According to the Seafarers Happiness Index, a quarterly survey conducted by the Mission to Seafarers, based on data from Quarter 4 of 2024, the general happiness index dropped to 6.9 from 7.05 of the previous quarter.

A key stressor identified this quarter was contract length. Even with Maritime Labor Convention limits, contracts can still be longer than some seafarers prefer. Many respondents expressed that being away for up to nine months is too long to sustain mental, physical, and emotional well-being amidst constant work demands. Extended time at sea can also put a strain on personal relationships and mental health.

Another critical issue was the strong link between leadership and crew morale. Seafarers who report positive experiences with their superiors tend to feel more satisfied overall. In contrast, poor leadership amplifies stress and dissatisfaction, with many seafarers mentioning the positive impact of “calm” leadership.

Frustrations with port operations, particularly garbage management, were also highlighted. Seafarers feel exasperated when they carefully segregate waste, only to see it all dumped together at the port facilities. This is an issue that affects morale, and can make seafarers question what they are doing and how.

There was a notable rise in female seafarer responses, which is encouraging. This provided insight into gender-specific challenges like isolation and the need for better representation and support, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusivity on board.

The responses on general happiness reveal a mixture of feelings. Many seafarers express a strong passion for their work and the camaraderie within multinational crews. 

However, the joy of working at sea often coexists with emotional and logistical difficulties that must be addressed to improve overall well-being.

Photo credit: iStock/ Igor-Kardasov