A survey carried out by the Mission to Seafarers shows a fall in happiness in several areas of seafaring life to 6.91 in Q4 2024, from 7.16 in Q3 of last year.
This marks the first downturn for four quarters, with restrictive port policies highlighted as a significant impediment to seafarer welfare.
The Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) is a quarterly survey conducted by the Mission to Seafarers, in partnership with Idwal and NorthStandard, and supported by Inmarsat.
It provides vital insights into the experiences of the men and women who serve at sea, highlighting the area's most in need of attention and action.
These findings underscore the critical importance of prioritising seafarer welfare to ensure a sustainable and thriving maritime workforce.
The results of the latest survey show that dissatisfaction is partly due to some ports not actively facilitating shore access.
There is a growing perception that if a port is not proactive in supporting shore leave then it is acting as a barrier to it.
Many seafarers report feeling isolated and frustrated due to limited shore access, poorly maintained facilities, and inconvenient transport options. These challenges make it difficult for crew members to leave their vessels to rest and recharge, contributing to heightened mental strain.
These findings also highlight that while some improvements have been made in terms of interpersonal relationships and professional development, critical areas continue to undermine overall satisfaction and well-being.
Connectivity issues remain a major source of discontent. Although free Wi-Fi is often promised onboard, inadequate infrastructure means that connectivity is frequently unreliable or unusable.
This paradox leaves seafarers struggling to stay connected with family and friends, further intensifying feelings of isolation and negatively affecting morale.
Seafarers shared their concerns over stagnant wages amid rising living costs. With many seafarers feeling that their wages have not kept pace with inflation or the increasing demands of the job, leading to growing dissatisfaction.
Ben Bailey, director of programme, The Mission to Seafarers, said: '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.'
SeaNews Turkey
This marks the first downturn for four quarters, with restrictive port policies highlighted as a significant impediment to seafarer welfare.
The Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) is a quarterly survey conducted by the Mission to Seafarers, in partnership with Idwal and NorthStandard, and supported by Inmarsat.
It provides vital insights into the experiences of the men and women who serve at sea, highlighting the area's most in need of attention and action.
These findings underscore the critical importance of prioritising seafarer welfare to ensure a sustainable and thriving maritime workforce.
The results of the latest survey show that dissatisfaction is partly due to some ports not actively facilitating shore access.
There is a growing perception that if a port is not proactive in supporting shore leave then it is acting as a barrier to it.
Many seafarers report feeling isolated and frustrated due to limited shore access, poorly maintained facilities, and inconvenient transport options. These challenges make it difficult for crew members to leave their vessels to rest and recharge, contributing to heightened mental strain.
These findings also highlight that while some improvements have been made in terms of interpersonal relationships and professional development, critical areas continue to undermine overall satisfaction and well-being.
Connectivity issues remain a major source of discontent. Although free Wi-Fi is often promised onboard, inadequate infrastructure means that connectivity is frequently unreliable or unusable.
This paradox leaves seafarers struggling to stay connected with family and friends, further intensifying feelings of isolation and negatively affecting morale.
Seafarers shared their concerns over stagnant wages amid rising living costs. With many seafarers feeling that their wages have not kept pace with inflation or the increasing demands of the job, leading to growing dissatisfaction.
Ben Bailey, director of programme, The Mission to Seafarers, said: '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.'
SeaNews Turkey
