Seafarers worldwide are grappling with significant challenges, including fatigue, anxiety, and limited medical access, as highlighted by new research from Cardiff University’s Seafarers International Research Centre. The study, based on anonymous questionnaires and interviews with over 2,400 workers from cargo and cruise sectors, reveals that more than a third of cargo workers reported insufficient sleep within the past 48 hours, primarily due to demanding work hours and anxiety.
The findings indicate a troubling increase in anxiety and homesickness among cargo workers, particularly affecting senior officers. Alarmingly, nearly one in five cargo seafarers who suffered serious injuries or illnesses did not receive timely medical attention, often due to the absence of qualified medics on board. This lack of medical care exacerbates the already challenging conditions faced by the 1.5 million seafarers working at sea.
Cruise ship workers also reported high levels of sleep deprivation, with nearly half feeling they hadn’t rested adequately. While they generally had better access to medical care, many still dealt with demanding schedules and shared accommodations. Both sectors expressed a strong desire for improved wellbeing amenities, including better sleeping arrangements and access to facilities like saunas. The 2024 SEAFiT Crew Survey further underscores declining satisfaction with mental health support and healthcare coverage among seafarers.
