- Employers Increase Welfare Support Through Private Medical Insurance.
- Training Satisfaction Improves with Focus on Cybersecurity.
- Seafarer Retention Strengthens with Greater Loyalty to Employers.
The Danica Crewing Specialists Seafarer Survey 2025 paints a picture of a profession facing significant challenges, with rising stress levels and a trend toward early retirements. On a brighter note, the report highlights some positive strides in welfare initiatives, training quality, and efforts to keep the workforce intact, reports Danica.
Survey Overview and Key Demographics
This annual survey gathers insights from hundreds of seafarers around the world, mainly hailing from Eastern Europe and the Philippines. It emphasises the pressing need for ongoing investment in people to secure a stable and skilled maritime workforce for the future.
Pay Trends and Rank-Based Demand
While salaries have levelled off for most positions, seniority bonuses are becoming more prevalent. Experienced second engineers, in particular, have enjoyed significant pay hikes due to high demand. Among the ratings, senior roles like bosuns, fitters, pumpmen, and cooks continue to earn solid wages and are in high demand.
Mental Health Pressures Increasing
Mental health is becoming an increasingly pressing issue in 2025. The survey revealed that 44% of seafarers felt stressed during their last contract, up from 35% in 2024, while 16% reported experiencing feelings of depression. On a positive note, employer-supported welfare initiatives are on the rise. Private medical insurance now covers 24% of seafarers and their families, marking a 33% increase since 2019 and showing a growing focus on crew welfare.
Training and Skill Development Show Improvement
Satisfaction with training has seen a significant boost, with 64% of respondents rating it as “very” or “extremely useful.” A noteworthy new addition to training programs is cybersecurity, highlighting the industry’s response to digital threats and compliance requirements.
Retention Improves, but Early Retirements Loom
The survey indicates a trend of increased loyalty and stability, with more seafarers opting to stay longer with their current employers. However, 42% now anticipate retiring before the age of 55, a statistic that could exacerbate the shortage of senior officers in the years ahead.
Ongoing Concerns Over Salary Payments
Delayed or incomplete salary payments persist as a challenge. About 30% of seafarers reported late payments, and 9%said they did not receive their full salary.
Industry Response and Call for Action
Henrik Jensen, Managing Director of Danica Crewing Specialists, said: “We’re seeing worrying signs around stress and early retirements, and that tells us the industry needs to do more to make seafaring a sustainable and attractive career. Progress in training, insurance, and loyalty is encouraging, but real change means supporting every aspect of a seafarer’s life at sea.”
Focus on Welfare and Sustainability Needed
The 2025 Seafarer Survey concludes that the maritime sector must intensify its focus on welfare, stability, and sustainable career paths to retain experienced seafarers and attract the next generation to the profession.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Danica
