The development of seafarers' welfare is one of the key issues in the maritime transport industry, recently examined in the report "Five Years After the Code of Conduct: What Changes Have Been Made for Seafarers?" This report is based on three unpublished data sources and indicates significant advancements in seafarers' welfare.
Significant Progress in Employment Conditions
The report clearly identifies improvements in the employment conditions of seafarers. Over 1000 companies have participated in the assessment of seafarers' welfare (CWSA), covering a total of more than 13,000 ships and about 300,000 seafarers. Among the participants, 90% identified fair employment conditions as one of their strengths. However, the results of two recent studies on seafarers indicate that for many of them, fundamental aspects of welfare are still not at an acceptable level.
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Existing Challenges in Seafarers' Welfare
Despite the progress, 76% of seafarers in surveys reported that their wages are always paid correctly and on time, yet delays in payment and employment conditions remain serious concerns for nearly a quarter of respondents. Additionally, only 49% of seafarers believe that there were enough crew members on board their recent contracts to work safely and prevent excessive fatigue and violations of rest hours.
Trust in the maritime transport industry also remains fragile. Less than 60% of seafarers expressed that they feel secure in voicing serious concerns. Meanwhile, 41% either do not feel secure or are hesitant in this regard. In terms of seafarers' well-being, the rate of progress among CWSA companies has reached 76%, the lowest level among the assessments conducted. Although improvements are observed in this area, the trend is unstable.
Future Outlook and Need for Action
The report calls on all stakeholders in the industry, including cargo owners, insurers, investors, and regulatory bodies, to consider seafarers' welfare in their business and regulatory decisions. It emphasizes that enhancing seafarers' welfare standards is not only a moral obligation but can also contribute to improving operational performance in fleets.
Ellie Besley-Gould, CEO of the Sustainable Transport Initiative, stated that evidence from the past five years shows that good welfare can be provided, but these standards are still not part of daily life for many seafarers. She stressed the need to bridge the gap between these standards and the current reality in the next five years.
Francesca Fairbairn, a human rights expert in the transport industry, also emphasized the necessity of closing the gap between good companies and other sectors of the industry so that seafarers' rights are respected everywhere.
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