Seafarer Happiness Index falls

The latest Seafarer Happiness Index noted a tension between increased connectivity and shipboard cohesion, as the overall happiness level dropped.

The first quarter data brings a score of 7.1 out of 10, down from the 7.69 recorded in the fourth quarter of 2022 – an all-time high. Of the 10 domains that make up the index, only connectivity saw an increase, albeit a slight one.

“Interestingly, however, there was not all good news in this regard. The impact on social cohesion on board has been mentioned and it is clearly something that needs to be managed very carefully and considerately,” the report reads.

The authors also noted a historical trend for values ​​to start low at the beginning of the year and rise as the year progresses.

Access to welfare and shore leave were the main problem areas, also identified in the most recent report. Shore leave happiness levels fell to 6.23 in the latest report from 6.76 in the fourth quarter of 2022, with COVID-19 restrictions still affecting crew members’ ability to go ashore.

China and Saudi Arabia have been identified as regions where full post-pandemic shore leave access is yet to be restored.

“The inability to take shore leave or the limited ability to go ashore was described as a dull life at sea and seriously affected crew members’ well-being and lowered morale on board,” the report reads.

In addition, some crew members report that they are too tired or do not have enough time to go ashore where possible.

The report found an increasing dichotomy between the need for social cohesion on board and the impact of increased connectivity on seafarers’ willingness to socialize with the rest of the crew. Instead of a simple case of increased connectivity leading to less socialization, the report says the problem is more complex.

“People don’t interact, engage, or spend time in shared spaces because there isn’t enough to entice or encourage them to do so. Seafarers feel there is a huge gaping hole at the center of the social experience on board. With this in mind, many are more than content to switch off and just be alone in their space, using online access as a consolation for a lack of cohesion,” the report reads.

The key issues identified by respondents in the latest Seafarer Happiness Index report were:

1. A decline in seafarers’ satisfaction and the general trend towards declining levels of satisfaction. Only connectivity saw an increase during this reporting period. 2. Once again we came back to issues such as lack of shore leave and delays in permitting processes that were causing frustration. 3. Reports of attempts by some owners to trick seafarers into checking in longer than desired, which is a departure from previous practices. 4. Challenges in managing prolonged periods on board were compounded by poor quality food, paperwork demands, ineffective onboard leadership and a sense of social isolation. 5. Widening wellness gap between companies that offer health and wellbeing programs for seafarers and those that do not. 6. Concerns about access to dental care in some ports. 7. Some seafarers reported limited access to psychological support, medical counseling services and physical well-being counselling. 8. Connectivity issues at sea, including concerns about data volumes, internet speeds and connectivity limitations. 9. Different quality of Internet connection at sea in different companies. 10. Optimism that Starlink will transform connectivity at sea. 11. Concerns about salaries, cost of living, lack of scope for financial growth, and potential barriers to career advancement. 12. Challenges related to onboard meals, including inadequate food budgets, poor food quality and hygiene, unqualified cooks and a lack of nutrition education. 13. Importance of positive onboard interactions for seafarers’ well-being and job satisfaction. 14. The dichotomy between the impact of internet connectivity and seafarers’ willingness to engage on board. 15. Insufficient onboard entertainment makes it difficult for people to find a reason to get together. 16. Need for more engaging activities and shared spaces to encourage crew members to interact. 17. Workload, fatigue and high pressure situations impede interactions between crew members. 18. Bureaucracy and unnecessary jobs add to workload and stress. 19. Mixed perception of rules and regulations among seafarers.

   Source: News Network