A new study published by The Mission to Seafarers indicates that overall seafarer satisfaction has decreased. In this report, six out of ten metrics related to seafarers' lives have declined, with only those metrics related to life onboard improving. In contrast, metrics related to onshore interactions, including internet access, shore leave, and onshore welfare, are all deteriorating.
Increased Cohesion Among Crews
Despite existing challenges, interactions among crew members have increased, reaching 7.70, the highest score in this survey. Seafarers have repeatedly referred to their supportive crew as "family." The report warns that this cohesion may be mistakenly perceived as acceptable working conditions.
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Shore leave continues to be recognized as the lowest metric, decreasing from 5.72 to 5.46. This decline is attributed to shorter stays in port, remote terminals, security restrictions, and minimal crew numbers. One seafarer reported having no shore leave over four consecutive contracts.
Severe Decline in Internet Access
Internet access has faced a severe decline from 7.46 to 6.89, driven by rising expectations from seafarers. Seafarers are now questioning whether internet access is affordable and reliable enough to support their family lives. Data limitations force them to economize on home calls.
Ben Bailey, program director at The Mission to Seafarers, said, "Seafarers tell us that their shipmates have kept them together, and this should prompt us to think. Strong relationships onboard are something to be celebrated, but they cannot replace proper support onshore. When shore leave disappears for consecutive contracts and contact with family must be limited, we are asking crews to endure problems that the industry must solve. The resilience they show is a clear warning."
Gert-Jan Panken, Managing Director and Vice President of Inmarsat Maritime, added, "The latest seafarer satisfaction index reflects the remarkable resilience of seafarers and the importance of strong relationships and community onboard. It also provides valuable insights into how we as an industry can improve their experience at sea. Internet access continues to play a crucial role in seafarer welfare, and expectations are changing."
Toma Herbert, Head of Global Strategic Accounts at Idwal and part of the seafarer support team, said, "When our inspectors go onboard, the state of the ship and the welfare of the crew are rarely separate stories. A tired and stressed crew cannot maintain the ship well. This report shows that crews have maintained the situation through their commitment to each other. This should be concerning for anyone involved with a ship. Crew welfare is not a soft issue; it is part of the state of the ship."
The seafarer satisfaction index is a quarterly survey conducted by The Mission to Seafarers in collaboration with Idwal and Inmarsat, providing vital insights into the lives and experiences of those working at sea.
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