The latest Seafarers Happiness Index report, published on August 1 by the Mission to Seafarers, reveals that seafarer happiness levels are recovering, after reaching a record low last quarter. Overall happiness has increased from 5.85 to 7.21 out of 10, with levels rising across all categories.
The survey, undertaken with the support of the Standard Club and Idwal, reports on Q2 2022 and shows that the influx of industry solutions to tackle seafarer wellbeing has finally begun to lift morale and the mindset onboard. The mood has improved with more vaccinations, more frequent crew changes, wage rises and new amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).
The survey highlighted that seafarers are happier with their shore leave and with welfare facilities when they are ashore. Now that Covid-19 restrictions are easing, more Seafarer Centres are open and able to support seafarers with the provisions they need when ashore. The biggest contributing factor to an improvement of mood has been that the most fundamental aspect of seafaring now appears more certain – knowing when you are going home.
The Q2 data also reflects that the industry is getting better at making crew changes more regularly, with 41 percent of seafarers onboard for between just one to three months.
The Reverend Canon Andrew Wright, secretary general of the Mission to Seafarers, said: “It is great to see seafarer happiness increase after such low satisfaction in the last Seafarers Happiness Index report. As always, there is much to be learned from hearing directly from seafarers on how they feel about life at sea – the positives and negatives. By listening, we can better understand, empathise, and make the necessary changes to improve seafarers’ lives and experiences.
“While it has been a difficult two years, it is nice to see some optimism return, which is largely down to the hard work the industry has done to make life better and raise spirits on board. However, there are still areas that can be improved upon, which is why it’s so critical for organisations to continue taking meaningful steps to boost seafarer happiness and crew welfare. With increased investment and thoughtful leadership, we can work together and find solutions that continue to improve the quality of life at sea for seafarers.”
