A new report from the ITF Seafarers’ Trust (ITFST) and the World Maritime University (WMU) highlights the continuing absence of shore leave for the world’s seafarers.
Analysing the data from 5879 seafarers who responded to the ITFST’s Shore Leave Survey, WMU researchers concluded that more than a quarter of seafarers did not get any shore leave at all, and a third only got ashore once or twice during their entire contract, based on an average of 6.6 months onboard.
The ITF Seafarers’ Trust opened the Shore Leave Survey in mid-2024 to test the concern that shore leave seemed to be progressively harder to access. Working with the team at the WMU to analyse the data, the resulting report seeks to give a true picture of the current levels of shore leave available to seafarers, how often it happened, how long it lasted, and to look at possible barriers.
The data shows that the barriers to shore leave are multiple and systemic such as:
- minimal crewing and high workloads,
- increasing inspections,
- port security and operational efficiencies leading to lack of time in port,
- lack of shore-based facilities
- costs of transport
All these and multiple other issues result in a situation where the current system means that for seafarers to recuperate with shore leave is an unattainable dream in many ports.
The report also includes feedback from seafarers themselves, showing a strong depth of feeling evident from their responses to the open questions.
Officers and shore leave
Officers report fewer shore leave visits than any other category. Contrary to ratings, officers often associated with watch obligations must manage their own service. Therefore, they cannot be easily replaced if going ashore.
Vessel type and shore leave
Seafarers serving onboard tankers and offshore vessels disclose fewer opportunities for shore leave during the contract duration than those on other vessel types. Together with workload, distance and access to shore facilities can be extremely challenging and costly for those on such ships.
Short time restricts possibilities
Six hours is the maximum period ashore for 93.5% of seafarers, irrespective of ranks, departments, and types of vessels. When onshore, 76% of seafarers go shopping. Other activities such as walking, sightseeing, visiting cafés, bars, restaurants, and meeting relatives also have some significance.
Seafarers frustrated by lack of shore leave
Seafarers express deep concerns about the lack of shore leave. They emphasise the adverse effects on health and safety and the work-life balance of being deprived of escaping the ship environment. Unable to breathe out, they cannot acquire presents or essential goods or time off essential for their health and well-being.
The psychological effects are also significant because going onshore reconnects seafarers as individuals, reducing the feeling of being excluded and dehumanised and restoring energy and mental resources necessary for task performance back into the ship.
Impact of exhausting work life
Non-existent or limited shore leave cannot be assessed in isolation but in combination with an exhausting work life. A study on hours of work and rest found that 53.3% of a worldwide sample of 6,304 seafarers work more than 74.9 hours per week on average. Only 7.4% declared working 48 hours or less per week.
Working over 60 hours a week, insufficient rest, and deprivation of leisure and social life is a toxic combination. Shore leave would alleviate these issues.
Inaction leads to extinction
Despite its importance in ensuring seafarers’ health and well-being, the absence of shore leave seems to be accommodated rather than addressed. Shipping structures and pace combine with detrimental consequences on the human element.
This survey confirms our fears. Seafarers are not getting shore leave because it hasn’t been prioritised as essential for crew wellbeing and the safety of the vessel. This is about setting the scene, and it is stark. We hope that the findings will promote discussion and acknowledgement that seafarers deserve a break from the vessel. Action must be taken to preserve the possibility of shore leave
… said Katie Higginbottom, Head of ITF Seafarers’ Trust.
According to the organizations, all stakeholders, from flag States to port States, agents to shipping companies and seafarers themselves, need to collaborate to ensure that this vital component of life at sea is maintained and expanded. All parties need to recognise that, unchecked, the current regime risks the extinction of shore leave as a viable concept reinforcing the strains on an already pressurised workforce.
