Survey Reveals Urgent Need for Diversity and Inclusion in Maritime Industry

The recent survey on disparities within the seafarer community highlighted concerning findings, particularly regarding women and LGBTQ+ members experiencing higher rates of psychological and sexual harassment. The survey revealed that 50% of women seafarers reported psychological harassment, compared to just 5.6% of the overall seafarer population. Additionally, a quarter of women seafarers reported sexual harassment, while only 1.7% of all respondents did. These disparities underscore the urgent need for the maritime industry to address the unique challenges faced by under-represented groups at sea.

One area of concern identified in the survey is the lack of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training for seafarers, especially among senior ranks. While over 75% of cadets reported receiving DEI training, the numbers dropped significantly for more experienced officers. It was suggested that embedding DEI training in induction programs for younger seafarers could help filter through to more seasoned crew over time. The survey also revealed differences in how different seafarer ranks perceive their experiences, with junior crew members less likely to report feeling discriminated against compared to middle ranks.

Despite the challenges highlighted in the survey, there were also pockets of positivity, particularly among LGBTQ+ seafarers who expressed pride in their work and confidence in their career progression. However, they were less likely to feel their contributions were valued. This presents an opportunity for companies to better understand the experiences of this community and address any disconnect. The survey data is being utilized by DSG’s member organizations in various ways, from benchmarking to identifying areas for improvement and taking action to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all seafarers.

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