. Barriers like port policies and security restrictions make disembarking difficult. Short port stays and tight schedules leave little time for rest or leisure ashore. -
Wages: 6.91 ↓ from 7.21
Wages are a critical concern for seafarers. Stagnant pay levels do not keep up with inflation or job demands. Seafarers express frustration over insufficient pay, especially as the cost of living rises. -
Food: 7.14 ↓ from 7.41
Food and diet onboard present mixed experiences. Meal quality often depends on the skills of individual cooks, leading to wide variations in dining experiences from one ship to another. -
Ability to Keep Fit and Healthy: 7.13 ↓ from 7.28
Health and fitness challenges arise on board, especially on smaller vessels. Many ships lack designated fitness areas, and limited space makes it difficult to provide adequate room for exercise. -
Training: 7.17 ↓ from 7.36
Training experiences for seafarers are mixed. On the positive side, many seafarers have access to quality mentorship and professional development programs. However, many express frustration over redundant training courses, feeling that they are asked to repeat the same material without learning anything new. -
Crew Interaction: 7.6 ↓ from 7.67
Seafarers generally report good relationships with their fellow crew members. Many describe a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork, with the crew often feeling like a “family,” which enhances morale and creates a positive work atmosphere. -
Workload: 6.59 ↓ from 6.74
The growing age of vessels is a concern, as older ships require more maintenance, adding strain to the crew. Additionally, the increasing administrative burden, with tasks like paperwork and compliance, consumes valuable time and energy. -
Access to Welfare Facilities: 6.47 ↓ from 6.99
Welfare services available to seafarers ashore vary greatly depending on the region and port. Local economic conditions, infrastructure, and priorities influence the quality and availability of welfare services.
Fatigue and social interaction
Workload and fatigue remain significant issues, driven by long hours, inadequate staffing, and a rise in administrative burdens. Despite efforts to streamline processes through digitalisation, persistent paperwork continues to drain time and energy. This combination of factors is increasing fatigue levels, jeopardizing both safety and well-being.
Social interaction onboard is another area in need of attention, with high workloads often restricting opportunities for social interaction. This isolation is often compounded by departmental segregation, where crew members from different departments interact less frequently, further adding to the sense of disconnection. Addressing these issues could significantly enhance morale, foster teamwork, and contribute to safer, more efficient operations.
With a change from 7.16/10 in Q3 to 6.91 in Q4 of 2024, this reflects the first decline in happiness levels since Q1 of 2024. The report reflects positively on onboard relationships, mentorship and professional growth opportunities. It is critical that we pay full attention to the views of those at the sharp end of shipping to recognise the positives and respond decisively to their areas of concern.
… said Yves Vandenborn, Head of Loss Prevention Asia-Pacific, NorthStandard.
To remind, the SEAFiT Index for crew wellness also decreased to 72.5%, down from 74.2% in 2023. Satisfaction with both mental wellbeing and physical health has declined, with the Physical Wellbeing Index showing the most significant drop. Key challenges faced by crew members include inadequate healthcare coverage for mental health (58.9%), a lack of guidance on coping strategies (59.9%), and insufficient information about mental health symptoms (58.1%). Additionally, 91% of respondents highlighted the importance of reliable internet access in maintaining emotional and recreational connections with their loved ones.
