Five years after the Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI) introduced the Delivering on Seafarers’ Rights Code of Conduct, many shipping companies are making strides in enhancing seafarer welfare. However, the overall improvements are not consistently reaching all seafarers across the industry. This assessment comes from a recent report titled ‘Five Years into the Code of Conduct: What’s Changed for Seafarers?,’ published by SSI in collaboration with various organizations, including the Institute for Human Rights and Business and RightShip.
The report highlights that data from RightShip’s Crew Welfare Self-Assessment (CWSA) indicates significant advancements in crew welfare. Over 1,000 companies have participated in the CWSA, representing more than 13,000 vessels and approximately 300,000 seafarers, with involvement extending beyond just the largest operators. Despite these positive developments, two new studies commissioned for the report reveal a more troubling reality for many seafarers, indicating that essential welfare aspects still need improvement.
Concerns about trust within the industry persist, as a study found that only 59% of seafarers felt safe raising serious issues without fear of repercussions. Furthermore, crew wellbeing remains a critical area needing attention, particularly in mental health training, where only 76% of CWSA participants reported adequate training. SSI emphasizes that the next five years should focus on expanding effective practices across the global fleet, urging charterers, insurers, and financiers to prioritize visible and measurable welfare standards in their decisions.
