Survey finds that seafarers are most frustrated by wage stagnation

Seafarers are facing frustration and dissatisfaction due to wage stagnation, as revealed by a survey conducted by the Mission to Seafarers. The Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) has declined to 6.36/10 from 6.6 in the third quarter of 2023, indicating a decrease in overall satisfaction levels among seamen. The survey highlighted concerns about unpaid working hours, lack of wage rises, delayed salaries, and hidden costs from manning agents. Seafarers also feel that their pay does not adequately reflect the risks and responsibilities they shoulder while working on board.

The feedback from seafarers reveals a desire for fair compensation that aligns with the demanding nature of their work, ensuring that their efforts and contributions are duly recognized and adequately remunerated. The SHI is a quarterly survey that gauges the sentiment of seafarers and asks them 10 key questions about various aspects of their life and work at sea. The feedback and data gained from seafarers are translated into meaningful solutions for the long-term improvement of seafarer welfare.

The fall in overall happiness among seafarers reflects a decrease in sentiment across most question areas compared to the previous quarter, with concerns about lack of shore leave, lack of rest hours, excessive workload, and feeling undervalued by shore staff. The general sentiment is one of feeling unappreciated and exploited, leading to markedly lower happiness rankings.

Source .