Salaries are rising by at least 10% as the crew employment market tips in the favour of seafarers, reveals Danica Crewing Specialists as it announces the findings of its 2023 Seafarers’ Survey, says an article published on danica website.
Salaries Soar, Crew Welfare Concerns Linger
Danica Crewing Specialists’ recently unveiled 2023 Seafarers’ Survey brings forth a mixed narrative for the maritime industry. While salaries for seafarers are witnessing a commendable rise of at least 10%, concerns regarding crew welfare persist, indicating a nuanced landscape in maritime employment.
Salary Surge Signals Market Shift
Across senior officer ranks, salaries have surged by 10-15%, showcasing a favorable turn in the crew employment market. Notably, this upward trend is evident for the top four ranks on dry cargo vessels. The wage gap between Filipino and Eastern European officers is narrowing, with Indian senior officers on dry cargo vessels earning salaries 10% higher than their Eastern European counterparts.
Seafarer Movement, Salary A Key Driver
The survey highlights that a substantial 35% of seafarers who recently changed employers did so primarily for a higher salary, emphasizing the critical role remuneration plays in retaining maritime professionals. However, the survey also notes that 26% moved for a more suitable joining time, indicating diverse factors influencing seafarer decisions.
Welfare Challenges Amidst Salary Highs
Despite the positive salary trends, the survey reveals persistent challenges in crew welfare. Approximately 36% of respondents claimed their salary was not paid on time—a notable increase of 7% since 2021. Worryingly, 23% of seafarers reported experiencing a shortage of food or drinking water during recent voyages.
Seafarer Satisfaction And Aspirations
Seafarers, on the whole, express satisfaction with their careers at sea, with 80% indicating they would recommend their employer to a friend. However, the allure of shore positions remains strong, as 70% of respondents express interest in working ashore, reflecting the competitive landscape for retaining maritime talent.
Internet Access, Mental Health Support, And Training Dynamics
Access to the internet onboard ships is now widespread, with 96% of crew reporting availability—a 6% increase from 2021. Mental health support is gaining prominence, with more than half of respondents (51.69%) confirming access.
The survey also sheds light on the evolving landscape of crew training post-pandemic, with a notable increase in seafarers receiving training via online methods.
Ukrainian Seafarers And The Impact Of War
The survey delves into the impact of the war in Ukraine, revealing that 94% of seafarers who fled the country as a result of the conflict intend to return when conditions allow. This underlines the resilience and future aspirations of Ukrainian maritime professionals.
Crew Retention Challenges, Bullying And Discrimination
Crew retention is not without its challenges, as the survey exposes concerning aspects. One in 20 seafarers reports having been bullied, while 4% feel they have experienced discrimination based on race, and 1% report instances of sexual harassment, emphasizing the need for a supportive work environment.
Danica’s Seafarers’ Survey 2023 provides a comprehensive snapshot of the maritime employment landscape, urging industry stakeholders to address both the positive developments and persisting challenges to ensure a robust and sustainable future for seafarers.
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Source: danica
