News: Onboard connectivity critical for crew welfare, reveals 2021 Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 report

As part of the Standard Club’s continuing commitment to safety at sea and focus on seafarer wellbeing, this year the Club has partnered with the Mission to Seafarers, alongside Wallem Group to support the 2021 Seafarers Happiness Index report.

This report is focussed on the impact of COVID-19 and considers how the pandemic has affected key areas of seafarer life and what has changed during the past 12 months. It highlights the extreme differences in seafarer life from those reporting the highest levels of satisfaction to those at the opposite end of the spectrum, who report extremely worrying circumstances. The report highlights three main themes: lack of recognition for seafarers as key workers, onboard challenges, and the benefits of onboard connectivity and port welfare services. Towards the end of the reporting period, the impact of the recent Suez Canal closure on global trade and the role of seafarers and shipping fired up further pressures, causing respondents to question the levels of risk and reward.

Lack of progress on crew changes and vaccine access

The first quarter’s responses revealed lingering worries about the ongoing crew change situation. Forced to serve beyond formal contracts, crews have been stuck on board for extended periods. Just as one nation opens, it seems that there are spikes in infections, or new variants, and the route home is denied. 

Additionally, the issue of when and how seafarers will be vaccinated also came to the fore. This is likely to be a long-running concern until plans are made clear. As more of the global population receive vaccination, with shore-based key workers prioritised in many countries, there is significant concern about the lack of progress with plans to vaccinate seafarers. Uncertainty and frustration continues to grow.

Onboard challenges

Seafarers consistently spoke of the pressures to work excessive hours. Furthermore, respondents raised issues of fraudulent record keeping, seeing seafarers working 14 to 15 hours every day but being forced to sign a monthly working slip which complies with working hours. In addition, the workload and the tasks being asked of crew also take a heavy toll, particularly in relation to pressures to reduce manning and rest periods not taken.

Tensions between mixed nationality crews further highlighted criticisms of manning models, particularly with regards to the impact of COVID-19. It was reported that some nationalities are not allowed ashore or allowed crew changes, while others are, which further impacts crew wellbeing. 

Onboard connectivity

Encouragingly, progress is being made with more seafarers able to get online and connect with loved ones back home. More shipping companies are working to provide crews with access to Wi-Fi. It seems clear that this investment in connectivity makes a big difference in alleviating the hardships being faced by seafarers and improving morale onboard.

Captain Yves Vandenborn, Director of Loss Prevention, the Standard Club said: “We are extremely honoured to partner together with Mission to Seafarers and Wallem Group on the Seafarers Happiness Index. In the recent years, the Standard Club has stressed the importance of seafarer wellbeing and we were one of the initial signatories to the Neptune Declaration.

It is heartening to see the small improvement to seafarer’s lives on board as mentioned in this recent report, but more can and should be done to take care of our seafarers who are ensuring that are shelves remain fully stocked.”

Andrew Wright, Secretary-General of The Mission to Seafarers, said:

“The recent disruption in the Suez Canal reminded the world of the extent to which global trade relies on the men and women serving at sea. With this quarter’s Seafarers Happiness Index highlighting the huge disparity in workload, happiness levels and welfare onboard, we hope this report helps to keep the spotlight on the urgent needs of our seafarers.

“Progress is slowly being made, but we cannot afford to let momentum stall. We hope to see seafarers recognised as international key workers, with the support that entails on everything from crew changes to vaccine access. Above all, we need to keep listening to our seafarers and take practical action now to meet their needs. Thank you to all the seafarers who shared their experiences and thank you to Wallem Group and the Standard Club for helping to give seafarers a voice.”

Wallem Group has supported The Mission to Seafarers’ Seafarers Happiness Index for the second year running. John-Kaare Aune, Interim CEO at Wallem Group commented:

“Wallem Group is proud to continue our support of the Seafarers Happiness Index. It is important for the maritime industry to continue to focus on the challenges that the seafarers are experiencing on board and what can be done to improve their wellbeing.”

To read the latest Seafarers Happiness Index report, click here.