The latest Seafarers Happiness Index report, published by The Mission to Seafarers, reveals that seafarers’ happiness levels are recovering, following a record low last quarter.
“It is great to see seafarer happiness increase after such low satisfaction in the last Seafarers Happiness Index report. As always, there is much to be learned from hearing directly from seafarers on how they feel about life at sea – the positives and negatives. By listening, we can better understand, empathise and make the necessary changes to improve seafarers’ lives and experiences,” said Revd Canon Andrew Wright, secretary general of The Mission to Seafarers.
More specifically, overall happiness has increased from 5.85 to 7.21/10, with levels rising in all categories.
The research, carried out with the support of Standard Club and Idwal, refers to the second quarter of 2022.
It appears that the influx of industry solutions to address seafarer welfare is finally starting to lift morale and mindset on board.
More vaccinations, more frequent crew changes, wage increases and new amendments to the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) have significantly affected seafarers’ optimism.
The survey highlighted that seafarers are more satisfied with their shore leave and welfare facilities when they are ashore. Now that Covid restrictions are being eased, more Seafarer Centers are open and able to support seafarers with the supplies they need when ashore.
Data from Q2 reflect that the industry is getting better at making crew changes more regularly, with 41% of seafarers on board for 1 to 3 months, according to the report.
“While there is an increase in the score this quarter, and cause for optimism, for every positive we see there are many more negatives that still need to be addressed,” noted Thom Herbert, Idwal crew welfare advocate and senior marine surveyor.
“Hours of work and rest continue to be in conflict, and the individual instances quoted in the report indicate that this issue needs more focus. Communication with home remains a major challenge, and although it’s good to hear that there is seafarer positivity around the MLC changes, the reality is likely to be disappointing. It is good to hear reports of an increase in the number of on-board wellbeing initiatives, although, from our experience, this seems to be an exception rather than the rule,” he concluded.
