- Seafarers Happiness Index dropped to 6.91 in Q4 2024, highlighting growing challenges.
- Restrictive port policies and unreliable Wi-Fi worsen isolation and morale.
- Stagnant wages and heavy workloads contribute to dissatisfaction and fatigue.
- Industry leaders call for reforms to improve welfare and support seafarers.
The latest SHI report by The Mission to Seafarers highlights restrictive port policies as a significant barrier to shore leave, leading to increased frustration among seafarers. Ports failing to actively facilitate shore access exacerbate isolation and limit opportunities for mental recovery.
Connectivity and Isolation
Despite promises of free onboard Wi-Fi, many seafarers face unreliable connectivity, making it difficult to stay in touch with loved ones. This issue intensifies feelings of isolation and negatively affects morale.
Stagnant Wages Amid Rising Costs
Seafarers reported dissatisfaction with wages that fail to keep pace with inflation and the increasing demands of their roles. This financial strain contributes to growing frustration.
Training Experiences: Mixed Outcomes
While professional development opportunities and mentorship programs received positive feedback, redundant training requirements frustrated many seafarers. Repeated courses without new insights were cited as a key concern.
Workload, Fatigue, and Social Interaction
Long hours, inadequate staffing, and persistent administrative burdens contribute to rising fatigue levels. High workloads limit social interaction onboard, and departmental segregation compounds isolation, reducing morale and teamwork.
Industry Voices on the Findings
Ben Bailey, Director of Programme, The Mission to Seafarers:
“Shore leave is not a luxury but as a vital opportunity for rest and mental recovery for seafarers. The decline this quarter highlights the critical need to sustain efforts to improve seafarer welfare and avoid complacency in addressing the challenges they face. We are committed to working closely with the shipping industry, including the ports sector, to overcome these challenges and enhance the well-being of seafarers. The Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) is a vital tool in this mission, and we extend our gratitude to all the seafarers who contributed to the survey.”
Thom Herbert, Idwal Crew Welfare Advocate:
“The Q4 2024 report is again a stark reminder of the persistent challenges facing seafarers today. Despite pockets of progress, the decline in overall happiness, especially related to shore leave and connectivity, underscores the urgent need for industry-wide reforms. We must listen to the voices of those at sea and address their concerns, from stagnant wages to isolation caused by inadequate port access. At Idwal, we believe improving these conditions should be the cornerstone for sustaining a thriving maritime industry.”
Yves Vandenborn, Head of Loss Prevention Asia-Pacific, NorthStandard, added: “Once again, the Seafarers Happiness Index has offered powerful insights into the way shipping’s key workers think and feel about their lives at sea, and areas of potential improvement.” said Capt Yves Vandenborn, Head of Loss Prevention Asia Pacific, NorthStandard. “With a change from 7.16/10 in Q3 to 6.91 in Q4 of 2024, this reflects the first decline in happiness levels since Q1 of 2024. The report reflects positively on onboard relationships, mentorship and professional growth opportunities. It is critical that we pay full attention to the views of those at the sharp end of shipping to recognise the positives and respond decisively to their areas of concern.”
The Q4 2024 SHI report emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated efforts across the shipping industry to enhance seafarer welfare, focusing on actionable reforms in port policies, connectivity, workloads, and social integration.
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Source: The Mission to Seafarers
