Seafarers

Happiness Index
Quarter 1 2022
2 Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2022
 Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2022 3

Seafarers Happiness Index

Quarter 1
The Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) is the shipping industry’s ongoing barometer of
the key issues facing those at sea today. Seafarers are asked 10 key questions every
Quarter, sharing their views about specific issues affecting their life and work.

This latest report highlights not only the findings of the Falling Happiness Levels
Q1 2022 data, but also provides a deep dive into the
responses of seafarers and the issues which they have The overall average was 5.85, down from 6.41 in the
been facing during what has been a challenging and previous Quarter. The latest Seafarers Happiness Index
turbulent period. Throughout the year, we heard from data reveals not only the lowest levels of satisfaction
crews all over the world, and we are grateful to every across 8 years of reporting, but it is also only the second
single one of them, not simply for assisting us with the time that happiness levels across all the question have
survey, but for their efforts in keeping trade flowing in fallen. This drop in happiness is against a backdrop of
these most difficult circumstances. seafarers experiencing wave after wave of problems.

Seafarers continue to work with dedication, There has been a confluence of concerns, from COVID
professionalism, care and resolve. However, many are to conflict to contracts. It appears that Q1 2022 has
facing a time like never before, with a pandemic, a war seen a rising tide of concerns and issues, which have left
and commercial decisions all impacting them. Once morale and the mood on board at an all-time low.
again, we heard calls for seafarers to be recognised as
key or essential workers. These demands cannot and
should not be ignored, and it is time that many maritime Happiness levels since start of 2021
nations supported the people who make the industry
work and global society function.
6.8

6.6
Q1 2022 – The Combined Impact of Many
Bad Things 6.4

We are hugely grateful, as ever, to the many seafarers 6.2

who took the time to share their experiences with us.
This generated vital data and written submissions which 6
allow us to report back to the industry.
5.8
Crews from across the world took time to share their
views, feelings, experiences, and comments about life at 5.6
sea, providing incredibly powerful and important insight
into key issues for seafarers today. 5.4
21

21

21

21

22
20

20

20

20

20
1

1
Q

Q
Q

Q
Q
4 Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2022

Realities Bite
Early in the Quarter, we heard from seafarers who were once more facing the
realities of COVID-19. The Omicron variant was ripping through many countries, and
seafarers were again in the firing line, unable to leave vessels, with travel plans ripped
up, and in some instances, fearful of entering certain ports.

Then mid-Quarter, prompted by Russia’s invasion of The twin problems of COVID and conflict would
Ukraine, we heard from seafarers who were concerned already be enough to undermine and drive satisfaction
about their families and worried by tensions on board. levels down. However, the Quarter also had one other
Initially, there were hopes that relationships on ships significant issue to throw up, that of employment rights
with mixed nationality crews would not be too badly and contractual issues.
impacted. Indeed, there were many Russians and
Ukrainians actively working together to try and ensure We heard from seafarers who spoke of concerns about
that relationships did not suffer, and that life on board abandonment, as they were concerned as to whether
could continue as “normally” as possible. wages would be paid. While other seafarers wrote
of their anger and frustration about contracts being
Alas, as the war has raged, and as news has reached automatically extended even when they were desperate
vessels, that veneer of normality and continued to return home.
camaraderie has been sorely tested, and in some cases
destroyed. We heard some reports of Masters and Chief All in all, Q1 2022 has seen so many issues combine and
Officers unable to exchange work-related information collide that it is no wonder there has been such a drop
or refusing to speak to each other. That has a very in the data. With falling happiness levels, we tend to
concerning implication not only for social cohesion on find that seafarers open up and share more about their
board, but safety too. feelings, experiences and their impressions of what it
is to be at sea today. We received one message which
We heard reports of Russian and Ukrainian crews captured the tough reality felt by many.
feeling increasingly unable to work together. Russians
and Ukrainians make up about 15% of the global
workforce, and there is also a knock-on effect for
a far wider seagoing population. We heard of rising
tensions between a range of nations, with written
responses stating that seafarers from a host of nations,
but particularly Poland, Romania and Bulgaria, were
struggling to work with crews containing Russian
seafarers.

Disinformation appears to have exacerbated issues.

Seafarers spoke of the difficulties as news or reports
from the conflict reached their vessels. Though
respondents did not explicitly state how it was reaching
them, they did say that while online sources played a
part, there was also talk of more traditional maritime
communications being used, with concerns that VHF
traffic was provoking negative reactions on vessels. It
seems the conflict in Ukraine threatens to destroy the
delicate social fabric on board many vessels.
 Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2022 5

While the data gathered is about seafarers working

at sea, we also received feedback from maritime
professionals and executives working ashore.
These were messages not only of support and
solidarity with seafarers, but also concerns about
the atmosphere inside shipping companies,
owners, operators and managers ashore. They
spoke of their own fatigue and stress, and of having
to make difficult decisions to keep vessels running.

It is clear that issues at sea are not insulated from

those ashore. Whatever happens on land can have
massively problematic repercussions for crews. We
have reached an extremely concerning juncture,
where so many are suffering as they wrestle with
problems, demands, stresses and the need to keep
vessels working.

Reading the words of seafarers facing such

difficulties and trying their best to cope highlights
how important it is for the industry to hear what
goes on, and to find answers. Answers are out
there, and while they cannot fix the wider, bigger
realities shaping the world, some companies do all
they can to support their seafarers and make life
better at sea.

“
We heard from crews on some vessels who have
been able to focus increasingly on welfare and
Life at sea is getting increasingly wellbeing. These are vessels where investments
depressing each day, not much being have been made and on which life is as enjoyable,
comfortable and engaging as it can be. Some
done about the seafarer’s welfare
have dedicated funds and management support
the so-called key workers running for wellbeing events and activities, such as weekly
the whole industry. Hectic work gatherings, quizzes, karaoke, sports, TikTok video
schedules, no social life, with so much making, movie nights, and monthly barbecues.
technological advancement getting
With the right financial backing and the support of
a basic internet connection is still a leadership, there can be more focus on quality of
luxury for most seafarers when it’s life. There is much to be learned from those who
almost a basic necessity these days. care, and who invest in ways to make seafarers’
The workload is getting increasingly lives and experiences better.

high with minimum crews on board, We cannot fix all the issues, but by listening we
rest hours are only complied with on can empathise and understand their impact. We
paper, yet none of the authorities pay can also, as an industry, learn from the positives.
heed. Shipping has become a floating We can hear what some companies and crews are
doing to make life better, to raise smiles and spirits,
jail, where you’re just expected to
and we can encourage all to try and find their path
work endlessly like robots without to seafarers’ happiness.
questioning the work scenario. If money
was not a concern, I don’t see a single
seafarer willing to come back to sea.

“
6 Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2022

Ship Type 1
1
1
Bulk Carrier
Tanker
3 2
Container 5
Offshore
7
General Cargo
42
Cruise
Ferry 16
Survey
Ro-Ro
Dredger
22

6.8 6.77 6.6 6.5 6.48 6.36

5.75
5.36 5.29
4.96
Container
General Cargo

Tanker
Bulk Carrier
Superyacht

Offshore
Dredger
Survey

Ro-Ro
Cruise

Ferry

Happiness by ship type

 Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2022 7

Age Range
1

16-25
25-35 4 10
35-45 13
45-55
55-65
65+

26 46

7.06

6.08 6.13 6.06

5.83

16-25 25-35 35-45 45-55 55-65 65+

Happiness by age
8 Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2022

Ranks 1
1
Deck Crew
Second Officer
4 3
Third Officer 4
Catering Department 25
5
Captain
6
Engine Crew
Third Engineer 6
Chief Officer 12
6
Electrical Department
Deck Cadet 7
11
Chief Engineer 9
Second Engineer
Engine Cadet
Fourth Engineer

7.12
6.8 6.72
6.14 6.09
5.8
5.6
5.4 5.31
5.09 5 4.86 4.7

3.58
Second Engineer
Catering Department

Electrical Dept.
Fourth Engineer

Chief Officer
Second Officer
Chief Engineer

Third Engineer
Engine Cadet
Engine Crew

Third Officer

Deck Cadet
Deck Crew

Captain

Happiness by rank
 Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2022 9

Gender
Male
Female
5 2
Prefer not to say
Other

94

6
5.64

3.83
Prefer not to say

1
Other
Male

Male

Happiness by gender
10 Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2022

Flag State
Liberia
Marshall Islands 4 3
Hong Kong (China) 4
4 23
Panama
4
United States of America
5
Japan
Singapore 8
Malta
22
Bahamas
10
China
13
United Kingdom

Trip Length
1-3 months
3-6 months 7
6-9 months 7 21
9-12 months
Over 12 months

28

37
 Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2022 11

How happy generally when at sea?

5.92 ↓ from 6.56
We received a range of responses relating to and The issue of contract extensions was repeatedly
explaining the sense of satisfaction, or otherwise, when mentioned, and this was a cause of much frustration.
it came to the issue of general happiness. As one seafarer stated, “Not happy when even after
completing my contract I am told to sign extension
There were positive responses, and where seafarers for 2 months without any crew change plan. When I
felt happiest, they spoke of enjoying their job and the ask why 2 months, I am told the extension is only for
importance of having good relationships with others immigration /inspection purposes!!!” The seafarer added,
on board. By contrast, there were also many written “Now I don’t know when I will actually sign off...!!!”
responses featuring comments about the less positive
aspects of life at sea. The potential impacts on mental health are obvious.
These are seafarers who want to go home and who are
We received comments about the lack of internet being effectively forced to remain on board. This is a
access, and not being able to receive crew emails. This recipe for disaster.
is an area of life on board which continues to negatively
impact those affected, and one which will be explored While we heard from very few female seafarers, it was
in more detail in Question 2. powerful to hear of the struggles that one individual felt.
She stated, “I have a difficult path ahead and due to the
When it came to other problem areas, we received a limited number of female sailors in my country, I have to
range of responses. These clustered around manning fight with all this and keep myself happy”.
issues, with some relating to “toxic relationships”,
and the issue of tensions on board between some
nationalities – something which will be seen further in
Question 8.

Some likened their time on ship to getting used to a

completely new life, which felt akin to “space adaptation
syndrome”, as they adjusted to the disorienting effects,
and a life “turned upside down”. Others felt that with
“very little happiness and very low salary” all they could
do was try to make the best of a challenging situation.

No shore leave, no increment of wages, extension

of contract due to pandemic restrictions.
12 Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2022

How happy about contact

with family when at sea?
6.39 ↓ from 6.92
As mentioned in the previous question, the issue of When vessels do not have such connectivity, then
connectivity and contact with families and loved ones seafarer responses were unsurprisingly frustrated.
at home is something that shapes the happiness of A large number of comments stated, “no internet”,
seafarers massively. though perhaps the issue was best summed up by one
respondent who stated, “not having Wi-Fi is the biggest
Some were positive, and one message stated: “If internet challenge on board and the voyages we take are long
sim card is affordable, it’s easy to have communication voyages which means we only talk to our loved ones
with our family and Wi-Fi signal of the ship is strong”. after two months. Sometimes when we reach port you
This is a common message from the Index, that vessels find that sim cards are expensive”.
with good, cost-effective internet provision have the
happiest crews by far. A host of similar responses were received, and there
were concerns about broken equipment, slow
connections, weak signals and expensive rates.

How happy about access to shore leave?

4.14 ↓ from 4.63
The issue of shore leave has been hugely, perhaps While this is a seemingly universal issue for seafarers at
fundamentally, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. the moment, it is important to assess what impact this
For this reason, the responses are usually the lowest has. One respondent captured the mood well, stating,
across the data set. “due to covid-19 restrictions of different port of calls
nowadays, seafarers have no access to shore leave
It is no surprise, therefore, to see this issue once again which makes us very unhappy. We cannot unwind or
perform so poorly. Time and time again, respondents release work pressures within the ships”
stated “no shore leave”, “port restrictions”, “no access”, .
and variations of a very similar theme.

Not having Wi-Fi is the biggest challenge on

board and the voyages we take are long voyages
which means we only talk to our loved ones
after two months.
 Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2022 13

How happy about wages/salary?

5.59 ↓ from 6.29
The issue of wages often raises a very diverse set of Seafarers tend to feel this acutely, and often believe
responses. Some feel that they are paid sufficiently, and that they should be receiving salary increases. Indeed,
indeed are grateful to be in employment. Those who felt repeated responses stated it was too long since their last
positive said the wages were good and they were paid pay rise.
on time, and as expected.
While we only received a couple of responses about
Others feel frustrated about the perceived drop in living potential abandonment, it seems that there could be
standards that they are experiencing. This is especially problems ahead. One respondent said, “I feel lied to, no
prevalent currently as the cost of living rises rapidly payment received but they keep saying soon. How long
across many nations. is soon?”

How happy about the food on board?

6.05 ↓ from 6.66
Food and meals on board any vessel are a focal point Where there were issues, they seemed to relate either to
around which the working day, and indeed entire trips the budget for the food, the standard of training of the
are built. This means that there is great importance catering crew, or the focus on providing the wrong food
placed not only on the food itself but the dining types – such as salty or fried foods too often.
experience.
There were concerns that the budget has not been
For many respondents, the food was well-received. increased in line with the inflation of stores costs. This
There were many comments which simply said “good issue was raised repeatedly, with feeding rates of around
food”. There was praise where Chief Cooks were $8 mentioned. With the rising cost of ingredients and
delivering nutritious and tasty meals. “Chief Cook is the goods globally it seems that many companies will need
best”, was one comment. Another stated, “Very yummy to revisit these rates and upwardly adjust even to just
always new dishes”. maintain current standards. Meanwhile, differentials for
nationalities were also a cause of discontent.
Seafarers who enjoy their food are usually far happier
across the board than those who do not. So, getting this
right can have massive implications for satisfaction and
the atmosphere on board.

Chief Cook is good but the budget of food on

board is small compared to other companies.
14 Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2022

How happy about your ability to keep

fit and healthy on board?
6.45 ↓ from 6.78
Parallel to the issue of good nutrition and a healthy diet It is noticeable that the seafarers who have access and
is that of fitness and exercise. This is a hugely important time to exercise show an increased level of happiness
part of life at sea, perhaps even more so these days as across a wide range of questions. It is clear that the
shore leave is so unlikely. It is in the gym or out on deck impact of keeping fit and active is not just physical; there
that seafarers have a chance to put some of their daily are major mental health and well-being advantages too.
stresses behind them – that is if they have the time and
space to do so.

There were many positive responses to this question,

and it is apparent on some vessels that there are
excellent provisions for exercise. Respondents
commented along the lines of, “Very good gym
equipment on board” and “I always find time to keep
physically fit and healthy on board”.

How happy about the training you receive?

6.3 ↓ from 7.21
We received varied responses relating to training. Some However, as is to be expected, there were some contrary
were extremely positive and said how good the training views too. Concerns were voiced that some areas
they receive is. They were enthusiastic and grateful, need additional provision, especially on vessels with no
stating how helpful it is to refresh knowledge and receive dedicated electrician. Some of the most junior members
additional information. A sense of training and being of the crew felt that they were sent off to perform menial
“good” and “informative” came from many responses. tasks instead of being able to observe operations. There
was also concern from some that computer-based
It was very encouraging to read of the difference that it training tasks had to be completed on rest days.
makes to the safety on board, and one response stated,
“Drills and training on board are very good that makes us Some questioned the levels of training needed, as they
competent and safe. Quick response to emergencies”. feel overwhelmed and have doubts as to how important
some of the courses are. Cost was also an issue,
especially when the burden is carried by the individual
seafarer.

I work 12 hours a day, so finding the time

and motivation to exercise after a long day
is hard. However, the ship has a decent gym
so that’s helpful.
 Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2022 15

How happy about interaction

with other crew on board?
6.82 ↓ from 7.42
As stated in relation to food and the impact of As covered in our special feature for this edition of the
current shore leave restrictions, we are seeing more SHI, there are even more serious issues currently at play.
emphasis placed on interactions on board. Are people There are real concerns about the impact of geopolitics
getting along? Is there a social life, activities, a sense on Russian and Ukrainian seafarers in particular.
of camaraderie and enjoyment, or are there issues?
Increasingly we have seen that interactions are more We received very angry and distressed responses about
important than ever, but alas it seems that relationships the difficulties of mixed nationality crews and crews
are difficult on board. with differing viewpoints. Where senior members of the
shipboard team were unwilling to communicate, there
For those seafarers who experience positive interactions, were grave concerns not just for interactions, but for the
there were many comments about having “good entire safety of vessels.
friends”, and that there were “good relationships and
cooperation”. This is perhaps well-captured by the old
maritime adage, “Happy master, happy crew”.

That said there were some areas of concern, especially

from people who felt going back to their cabins meant
that social cohesion was suffering. There were negative
statements received about not having enough to do as a
team on board.

Toxic relationships, everybody seems

to have issues with each other.
16 Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2022

How happy with your workload?

5.92 ↓ from 6.3
Workload is a vitally important part of the shipboard We received some concerns about the level of requests
life. As with issues such as wages and training, we often for information from shore executives, especially when
receive a very diverse set of results to this question, and information was demanded without much consideration
this has once again been the case. for where a vessel was, or what it was doing. There were
also concerns that the Master is becoming more of an
Some feel things are ok, and that the workload is to be “office worker”. That is a source of much discontent.
expected, while others raise concerns and point out There were also concerns that “decarbonisation”
areas of operation where perceived shortfalls in manning measures have increased workload, but there were
may be a problem. no details on how or why – perhaps this is an area to
monitor for future developments.
There is also the perennial shipboard issue of
paperwork and administrative tasks. This is an industry- It seems to be an increasing trend that vessels are sailing
wide issue, and it is to be hoped that leading companies without a fourth engineer. This means that the usual
can find better ways of dealing with such demands on maintenance schedules are harder to follow, and if there
their people. are any problems or mechanical issues, then everything
is made even more challenging.

Too much. Master is being turned into an office

worker and not for the safety of the ship.
 Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2022 17

How happy with welfare facilities

when you are ashore?
4.92 ↓ from 5.39
With shore leave proving so difficult to access it is no For instance, respondents stated their very simple desire
surprise that the question of welfare provisions ashore is to have an occasional trip to a local shopping mall when
equally problematic. Response after response read, “no they arrive in a port, adding that to do so, they want
shore leave”, “cannot access”, “have not been ashore”. good, safe, reliable, secure, cheap transport. Transport is
Even where seafarers have been able to get ashore, available through port-based welfare organisations such
unfortunately some centres have been closed due to as The Mission to Seafarers, but current port restrictions
national restrictions. mean that many seafarers are being denied such basic
services when in port.
For those who were able to get ashore and use facilities,
then they were grateful and said how good they were.
What did come across from this question was the
changing nature of what seafarers want to do, and how
they need support in accessing this.

Time has changed the things we do when ashore.

These days we only want to go shopping in malls,
and ease of transport or access to transport in/out
of the port is very very much needed.
 18 Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2022

Where

8%
North
America

Regions and happiness

10

6
3%
5 Africa
4

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 Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2022 19

9%
Eastern
Europe 6%
North Asia

8%
Western
Europe

35%
South East
Asia

17%
Indian Sub-
continent

14%
Middle
East
20 Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2022

Conclusion
With Q1 2022 providing the lowest happiness rankings yet across the Seafarers
Happiness Index reporting periods, it is clear that the combined effect of many issues
is being borne by seafarers.

The average index result of 5.85/10 represents a We did, however, hear from crew on vessels which are
significant fall on the previous period, and signals seeking to make life at sea as pleasant and enjoyable
another period of falling sentiment. as possible. There is much to be learned from these
companies and ships – and there is a clear correlation
In reading the responses from seafarers, it is clear that between good connectivity, high quality food, time for
many of the issues which have long been problematic rest, recuperation and recreation, and the happiness
remain so, while new problems have also arisen. levels of those on board.

The perennial problems of shore leave, connectivity, Thank you

food and exercise all saw drops in happiness. These then
combined with outside influences, such as COVID-19, Thank you to all those seafarers who took the time to
deteriorating relationships on board, and a worrying rise share their thoughts with us. We always need more data,
in potential abandonments to make for a toxic cocktail and to hear the stories of more seafarers, and for those
which has impacted seafarers hard. who have already done so, to share again. So please visit
www.happyatsea.org to complete the survey.
Another concerning trend was that of junior
watchkeeping ranks seemingly being removed or We would like to thank our 2022 sponsors, specialist
replaced by non-ticketed crew. This means more work marine and energy insurer Standard Club and global
for the officers who remain, and this in turn often results leader in vessel inspections, benchmarking and analysis
in fatigue and frustration. Idwal. We must also thank the companies which have
approached us about setting up bespoke happiness
surveys for their own fleets so they can benchmark
their own performance against the wider population of
seafarers.

Q1 2022 Results

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 Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2022 21

What makes your

crew happy at sea?
The Mission to Seafarers is now able to run bespoke
Happiness Surveys for your crew, so you can benchmark
your quality of care against the international survey.
If you’re interested in finding out more, contact
ben.bailey@missiontoseafarers.org

www.happyatsea.org
The Mission to Seafarers
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United Kingdom
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Tel: +44(0)20 7248 5202

Fax: +44(0)20 7246 4761
Email: HappinessIndex@missiontoseafarers.org

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