Red Sea diversions alleviating onboard strain, latest Seafarer Happiness Index report shows

The Mission to Seafarers today published its latest Seafarer Happiness Index report, which reveals a steady increase in satisfaction in several areas of seafaring life to 7.16 in Q3 2024, marginally up from 6.99 in Q2 of this year, partly due to increased downtime that is attributed to Red Sea diversions.

The Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) is a quarterly survey undertaken by the Mission to Seafarers, delivered in association with Idwal and NorthStandard and supported by Inmarsat. The survey offers vital insights into the sentiments and experiences of the men and women who serve at sea.

While there is a clear positive shift in seafarer satisfaction, the report presents a nuanced picture, outlining both improvements and persistent concerns that need to be addressed.

The increase in seafarer happiness this quarter has in part been driven by the unexpected benefits of longer transit routes as a result of tensions in the Red Sea. Whilst the unacceptable risks faced by seafarers on vessels that continue to transit high-risk waters remains a grave concern, it seems that for vessels diverting via other routes, it is allowing additional time for rest, social activities, and establishing better onboard routines. This has positively impacted team morale and overall well-being. Additionally, the extended time at sea has enabled senior officers to take on a more supportive role, sharing watch duties and dedicating time to training junior crew members, fostering a greater sense of camaraderie and competence on board.

Seafarers also continue to appreciate improvements in food quality, noting that onboard meals have generally been well-received but with a call for greater variety. The availability of fitness and recreational facilities, while present, is often underutilised due to fatigue, highlighting the need for more holistic solutions to improve work-life balance and rest.

Despite these improvements, significant challenges remain. Internet connectivity continues to be a major frustration for many seafarers, particularly in regions with restricted access to services like Starlink. The lack of reliable communication with family and friends contributes to feelings of isolation and impacts morale. Additionally, limited shore leave and concerns about wages continue to weigh heavily on the minds of many seafarers, affecting their overall satisfaction and mental well-being.

There is also growing dissatisfaction with the relevance of some training programs, with calls for more practical, real-world training that better addresses the unique challenges of working at sea. Stress related to workloads, particularly due to watchkeeping duties and time zone changes, remains a critical issue. Seafarers have voiced concerns about the removal of certain engineering ranks, which is negatively impacting ship maintenance and overall efficiency.

Overall, the report highlights mixed feedback on shore-based initiatives aimed at improving seafarer welfare. While some crew members feel supported, others believe that more effective communication and coordination are needed to ensure that welfare programs meet the practical needs of those at sea.

Ben Bailey, Director of Programme, The Mission to Seafarers, said: “While it is encouraging to see another slight rise in seafarer happiness, this report clearly shows that significant challenges remain. Seafarers are the backbone of global trade, and we must prioritise their well-being by addressing concerns around communication, shore leave, and compensation. The benefits of longer transit routes show that even small changes can have a positive impact, but there’s more to be done to ensure our crews feel supported, respected, and rewarded for their vital work. The root cause of these diversions, however, should not be overlooked. We urge all parties to do what they can to reduce the unacceptable risks faced by seafarers from the continued attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.”

Thom Herbert, Idwal Key Account Manager and Crew Welfare Advocate, Idwal, commented: "The latest Seafarers Happiness Index findings resonate strongly with what we're seeing through our vessel inspections at Idwal. The modest increase in overall happiness to 7.16 is encouraging, but there are still clear areas needing attention. The concerns raised about inadequate training for new environmental technologies are worrying trends that require industry-wide attention. The report's emphasis on the need for improved internet connectivity and shore leave opportunities reinforces what we're seeing across the global fleet - these fundamental aspects of crew welfare cannot be overlooked if we want to attain the highest standards in shipping."

Yves Vandenborn, Head of Loss Prevention Asia-Pacific, NorthStandard, added: “It is encouraging to see another slight rise in overall seafarer happiness in Q3 (up to 7.16/10), compared to the previous quarter - albeit that key concerns around limited internet connectivity, inadequate shore leave, and feelings of isolation remain. Longer transit routes have unexpectedly allowed senior officers to engage more with junior crew members and this additional time at sea has enhanced camaraderie, but workload stress, especially related to watchkeeping and time zones, proves a significant challenge. Overall, while there are positive trends, areas like shore leave, workload, food variety and support systems need improvements to further enhance seafarers' well-being. NorthStandard will continue to collaborate with industry leaders in charting a course towards an improved working environment for seafarers worldwide.”