Danica Seafarers’ Survey reveals rising salaries in a crew-driven market

• Seafarer salaries continue to rise due to a shortage of skilled crew, with some ranks seeing up to a 10% increase.
• 99% of seafarers actively monitor job vacancies during leave, while internet access at sea is now available to all, with 74% enjoying free access.
• Mental health challenges are increasing, with more seafarers seeking support but fewer finding it helpful.
• Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian seafarer availability has returned to pre-war levels, with 70% intending to return home post-war.

The 2024 Seafarers’ Survey by Danica Maritime reports critical trends in the global seafarer employment landscape. As the maritime industry faces an ongoing shortage of skilled crew, wages continue to rise globally, with seafarers gaining leverage in the job market. Survey results highlight a strong interest in job mobility, mental health challenges, and a continued demand for welfare improvements, offering valuable insights into the priorities and conditions of today’s seafaring workforce. Conducted annually since 2019, this survey provides an essential comparative view, covering trends in salaries, job satisfaction drivers, and welfare issues.

Seafarer Salary Trends and Market Dynamics

Wages across all vessel types have risen as shipping companies compete for competent crew. Indian senior officers on dry cargo vessels currently receive the highest wages among senior ranks, with Eastern European and Filipino officers following closely. Junior Filipino officers earn less than their Eastern European and Indian counterparts, but senior ratings, including bosuns and fitters, are seeing increasing demand and salaries. With plentiful job options, seafarers are now able to prioritize not only salary but also factors like vessel age, convenient joining dates, and onboard amenities.

Job Mobility and Hiring Challenges

This year’s survey shows a rise in job mobility, with 58% of seafarers changing employers at least once over the past three years. Salary remains a primary motivation, with 37% of crew members switching jobs for higher pay, up from 25% in 2019. Other drivers include free internet access, career growth prospects, and enhanced benefits like pension plans and medical insurance. A concerning trend observed by Danica is an increase in falsified CVs, as some seafarers use third-party “consultants” to enhance their credentials and secure higher-ranked positions.

Crew Welfare and Mental Health

Crew welfare challenges persist despite the increased attention on seafarer wellbeing. Issues like food and water shortages impact 25% of respondents, up from 20% in 2019, and 35% report late wage payments, while 7% note partial or missed payments. Although repatriation delays have lessened since the pandemic, one in five seafarers still faces extended time at sea without relief. Mental health concerns are rising, with 14% of respondents experiencing depression during their last contract, up from 11% in 2023. Reports of bullying and harassment, as well as non-compliance with rest-hour regulations (35%), highlight ongoing areas for improvement.

Access to Mental Health Support

While more than half of respondents have access to mental health support at sea, fewer are finding it effective. In 2024, 30% of seafarers sought mental health assistance, up from 23% in 2023, but satisfaction with these services dropped from 75% to 65%. Danica also notes that 3% of seafarers reported being prevented from seeing a doctor ashore, a new welfare concern identified this year.

Ukrainian Seafarers and Future Plans

Danica’s survey also delves into specific issues facing Ukrainian seafarers, most of whom are now stationed outside Ukraine. Employment levels have stabilized, with 70% of Ukrainian respondents expressing intentions to return home when the war concludes, while 20% no longer plan to return, up from 12% in 2023.

Conclusion and Industry Implications

The 2024 Seafarers’ Survey from Danica Maritime highlights the growing complexities of the maritime workforce. As companies strive to attract and retain skilled crew, salary growth, job satisfaction factors, and mental health support have emerged as priority areas. Danica’s survey offers maritime stakeholders actionable insights to improve HR practices and develop targeted strategies to address the evolving needs of today’s seafarers.