Seafarers Happiness Index:
Addressing the Digital Divide and Welfare Disparities

The latest Seafarers Happiness Index report from the Mission to Seafarers offers a detailed perspective on the well-being of those working at sea. While the overall happiness index rose slightly to 6.99 in the second quarter 2024, (up from 6.94 in the first quarter) the report highlights significant concerns about emerging disparities, particularly a “digital divide” in accessing modern communication technologies and inequalities in training and preparedness for new fuels and technologies.

The Growing Digital Divide

The survey, supported by Idwal, an international ship inspection corporation, and North Standard, a marine insurance company, underscores a growing divide between seafarers with access to modern communication technologies and those without. Connectivity has become a vital component of life at sea, allowing seafarers to stay in touch with their families and friends, which significantly improves their quality of life. However, many seafarers still lack access to these technologies, resulting in feelings of isolation and disconnectedness.

Disparities in Training and Preparedness

The report also highlights disparities in training and preparedness for new fuels and technologies, which vary significantly among different types of vessels. Tanker crews generally feel more prepared for these advancements as compared to their counterparts on dry cargo and container ships. This disparity points to a broader issue of unequal access to training opportunities, which could have serious implications for safety and efficiency in the maritime industry.

Despite these concerns, the report reveals several positive trends. Improvements in shore leave, wages, training, crew interaction, and workload have contributed to a slight increase in the happiness index. Shore leave is particularly crucial for seafarers’ mental and physical health; however, it remains limited by port schedules and local regulations. Access to recreational facilities is also essential, though often inadequate in terms of quality and safety. Cost-cutting measures have led to repetitive, unappetizing meals, negatively impacting crew morale as a whole.

Cultural Dynamics and Workload Variations

The multicultural nature of ship crews offers both opportunities and challenges. While it promotes cultural exchange, it also can create difficult social dynamics.

Andrew Wright, Secretary-General of the Mission to Seafarers, emphasized the importance of addressing these disparities. “Every single seafarer deserves access to the fundamentals needed for a safe and rewarding life at sea,” he stated. Thom Herbert, Key Account Manager for Asia and Crew Welfare Advocate at Idwal, expressed concern over the ‘two-speed’ industry, particularly regarding connectivity and readiness for new technologies. “It’s crucial that the industry addresses the digital divide and ensures equal access to training opportunities across all vessel types,” Herbert said.

Yves Vandenborn, Head of Loss Prevention Asia-Pacific at North Standard, noted the positive trend in the happiness index and highlighted the increase in female participation in the industry, which rose to 15% from 9% in the previous quarter. “There remains room for improvement in satisfaction levels for connectivity, health, and fitness,” Vandenborn also remarked.

Moving Forward

The Seafarers Happiness Index report provides valuable insights into the well-being of seafarers, highlighting both positive trends and critical areas for improvement. Addressing the digital divide, ensuring equal access to training, and enhancing shore leave and recreational facilities are essential steps toward improving the lives of those who work at sea. As the industry continues to evolve, it is vitally important to prioritize the welfare of seafarers, and to make sure they have the necessary support and resources to thrive in their difficult and demanding roles.

We at the Herd Law Firm are proud to fight for seamen, maritime workers and passengers in all types of personal injury and death claims. As maritime personal injury attorneys located in northwest Houston, we never waver in our commitment to help these maritime workers, passengers, and their families when they are injured or mistreated.

8/7/2024

Read the Seafarer Happiness Index Report 2024 for the second quarter here.