What do the Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) Q2 results say about seafarer wellbeing?

Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) Quarter 2 2022 results are a measure of the happiness level of seafarers amidst the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic and the geopolitics of Russia and Ukraine. Yet this quarter registers a welcome rise in optimism with a significant uptick in the overall rating of 7.21/10, from 5.85 in the previous quarter. 

An agreement to raise the minimum basic wage for able seafarers reached by the special Sub-Committee of the Joint Maritime Commission (JMC) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) was potentially another factor that contributed to an air of positivity amongst seafarers. 

The fact that this decision was made in light of the challenges that seafarers have faced over the pandemic and will continue to face in future is even more heartening as it recognizes the fundamental role seafarers have to keep world trade moving. 

Although this sentiment goes a long way in the face of inflation and rising costs of living worldwide, respondents have raised the disparity with those ashore. 

“I do not know any seafarer that is not speaking about quitting sailing … young people have better opportunities ashore, people are not interested in going to work at sea anymore.” 

Stay tuned to this space as we unpack Q2 results, piece together the seafarer condition and what implications this has for all of us.   

The Loss Prevention department at Standard Club is dedicated to improving seafarer welfare, and testament to that commitment, the club is a signatory on the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change as well as a proud sponsor of the Seafarers Happiness Index, a report by Mission to Seafarers. 

Category: Loss Prevention