On 31 October, Mission to Seafarers published the findings of the Q3 2022 Seafarers’ Happiness Index report, which was conducted with the support of Standard Club and Idwal.
Seafarer happiness levels reached 7.3/10, up from 7.21 in the previous quarter, which follows a continued increase in seafarer satisfaction, following the record low of 5.85 recorded in the first quarter of this year.
The survey results show that seafarers are much happier with their access to shore leave and more confident about changes to the crew, with this, resulting in an overall increase in satisfaction, which increased from 4,8 to 5,8%.
Things that contribute to seafarers’ wellbeing are first and foremost the ability to communicate with their families, which is why good, cost-effective Wi-Fi access is vital for them and has a huge positive impact on their mental health.
In addition, the survey showed that a key area of concern is physical health and well-being. Food was an issue for many seafarers, who complained about the provision of fresh, quality food on board.
There were also complaints about the training standards of some catering crews, an issue that may need to be addressed following the tragic deaths of twelve seafarers from possible food poisoning recently.
“It is so important for the industry to hear directly from seafarers on key issues of a life at sea; this insight shapes organisations’ understanding of which areas need more attention,” commented Ben Bailey, director of programme at The Mission to Seafarers.
