- Shore leave has traditionally been a vital part of seafaring life, offering rest and recovery after long periods at sea.
- A recent ITF Seafarers’ Trust survey found that one in four seafarers had no shore leave during their contracts, while nearly half of those who went ashore spent less than three hours off the vessel.
- Barriers such as visa restrictions, time constraints, and high costs are putting this long-standing tradition at risk of disappearing.
For centuries, shore leave has been considered an essential element of life at sea, providing seafarers with the opportunity to rest, recuperate, and reconnect with life on land. Today’s seafarers may spend up to 11 months on board a vessel during a single contract, making these breaks even more critical. However, recent evidence suggests that this tradition is increasingly under threat.
Findings from ITF Seafarers’ Trust
According to a survey by the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, 25% of seafarers reported that they had no shore leave at all during their contracts. Of those who did go ashore, nearly half said their time on land lasted less than three hours.
These figures point to a troubling decline in access to what has historically been considered a basic right and necessity for seafarers.
Barriers to access
- The reasons behind the decline are varied and significant. Key barriers include:
- Visa requirements that make it difficult or impossible to leave the vessel.
- Time pressures, as tight schedules leave little opportunity to step ashore.
- Costs, with transport fees from the vessel to the port gate often being prohibitively expensive.
- Together, these factors are making shore leave increasingly rare.
Industry voices
The issue of shrinking shore leave opportunities is explored in a recent podcast episode hosted by Joshua, featuring:
- Tim Hill, Chief Executive, Stella Maris
- Ben Bailey, Director of Programme, Mission to Seafarers
- Several serving seafarers from vessels across the globe
- The discussion reflects both the human impact of reduced shore leave and potential measures to protect this fundamental aspect of seafaring life.
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Source: Lloyd’s List
