“Happy at Sea” app offers seafarers pre-ordering, wellbeing services, and survey.

The Mission to Seafarers has developed a free app called Happy at Sea to help seafarers access support and services. The app is available on Apple and Android devices and will enable users to pre-order requests ahead of port visits. Seafarers will also be able to access wellbeing services offline and complete the Seafarer Happiness Index survey within the app. Tailored support will be offered to users based on their survey responses. An AI chatbot has also been included in the app to respond to frequently asked questions.

Services that seafarers can pre-order include ship visits by port welfare officers, transportation, shopping items such as SIM cards, and private pastoral counselling sessions with trained professionals. The service will be launched in Oceania from June 2023, with rollout to other locations expected “in the coming months.” The Happy at Sea app was developed with funding from DNV, Cargill, and The Seafarers’ Charity.

Ben Bailey, Director of Programme at The Mission to Seafarers, said that the goal of the Happy at Sea app is to enhance the lives of seafarers worldwide by centralising resources. Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been a significant surge in requests for support through digital channels. The app will provide seafarers with rapid access to essential facilities while also enabling them to easily track their requests, empowering teams to work more strategically within ports.

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV Maritime, said that supporting the app was an opportunity to provide essential assistance to seafarers worldwide. Eman Abdalla, Global Operations & Supply Chain Director at Cargill Ocean Transportation, stated that the company supports the app and The Mission to Seafarers’ work to improve and promote seafarers’ well-being. Deborah Layde, Chief Executive at The Seafarers’ Charity, said that co-funding the app with DNV and Cargill was a welcome addition that would increase access to services and support for seafarers. Users can register their interest on the app’s website and receive an email notification when the app goes live.

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