Seafarer happiness plunges across the board in Q3

October 31 ------ The Seafarer Happiness Index (SHI) report for Q3 2025 from the Mission to Seafarers does not make particularly comfortable reading with deep-rooted challenges surfacing across the profession. Overall, the index fell to 7.05 out of 10 in the third quarter from 7.54 in the second quarter of the year, with growing dissatisfaction from seafarers across almost all key metrics that the index measures.

“The data paints a particularly alarming picture: nearly every measured aspect of seafarer wellbeing has deteriorated, with decline not isolated to one or two areas across almost every aspect of seafarer wellbeing, from wages and training to health and workload management,” the report commented.

The long talked about issue of crew shortage is having a significant impact on workloads with the report saying crews are being “stretched beyond sustainable limits.” One seafarer noted simply: “Minimum safe manning isn’t enough. We need more people.”

The SHI from the Mission to Seafarers is a survey of crew worldwide who answer 10 simple questions, and is produced in association with NorthStandard and Idwal, and supported Inmarsat. Taking a look at the individual components of the overall index, only one – contact with family - showed improvement in Q3 while all other eight metrics showed significant drops.

Shore leave Decreased to 6.56 from 6.96. The report said access to shore leaves continues to represent the most significant challenge surveyed. Commercial and operational pressures override seafarer welfare needs and while the industry is aware of the problem solutions remain elusive.

Wages

Decreased to 6.81 from 7.52. The substantial decrease was seen as reflecting mounting frustration with stagnant wages. Due to economic pressure companies are constraining wages even as they demand more from their crews.

Food

Decreased to 7.29 from 7.81. Food quality onboard shows significant decline suggesting cost pressures are impacting provisions. Food quality has a major impact on morale and the report notes it is one of the few daily pleasures available on vessels.

Ability to keep fit and healthy

Decreased to 7.09 from 7.82. One of the most dramatic declines in the Q3 survey suggesting operational pressures compromise the ability of seafarers to focus on physical health and fitness. “The decline in this category is particularly concerning given the known links between physical health, mental wellbeing, and safety performance,” the report said.

Training

Decreased to 6.99 from 7.75. Seafarers are seen as being dissatisfied with the training available to them and it focuses on compliance rather than professional development. Operational pressures are reducing opportunities for practical training and mentorship.

Interaction with crew

Decreased to 7.62 from 8.12. Crew interaction is the highest scoring category but still in decline. The report says it could reflect a combination of other deteriorating factors such as increased workload, reduced crewing, and general stress.

Workload

Decreased to 6.59 from 7.13. A significant decline that reveals growing concerns over work/life balance. Again, this impacts safety, health, and retention of seafarers.

Access to welfare facilities

Decreased to 6.68 from 7.23. With the continued restriction on shore leave this also impacts access to welfare facilities. While seafarers say the facilities are good, they seldom get to visit them.

Contact with family

Increased to 7.81 from 7.75. Contact with family is critical for seafarers and the slight improvement suggests investment in maritime communication technology and giving seafarers access to it is delivering results. However, a disparity between communications quality and availability on different vessels was noted.

In conclusion, the reported commented: “The most concerning aspect of this quarter’s results is not any single metric, but rather the breadth and consistency of the decline. When every aspect, aside from connectivity, of seafarer life deteriorates simultaneously - from wages and training to health and interactions - it suggests fundamental problems in how the industry is managing its human resources.”

Source: seatrade-maritime.com