CREW satisfaction levels dropped in the first quarter of 2023, the latest Seafarers Happiness Index report has found.
Published by the Mission to Seafarers, the quarterly report aims to monitor the wellbeing of the global maritime workforce through ongoing surveys.
Previous reports had indicated crew happiness was on the rise after the plunging during the pandemic, but the latest report suggests the positive trend has reversed.
The index fell from 7.69 out of a possible 10 in the fourth quarter of 2022 to 7.1 in the first quarter of this year.
Mission to Seafarers said the results indicate growing frustrations among respondents; nine of out of 10 survey areas showed a decrease in happiness levels.
The exception was connectivity at sea, however seafarers still reported issues relating to data allowances, internet speed and connectivity limitations.
Seafarers also highlighted shore leave and access to shore-based welfare services as areas of concern.
They also reported growing frustration with owners who supposedly attempt to make seafarers sign on for longer periods than desired, and with delays experienced in sign-off procedures.
And, the challenges of extended periods on board were reportedly more difficult because of inadequate food provisions, bureaucratic and unnecessary paperwork demands, ineffective shipboard leadership and a sense of social isolation.
Mission to Seafarers secretary general Rev Canon Andrew Wright said declining happiness levels across the board illustrate why there can be zero complacency over the conditions seafarers find themselves in.
“We are committed to working with the shipping industry to address the challenges facing seafarers and improve their welfare,” he said.
“The SHI is an important tool in this work, and we are grateful to all the seafarers who participated in the survey.”
Mission to Seafarers undertook the survey with support from Idwal and marine insurer NorthStandard.
NorthStandard director of loss prevention Yves Vandenborn said it was unfortunate to see a dip in satisfaction levels following the incremental rise reported in 2022.
“Persistent frustrations with shore leave and challenges with extended periods on board appear to have had a negative impact on scoring as the pace of industry-wide improvement to these areas has been slow,” Captain Vandenborn said.
“There is also a growing awareness amongst seafarers of the disparities in terms of provision of connectivity, access to mental health support and wellbeing programs offered to crew by companies across the industry.
“NorthStandard will continue raising awareness of these important wellbeing aspects to support positive change, improve job satisfaction, productivity and retention among seafarers.”
And Idwal senior marine surveyor Thom Herbert said it was “very frustrating” to hear about ongoing issues with lack of shore leave and sign-off procedures.
“Moving out of the pandemic does not make lack of shore leave any less of an issue and we need to keep a spotlight on this to ensure it improves.
“I was particularly interested to hear about the challenges related to onboard meals, food budgets and quality, etcetera.
“As a former seafarer, I know how important good nutrition and good food is to keep you healthy and motivated. Good mealtimes together can also go a long way to help the onboard culture and camaraderie. Getting food right for people is basic and we should be doing better.”
Mission to Seafarers, NorthStandard, Idwal and Inmarsat met at an executive crew welfare roundtable at the recent Singapore Maritime Week 2023 to discuss the latest report.
They plan to use data and insights from the index to find a solution to ongoing challenges.
