According to the Seafarers Happiness Index, a quarterly survey conducted by the Mission to Seafarers, based on data from Quarter 4 of 2024, workload on board is shaped by several critical issues that seafarers frequently encounter.

One growing concern is the age of vessels, and the fact that such aging vessels have increased maintenance demands. Older ships often require more upkeep, placing additional strain on crew members. This is compounded by the growing administrative burden, with paperwork and compliance tasks consuming valuable time and energy.

Concern around excessive paperwork and documentation persist. This is especially frustrating as seafarers describe much of the paperwork as redundant and time-consuming, contributing to stress levels.

A respondent said: “There are not enough hours in the day to deal with all the paperwork from the office, charterers, flag, auditors, customs and officials.”

Frequent inspections and tight port schedules can further increase the workload, particularly during busy periods. Some crew members express that the pressure associated with these demands can lead to fatigue and stress, especially when combined with regular operational tasks.

Underlying these challenges are concerns about staffing adequacy. Many crew members feel that there are not enough people to handle the workload efficiently, leading to longer hours, fatigue, and safety risks. 

There are ongoing concerns about the removal of certain roles on board, with the ranks of fourth engineer and electrician being particularly vulnerable.

Long shifts that leave little time for rest are a reality for many. Reports of 12-hour workdays and unpaid overtime are common, adding to feelings of exhaustion.

A strong, consistent message from seafarers is that hours of work and rest are not being universally adhered to, and that Minimum Safe Manning levels are not aligned with the real-world demands placed on crew members.

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