October 28 2024

Longer routes provide extra time to relax, socialize and streamline daily routines on board

‘Mission for Seafarers’ has released its Seafarer Happiness Index (SHI) report, which shows a steady increase in satisfaction level across several areas of seafarers’ lives.  SHI has increased to 7.16 in Q3 2024  from 6.99 in Q2 2024, partly due to longer sailing times caused by the Red Sea situation.

The SHI is a quarterly survey conducted by Mission in partnership with ‘Idwal’ and ‘NorthStandard’, and supported by ‘Inmarsat’. It provides vital information about the feelings and experiences of people working at sea.

Despite the apparent positive shift in seafarers’ satisfaction level, the report paints a detailed picture, outlining both improvements and ongoing challenges that need to be addressed.

The increase in seafarers’ satisfaction this quarter was partly due to the unexpected benefits of longer transit routes as a result of the tensions in the Red Sea. While the unacceptable risks faced by seafarers on ships continuing to transit high-risk waters remain a major concern, it appears that for ships using other routes, this has provided additional time to rest, socialize and improve daily routines on board. This has had a positive impact on crew morale and overall wellbeing. In addition, the extended time at sea has allowed senior officers to take on a more responsible role, sharing watch keeping duties and dedicating time to training junior crew, helping to build a sense of camaraderie and competence on board.

Seafarers also continue to praise the improvements in the quality of catering, noting that onboard meals were generally satisfactory but needed more variety. While fitness and recreational facilities are available, they are often under-utilized due to fatigue, highlighting the need for more comprehensive solutions to improve work-life balance and leisure.

Despite these improvements, significant challenges remain. Internet connectivity remains a major issue for many seafarers, particularly in areas with limited access to services such as Starlink. The lack of reliable connectivity to family and friends increases feelings of isolation and impacts morale. Additionally, limited shore leave and wage concerns continue to weigh heavily on the minds of many seafarers, affecting their overall satisfaction and mental wellbeing.

There is also growing dissatisfaction with the relevance of some training programs and calls for more practical, real-world training that better addresses the unique challenges of working at sea. Workload-related stress, particularly due to watchkeeping and jet lag, remains a major issue. Seafarers expressed concerns about the reduction of some engineering ranks, which is having a negative impact on ship maintenance and overall efficiency.

Overall, the report provides mixed reviews of shore-based initiatives to improve seafarer welfare. While some crew feel supported, others believe that better communication and coordination is needed to ensure welfare programs meet the practical needs of those at sea.

Source: https://portnews.ru/news/369621/