Article: Mission to Seafarers' Seafarer Happiness Index Q1 report - connecting with loved ones

The Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) Quarter 1 2021 results were released and the findings reflect the seafarer condition amidst a backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Contact with family has seen a slight increase from 6.90/10 to 6.91 in the SHI Q1 2021 survey. This mirrors the efforts made by companies in providing good, affordable and high-quality connectivity, allowing for many crew to take respite and comfort in being able to keep in touch with loved ones.

Undoubtedly, being connected goes a long way in alleviating some of the tensions and strain for seafarers mentally, in the face of fear and uncertainty, given the fact that crew changes and shore leave are notoriously precarious during this pandemic. However, this also means that seafarers must learn how to manage receiving not so positive news from back home and not let that affect their emotions and cloud their judgements while executing their role at sea.

The club has resources on seafarer mental wellbeing but the bulk of the responsibility falls on seafarers themselves. Always remember that help is just a phone call away. It remains a worry that episodes of self-harm persist, and possibly a rise in suicide rates in recent years.

The Standard Club is a proud sponsor of the Seafarers Happiness Index, a report by Mission to Seafarers.