Based on a survey
undertaken with the support of the Standard Club and Idwal, the
new report shows an overall fall in seafarer happiness to 6.36 out of 10. This
compares to 6.6 in Q3, 6.77 in Q2 and 7.1 in Q1 2023, and represents a
considerable decline over the course of the year. While this is an improvement
on the eight year low of 5.85 reported in April 2022, this is fourth successive
quarter to show a decline in seafarer happiness. The Q4 2023 survey results
show a wide range of reasons for this worrying trend, but common causes for
concern expressed by seafarers taking part in the survey include feeling
overburdened, underappreciated and disconnected, as well as concerns over a
lack of shore leave and an inability to contact family.
This fall in happiness is driven by a decrease in
sentiment across most areas of life on board covered by the survey, with onboard connectivity
being the only notable aspect that showed improvement. However, frustration was
expressed by some respondents over what seems to be unfair inconsistency in
vessel connectivity, with some vessels in the same fleet having better internet
access than others.
Respondents to the
Q4 2023 Seafarers Happiness Index survey also expressed concern over a lack of
social interaction and a growing sense of isolation. Whilst seafarers recognize
the benefits of spending quality time with their colleagues, much more needs to
be done to create focal points that provide time and space together, which in
turn helps to build a sense of togetherness and a team ethos onboard. Seafarers
also reiterated their concerns about stagnating wages, which are failing to
keep up with inflation, and a lack of training opportunities.
The growing security
threats to the lives of seafarers are also reflected in the results of the
survey. It is clear that the escalating risks to seafarer safety from piracy,
terrorism and war risks are having an impact on crew welfare. It is also adding
to the workload burden on seafarers, due to the ramping up of security duties
in higher risk waters. The survey also highlighted the importance of warlike
operations area payments. However, there is likely to be a lag between the
responses and the official designation of these areas. As such, the Q1 2024
survey should reveal the true impact of these changes. Looking back at 2023,
says the Mission to Seafarers, it is
clear that the emergence from COVID was not accompanied by a return to
pre-pandemic conditions for seafarers, despite an initial recovery in seafarer
happiness in 2022. Extended contracts, diminished employment terms,
downward pressure on wages and growing workload demands have undermined welfare
and working conditions. In turn, seafarers continue to call for action on shore
leave, connectivity, training, diversity, recreation, and mental health
support, in order to see their working lives transformed into more sustainable,
equitable, and fulfilling careers.
“Following the
uptick in seafarer happiness in late 2022 after the lifting of COVID
restrictions, it is very disappointing to see the downward trend in happiness
over the course of 2023,” said Canon Andrew Wright, Secretary General of The
Mission to Seafarers. “If there was ever any complacency about the
circumstances facing seafarers around the globe, these results surely dispel
that. We know that some ship owners and
managers are doing fantastic work to invest in the wellbeing of their crew, but
sadly the overall picture remains concerning.”