The latest Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) from The Mission to Seafarers indicates a slight improvement in seafarers’ wellbeing, with the happiness score rising to 7.26 out of 10 in Q4 2025, compared to 7.05 in the previous quarter. This quarterly survey, conducted in partnership with Idwal and NorthStandard, aims to provide critical insights into life at sea and highlight areas needing urgent attention to support a sustainable maritime workforce.
Despite this uptick, the findings reveal that seafarers are still grappling with significant pressures, particularly related to geopolitical issues such as sanctions and complex legal frameworks. Many respondents expressed concerns about being inadvertently involved in crimes beyond their control. Additionally, rising workloads remain a pressing issue, with some seafarers logging over 84 hours weekly, often without adequate rest due to negligence in regulations.
Operational intensity continues to be a major stressor, as reduced crew numbers and increased administrative tasks add to the demands placed on seafarers. Connectivity, while essential for wellbeing, has introduced new challenges, with many reporting a sense of digital presence but physical absence. Although there are improvements in job satisfaction and wage management, these have not returned to earlier highs.
Experts emphasize the need for ongoing efforts to support seafarers. Ben Bailey from The Mission to Seafarers cautioned that while the SHI shows a positive trend, it does not signal a return to normalcy. Thom Herbert from Idwal and Yves Vandenborn from NorthStandard echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of prioritizing crew welfare to ensure the long-term sustainability of the maritime industry amidst ongoing challenges.
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