According to the latest report from the Seafarers Happiness Index, the second quarter of 2022 has revealed a welcome rise in optimism with a significant increase in the overall rating of 7.21/10, up from 5.85 in the previous quarter.”
“It is great to see seafarer happiness increase after such low satisfaction in the last Seafarers Happiness Index report,” said The Revd Canon Andrew Wright, Secretary General of The Mission to Seafarers. “While it has been a difficult two years, it is nice to see some optimism return, which is largely down to the hard work the industry has done to make life better and raise spirits on board.”
“Whilst what we are seeing might not be the end of COVID issues, it is perhaps the beginning of the end,” the report said. “People are moving more freely and there is a positive focus within the industry on finding solutions to many of the frustrations which have been aggravating seafarers for many years.
“Amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), and the prospect of universal connectivity, has given rise to optimism and timely crew changes have had a massive impact on positivity. When seafarers know how long they will be on board and that they will be home on time, they can deal with the challenges faced at sea with a far better resolve and disposition. A rising tide in solutions has finally begun to lift morale and the mindset on board.
“However, whilst the data does suggest that we are seeing improvements, there is no room for complacency. We are still hearing negatives; seafarers continue to share many experiences which are at times frustrating, and at others hugely detrimental to mental health. This Quarter 2 2022 report paints a picture of some important positive progress and will allow the industry a collective wiping of the brow but it is not mission accomplished and there is still much to be done.”
The data from Q2 notes the industry is getting better at making crew changes more regularly, with 41 percent of seafarers onboard for between just one and three months.
The report also says that there is a clear impact from the increase in wages and the other amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention recently enacted.
