Issues arise over the ‘haves and have-not’s’ for happiness at sea

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 different levels of training and preparedness for new fuels and new technologies for crew on different types of vessel.

The Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) is a quarterly survey undertaken by the Mission to Seafarers, delivered in association with Idwal and NorthStandard and supported by Inmarsat. The survey offers vital insights into the sentiments and experiences of the men and women who serve at sea.

According to the feedback from the Q2 report, the positive shift in seafarer wellbeing is a testament to improvements in a number of 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.

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.

The multicultural nature of crews presents both opportunities for enriching cultural exchange and challenges in managing social dynamics, highlighting the need for practical, social activities to foster crew bonding. Bureaucratic burdens add another layer of stress, with increasing paperwork and regulatory requirements despite the push for digitalisation.

Workload varies widely depending on the type of ship, company policies and schedules, exacerbating these challenges. Finally, some seafarers often report feeling unrecognised and unsupported when ashore, underscoring the urgent need for greater respect and acknowledgement of their contributions to global trade and the economy.

Andrew Wright, Secretary-General The Mission to Seafarers, said:

“Although there are still plenty of areas of growth that need attention, our report reveals an encouraging trajectory of steady recovery and stabilisation after what has been a tumultuous year for seafarers. I’m heartened that those responsible for our seafarers are taking measures to ensure the enhancement of wellbeing. However, reports of a distinction between the ‘haves and have-nots’ of welfare standards on board are worrying. 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.

“It is critical that the industry continues to support and bolster seafarers to maintain this positive momentum. Our job is to raise the profiles and voices of seafarers by building a maritime industry that truly values seafarers’ living standards, welfare, and happiness across the globe.”

Thom Herbert, Key Account Manager (Asia) & Crew Welfare Advocate, Idwal, commented:

“The latest Seafarers Happiness Index findings present a nuanced picture of life at sea, with the slight increase indicating gradual improvement, but also highlighting persistent challenges. At Idwal, we’re particularly concerned by the emerging ‘two-speed’ industry revealed in this report, especially the ongoing issue around connectivity and, also, the readiness for new technologies, where the disparity in experiences between tanker crews and those on dry cargo vessels is striking. In tandem with the Seafarers’ Happiness Index, through our vessel inspections and Social Impact Report, we continue to advocate for consistent, high standards of living and working conditions for all seafarers. It’s crucial that the industry addresses the digital divide and ensures equal access to training opportunities across all vessel types. Only by treating seafarer welfare as a non-negotiable priority across all sectors can we build a more resilient and sustainable maritime industry.”

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 wellbeing. 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.”

The experiences and insights shared by seafarers are essential in helping the Mission to Seafarers to ensure that its welfare services are targeted to meet the needs of the men and women who rely on them. We are grateful to everyone who took part in this survey and we encourage all seafarers to continue to share their experiences to drive positive change within the industry.

To read the full Seafarers Happiness Index report for Q2 2024, click here.