Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) Quarter 2 results - there is a pressing need to improve life at sea

The Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) Quarter 2 2021 results are a measure of the happiness level of seafarers amidst the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, with severe global and maritime industry issues again being brought to the fore.

The SHI score for Q2 is at 5.99/10, a steep and concerning drop from 6.46 in Q1, with numbers falling in every category. There are clear indications that ongoing issues relating to crew travel, uncertainty over leave, and an absence of shore leave are taking a toll on seafarers.

This dip in the happiness levels paints a picture of stress, fatigue, and frustration, with a growing sense of weariness of the problems at sea, compounded by perceptions that ships are working harder than ever to deliver on the demands of the trade without any rewards or benefits to the individual seafarers.

Seafarers are now calling for those high-profile campaigns to deliver on their promises and actualise diplomatic, legal, and external actions that will bring about real change to their welfare. Gone are the days where ships’ horns sounding on specially designated days, flags waved, or well-meaning public relations stunts can continue to bring relief to the way seafarers are having to exist day to day.

The message from seafarers is loud and clear, there is a sense that patience and sanity at sea is wearing thin. There is a pressing need to make life better, for seafarers to be treated as key workers and essential and included in the international response quickly. Otherwise in the words of a seafarer, “this is an accident waiting to happen”.

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.

类别: Loss Prevention