SEAFARERS' HAPPINESS INDEX - Q1 2018 - SAFETY4SEA
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Seafarers’ Happiness Index Q1 2018
Seafarers Happiness Index Q4 2017
Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018 | 3
Contents
Welcome............................................................................................................. 2
Story so Far.......................................................................................................... 8
Seafarers’ Happiness Index Data.......................................................................12
General Happiness........................................................................................................................... 14
Connectivity..................................................................................................................................... 15
Getting Ashore................................................................................................................................. 16
Talking Cash..................................................................................................................................... 17
Meal Deals....................................................................................................................................... 18
Exercising and Working Out............................................................................................................. 19
Learning and Training...................................................................................................................... 20
Teamwork and Relationships........................................................................................................... 21
Working Hard.................................................................................................................................. 22
Welfare is Well Fair.......................................................................................................................... 23
Female Perspectives.......................................................................................... 25
Conclusions....................................................................................................... 26
4 | Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018
Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018 | 5
Welcome to the Seafarers’
Happiness Index
The Seafarers’ Happiness Index is a means of engaging with crews
on merchant ships to discuss the key challenges facing them, and
to gauge their levels of satisfaction.
This is an ongoing study measuring The numbers only tell part of the story who responded have provided
how happy people are about the though, and we are grateful for the incredibly important insight into their
various elements of their working life many seafarers who took the time lives.
gives a picture of the real successes and effort to share their views and
and problems within seafaring. It also experiences. It is the narrative that is Workload and access to onshore
provides learning opportunities to woven through their modern life at facilities once more presented the
improve and develop. sea which compellingly captures the largest setbacks, while on-board
challenges of being at sea today. interactions and friendships were seen
The Index is made up of a standard as the best part of the job. As has been
set of ten questions and these Gaining an insight into seafarers lives seen within previous Index data, the
cover key areas, such as mental and and exploring their feelings about most divisive issue was connectivity
physical health, diet, rest, workload, key facets of life at sea, can afford with family and home. On ships where
connectivity, training, access to shore shipping companies extremely valuable internet access was available, happiness
leave, as well as relationships at home understanding. This offers the chance was marked very highly, but without it
and on board. These are answered to learn from the mistakes of others, connectivity was a significant source of
anonymously, and seafarers are meaning employers can see where real discontent.
encouraged to complete their answers things are going wrong and what
during each trip. changes are needed.
GLOBAL COMPARISON
Happiness is key to developing maritime Making sure seafarers are happy means
careers. Happy, satisfied, well-fed, fit heading off problems, it means making The Seafarers’ Happiness Index also
and engaged seafarers are less likely life better for those working at sea, as gives an opportunity to compare
to have accidents, they are less likely well as safer and more efficient. The how people at sea feel compared to
to become disaffected, and are the Seafarer Happiness Index, when it those in nations ashore. So, we have
manifestation of the confidence or was run as part of a seafarers’ social asked if seafarers were a population
pressures which may be felt elsewhere network, revealed fascinating trends of their own nation, how would that
up the industry chain. and early warning signs too. rank against the UN World Happiness
Report?
SCALE OF HAPPINESS LATEST DATA Currently the seafarers of the world
would almost break into the top twenty.
By sharing their feelings on a scale The latest Index showed a seafarer The figure of 6.69 would see seafarers
out of ten, and by providing some happiness result of 6.69 in the first positioned at number 22 on the Global
written insight – the Index gives a quarter of 2018, a figure averaged Happiness scale, sandwiched between
voice to seafarers and addresses the across the key areas of seafarers’ the Czech Republic and Malta.
fundamentals of why people are happy work lives. This shows a rise from the
to go to sea, or not as the case may be. previous Index report- and so we see The UN Happiness Report also rates
The feedback provides a blueprint to that seafarer happiness is on the up. satisfaction against a scale called The
the improvements needed. However, there are some important Cantril Self-Anchoring Striving Scale,
caveats to consider, and the seafarers this asks respondents to think of a
6 | Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018
ladder, with the best possible life for which affect them at sea is a hugely This is not about developing some kind
them being a 10, and the worst possible effective means of checking the levels of cult of the happy seafarer, it is not,
life being 0. The ladder then places of performance on a ship and within a either, about pretending that there
the numbers in three areas, suffering, shipping company. is black and white when it comes to
struggling or thriving. satisfaction. Things are not usually all
What do we mean by “happiness” bad or all good.
The Seafarers’ Happiness Index result though? Well, happiness is a
of 6.69 would place crews in the universally understood concept, The Seafarers’ Happiness Index exists to
“struggling” zone. On this scale it transcending cultures and religions. see through that grey fog in the middle.
means that wellbeing is moderate or Humans, whatever race, creed, To explore the reasons people working
inconsistent, with moderate views religion or nationality have a generally at sea are either feeling positive or
of their present life and future. They agreed sense of what it is to be happy. negative, and of suggesting the ways
are either struggling in the present or Humans tend to assess how much they that improvements can be brought, or
expect to struggle in the future. like their life, and the conditions for lessons applied elsewhere.
happiness appear to be quite similar
In the struggling zone, people report across the world. Happiness is often overlooked but is
more daily stress and worry about key to developing maritime careers.
money more than the “thriving” So, even with multi-national crews, the Happy, satisfied, well fed, fit and
respondents. The UN reports that concept stacks up well as an important engaged seafarers are less likely to have
people at this level of happiness are metric for shipping. Humans prefer a accidents, they are less likely to become
prone to more than double the amount happy life to an unhappy one, and we disaffected, and will stick around –
of sick days, are more likely to smoke develop ideas of what we want from life something that is incredibly important
and less likely to eat healthy. and compare these aspirations with the as we look at maritime recruitment and
realities of their life. The philosopher retention.
Jeremy Bentham’s classic notion of
PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS happiness was, “the sum of pleasures If you are a seafarer, The Mission
and pains.” Which rather neatly appears needs you to complete the survey and
While there is much room for to capture the lot of a seafarer today, encourage all your colleagues to do so
improvement. Something the Mission there are pleasures and there are pains to. If you are an employer, then please
to Seafarers hopes will come with this – and this is our chance to shape which encourage the same. The report from
means of measuring and managing wins out on board ships. the most recent data can be found
positive change. It may seem trite to online at the Mission to Seafarers
talk about happiness, but there is much website and makes for fascinating
management research and data proving MOVING FORWARD reading. You can also access the latest
that happy people perform better. ongoing survey to have your say.
To ignore or downplay the value of https://www.missiontoseafarers.org/
Examination of performance indicates happiness in seafarers is to trample seafarershappiness
that happy people work harder, achieve on the concept of these very human
more and create an environment of constructs. Seafarers prefer a happy life
constant improvement. to an unhappy one, hopefully we can
all agree on that much, and we need
Alas most of this management science to be able to make life as happy as
is based on businesses and institutions possible, within the realities of what it
ashore, there isn’t a great body of work is to be a seafarer.
which relates to seafarers. However,
the importance of knowing how
happy people are about the things
Steven Jones
Founder of the
Seafarers Happiness Index
Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018 | 7
8 | Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018
The Story So Far: Q1 2018
WHO
The happiest tranche of
respondents was in the 25-35
year age group – and once 38.92%
again, these figures were hugely
impacted by the ability to
27.03%
access the internet and to feel
connected with the shore.
14.05% 13.51%
4.86%
2.16%
16–25 25–35 35–45 45–55 16–25 65+
GENDER
Female seafarers actually marked
themselves lower than the 84.32%
general average this time around.
Which was a significant shift from
previous Seafarers’ Happiness
Index results.
16.22%
MALE FEMALESeafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018 | 9
Deck Crew 20.54%
RANKS
Second Officer 12.97%
Deck crew and officers tended to
Catering Department 6.49%
be happier than their engineering
Electrical Department 3.78%
Captain 11.35%
counterparts – and the middle
Second Engineer 5.41%
Third Officer 8.11%
Engine Crew 7.03%
Chief Officer 7.03%
Fourth Engineer 4.32%
Third Engineer 4.86%
cohort of ranks, second officer
Engine Cadet 4.32%
Chief Engineer 3.24%
and third engineer, chief officer
Deck Cadet 3.78%
and second engineer, performed
better. They recorded the highest
results across the board.
WHAT
Other 12.97% These included gas
carriers, general cargo, specific
Tanker 36.22%
kinds of offshore vessels, as well
as icebreakers, survey vessels, and
Container Ship 26.49
sail training vessels.
Bulk Carrier 22.70%
Seafarers on container vessels
once again were the highest in
terms of happiness. However,
the differential between those
crews and those serving on
Offshore vessel 3.78%
tankers was narrowing when it
Cruise Ship 11.35%
comes to happiness. Of the major
Ro-Ro 7.03%
constituent vessel types, bulk
Ferry 4.32%
carriers were the worst performing
Dredger 1.08%
Yacht 2.16%
– but these were also on the rise
this quarter.10 | Seafarers Happiness Index Q4 2017
Where
Once again, respondents from South East Asia tended to
record higher happiness marks in their responses.
1.62%
North
America
1.08%
Central
America
South East Asia 46.49%
Western Europe 27.57%
1.62%
Indian Subcontinent 10.27%
Africa
Eastern Europe 9.19%
North Asia 3.24%
Africa 1.62%
North America 1.62%
South America 1.62% 1.62%
Middle East 1.62% South
America
Central America 1.08%
Oceania 1.08%Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018 | 11
27.57%
Western
Europe
9.19%
Eastern 3.24%
Europe North Asia
46.49%
South East
Asia
1.08%
Oceania
10.27%
Indian Sub-
continent
1.62%
Middle
East12 | Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018 Seafarers’ Happiness Index Data: Q1 2018 How happy generally when at sea? 6.72 up from 6.29 How happy about contact with family when at sea? 7.12 up from 6.68 How happy about access to shore leave? 6.54 up from 6.10 How happy about wages/salary? 6.6 up from 6.18 How happy about the food on board? 6.73 up from 6.26 How happy about your ability to keep fit and healthy on board? 6.64 up from 6.06 How happy about the training you receive? 6.62 up from 6.28 How happy about interaction with other crew on board? 7.08 down from 7.17 How happy with your work load? 6.51 up from 5.66 How happy with welfare facilities when you are ashore? 6.36 up from 5.80 Overall average score: 6.69/10 in Q1 2018, up from 6.25/10 in Q4 2017
Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018 | 13 Dialogue behind the data Let’s look at the stories behind the numbers. An increasing level of respondents took the time to explain how they felt and why – so this is their story, their life at sea and the experiences that they have in the job and career as a seafarer.
14 | Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018
General Happiness ↑ 6.72
How happy generally when at sea?
While the general level of happiness at When the vessel is underway, and to encourage seafarers to better see the
sea was on the rise this quarter, there clear of port, seafarers said that this positives of their time at sea.
was a very mixed bag when it came to was a time of satisfaction, and of
the experiences behind those figures. optimism. They felt able to relax in the However, multiple respondents
There were some who were having watchkeeping system, there was a sense commented that they only felt this way
fantastic times on board and were so of certainty to the schedule and rhythm in good weather. Indeed, a surprising
proud of providing for their families. of life on board. number of seafarers commented on
While, sadly, there were others who the difference to quality of life that the
were seemingly struggling badly. One respondent captured this rather weather conditions make. Perhaps that
poetically, “Being at sea makes me is an issue which can all too often be
The positive responses focused on a happy because it is far from stresses of overlooked. When seafarers experience
range of issues – and these included the the cities, noise, and the sea is relaxing bad weather, then the patterns of
fact that seafarers felt sense of profound to the eyes especially when you want sleep, eating and of leisure activities are
satisfaction at being able to send money to feel some personal space”. While distorted and that can have a serious
back to their homes. Despite the fact another respondent wrote, “Happiness impact.
that many said how much they missed at sea are the sunsets, occasional BBQs,
being with their families, the ability to some fishing, a good film watch with the The fact that weather conditions can
provide for them seemed to make this rest of the crew and food”. affect life so much indicates the delicate
sacrifice worthwhile and tolerable. balance of conditions on board. If one
There was a definitely more artistic thing changes, then it can have massive
Quotes such as, “I am happy when at set of responses this time around, and implications for seafarers.
sea because I earn a salary to provide for another wrote, “Sometimes I can feel
my family’s needs” and “earning for the the waves bringing luck to me, trying to
future of my family makes me happy”. talk to me. There is no other wind as the
They capture a definite theme which pacific wind. When I am there, I feel like
emerged in a number of the responses. I belong to be there”.
Other positives related to some of the This is interesting, and perhaps hints at
unique experiences of being at sea. For something of a resurgence in the artistic
those seafarers who felt that travelling connection between seafarers and
the world, getting glimpses of nature out the ocean. Something which appears
in the oceans and feeling sense of awe to have been lost since the 1960s.
being away from land and experiencing Fostering and developing this kind of
the power of the sea. bond could perhaps offer opportunities
I am happy when at sea because I earn a
salary to provide for my family’s needs.Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018 | 15
Connectivity ↑ 7.12
How happy about contact with family when at sea?
The highest mark on the Seafarers’ Something that should serve as a of shipboard life. Something that no
Happiness Index for Q1 2018 was the warning shot to the industry. doubt this new generation of shipboard
issue of contact with family and lived leaders will insist on.
ones, and the pleasure that connectivity Aside from frustration about costs
brings. Virtually every single written and speed of access, the rest of the Some of the key quotes, were that
response from seafarers was positive responses were overwhelmingly “Contacting the family gives me the
when it came to the pleasure and positive. Seafarers spoke of the enthusiasm and positivity about life
enjoyment that being in contact with happiness, pleasure, relief and joy at and work at sea. Hearing from them is a
home brings. being in contact with home. Many even good source of strength and motivation
talked of it in terms of refreshing them despite the isolation we feel when we
The only negative response about and making them better able to cope are away.”
actual contact related to the burden with the rigours of being away at sea.
of knowing “every small adversity While another respondent states,
they encounter at home”. Which is Connectivity on board vessels makes “Communication with the family is
understandable, it can be extremely seafarers feel like they have a support very vital in our wellbeing at sea.
difficult to hear of problems, but not be network, albeit not one that is on Just a simple “Hello, how are you?”
in a position to assist. the ship with them. However, aside from our love ones takes away the
from those who perhaps wrestle with “homesickness” and loneliness of being
There were a number of negative potential problems at home, the rest away from home”. One seafarers said,
responses when it came to the cost, feel that being connected is good for “I need to talk and relax with my family.
availability, and level of service. Being their mental wellbeing. Whether I hear good or bad news,
on vessels without internet access was talking with my family can release the
almost unbearable to the seafarers who While voice and video calling are bad emotions at sea”.
responded. This was a view which was, popular, it was reported that WhatsApp
unsurprisingly, prevalent in the younger is increasingly the communications
age groups. However, it was also a view tool of choice for most seafarers who
which is now permeating the high ranks. commented. The ability to be in touch
So as millennials progress through in touch with not just family, but also
their careers, we are now seeing their circles of friends was seemingly of great
views on access to the internet and importance.
connectivity shaping the overall picture.
This is no longer an issue with just the So, seafarers want more opportunity to
cadets and junior officers – senior ranks connect. They want it cheaper, faster
are now just as eager to be connected. and to be more of an accepted part
Communication with the family is very
vital in our wellbeing at sea. Just a simple
“Hello, how are you?16 | Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018
Getting Ashore ↑ 6.54
Tell us more about your access to shore leave.
Shore leave is always a key seafarer This time around the Seafarers’ Getting off the vessel provides seafarers
concern, but it is an area which has been Happiness Index showed a modest with a chance to “relax” and “refresh”
given new prominence by a very recent rise, up to 6.54/10, from 6.10 in 2017. themselves, and these were term which
change in legislation. As such we are However, despite this, the written was repeatedly use by respondents.
hopeful it will be possible to plot real responses from crews do seem to paint One respondent said, “Despite the
time and life change, as the relevant many of the same problems. hectic schedules at port and tiresome
amendments to the Convention on working hours, I still prefer to go outside
Facilitation of International Maritime It seems, reading many of the responses, to remove stresses and refresh my
Traffic (FAL Convention) take effect. that the rules have not been the real thoughts about life on board. Having a
barrier to shore leave – it is the realities personal time is a way to build up your
The amendment to the international and tight time constraints on board. A morale and thinking about working
standard on shore leave adds a new number of seafarers, more particularly at sea. Going outside is another form
provision, to allow crew ashore while officers, wrote of the difficulties for of how a seafarer can handle all the
the ship on which they arrive is in port. them of getting ashore, as there is pressure, stress and isolation during the
This new provision says there should simply so much to be achieved while voyage”.
be no discrimination on grounds of alongside.
nationality, race, colour, sex, religion, Respondents talked about how good it
political opinion, or social origin. Shore Issues ranging from maintenance, taking is to see other places, to have a chance
leave should be granted, irrespective of stores, through to the obvious issue to buy things, to take in culture and to
the flag State of the ship. of managing cargo operations. These get a break from the relentless nature of
obviously ramp up when in port. Other life on board. One respondent also felt
If any request is turned down, the problems relate to the sheer volume of it was a basic need, “Human are social
relevant public authorities must provide official visitors to vessels, these all need creatures, as you can get chance to go
an explanation to the crew member and managing, accompanying and require shore, your mind will relax.”
the master, which the seafarer or master the time and attention of an already
can request to be provided in writing. stretched crew. Sadly, and even with changes to the FAL
Convention, some ports and nations
This is the first quarter in which Sadly, the result is that shore leave were once again singled out for not
responses have been received from becomes less of a priority, despite the facilitating shore leave. The United
seafarers since the entry into force of fact so many seafarers spoke about States and ports in China drew criticism.
the above FAL Convention amendments its importance. They stressed, across Huge costs were mentioned in America,
on January 1st, 2018, so it will be numerous responses, of the fact that while security checks appeared to be a
interesting to see the changes (if any) in getting off the vessel provides them with major barrier in some Chinese ports. It
the responses of seafarers. a real psychological boost. It is a means is to be hoped that the new changes will
of de-stressing, to see new places and to take effect soon.
have the chance to interact with others.
Human are social creatures, as you can get
chance to go shore, your mind will relax.Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018 | 17
Talking Cash ↑ 6.6
Tell us more about how happy you are about your wages/salary
The issue of wages is always bound to Some felt that “Flags of Convenience a cargo consignment is delivered. The
be a contentious issue. Given how many are killing the industry”. Again, this mysterious, fake shipping companies
seafarers have responded about how appeared to relate to the use of simply vanish, and seafarers are left to
important it is for them to provide for multinational crews on differential pay count the cost.
their families ashore, then perhaps it scales.
takes on even more importance. It was felt there needs to be a better
Wage stagnation was another repeated international mechanism for checking on
The subject saw a jump up on the issue – and there was as sense from companies. While the Maritime Labour
happiness index, up to 6.66 from 6.18 seafarers that they had not received a Convention has supposedly closed some
previously. However, there seemed to pay rise in years. Some mentioned five loopholes, many seafarers feel it is not
be rather more negative comments than years, others as many as ten years. simple or easy enough to find out the
last time around, and there definitely truth about employers.
seemed to be something of an edge to Perhaps the most troubling aspect of
comments about “foreigners” taking this issue was the fact that seafarers As with most areas of the Index, it was
jobs and accepting lower pay. This are still being taken advantage of by not all bad news. Again, the positives
was repeatedly mentioned and was a rogue “manning agents”. Respondents which emerged focused on the pride
source of annoyance for a number of spoke of having paid money for work, that seafarers feel in being a provider for
respondents. only to have their cash and the agent go their family. Numerous responses stated
missing. that was the main driver for them and
The issue of “cheaper crews” their career at sea.
undercutting salaries was a significant Fake shipping companies claiming to
feature of the responses. Multiple offer good work, but then defrauding
respondents focused on the same issue, and cheating seafarers is a feature
and some claimed it was “devastating” of the landscape in some countries.
the industry. One comment received Respondents from India and the
stated, “Well the big question, we are all Philippines were particularly affected by
seafarers with international recognized this issue. Many respondents felt that
certification, yet the salaries are not this was a form of parallel face of what
equal. Two crew members doing the is traditionally considered “seafarer
same job should be entitled to the same abandonment”.
salary. While many seafarers syndicate
fight for their own, when shall we see a These scams see crews “employed” by
common spirit to fight for better rights?” companies that do not even exist, and
Related to this issue, there were then simply left to fend for themselves
concerns raised about Open Registries. when they ask about wages, or when
Well the big question, we are all seafarers
with international recognized certification,
yet the salaries are not equal.18 | Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018
Meal Deals ↑ 6.73
Tell us more about the standard of food you eat on board
From the responses we have received, There were calls to impose a minimum criticised for adding oil to meals “as if
it seems that there is an obvious acceptable spending limit on crew it were water”. While there are clear
equation when it comes to food on victualing, and if one were in doubt as and repeated concerns on the issue of
board and the happiness of seafarers. to what underfeeding sounds like, one healthy food, they are not always in the
The cooks need to be qualified, skilled quote perhaps captures the misery and ways we might perhaps think.
and knowledgeable. They also need to grind. One seafarer wrote, “Cook and
be aware of cultural challenges, and the Master cut our provision ration: No milk One exasperated respondent said the
expectations of their shipmates. No bread only one egg for the breakfast: crew ate too healthily and they were
even drinking water is limited”. That tired of “meat, chicken or fish and rice
However important the cook is, they sounds grim, and obviously has a serious every single day and s****y salads,
need to be supported, resourced and knock on effect to mental and physical vegetables and healthy cooking. I would
properly budgeted. They need to health. prefer deep fried hamburgers and pizza
combine their own skills with the ability all the time”. As they say, there is no
to buy good quality ingredients and be It also seems that despite the MLC accounting for taste...
able to store them properly. requiring cultural considerations to
be taken into account. There is little Where crews are happy about the
Time again across our respondents, it evidence, from the responses received, catering on board, they are really
was these areas which drew the most that this is happening, with nationals of happy! The responses indicate just
observations. In the responses which a range of countries complaining that how important food is. Those who
quoted the lower happiness marks, their diet did not reflect the norms of appreciated the food, and the cooks
cooks were criticised and there was a their homelands. were effusive in their praise. Quotes
sense that feeding budgets had been cut included, “the cook is great and can
or were inadequate. While the happiest There were some comments about the really cook up a storm”, while another
seafarers said the cooks were great, health aspects of cooking on board. said, “If you are lucky to have a good
and the quality of the food was good, Interestingly, seafarers complained that chief cook, you will be happy. But if
and quantities sufficient. Indeed, there at home the authorities a minimum not, all crew will be affected when
is also a correlation between a seafarer 5 veg/fruits a day, but at sea such performing their duties. Lousy cook =
happiness in their interactions on board, guidance vanished. lousy ship.”
and the higher the answer about food.
It seems that in a time where social Again, as is often reported, there
cohesion is a struggle, then the dining are concerns about the overuse of
experience takes on new importance frying. This is especially a problem on
over and above nutrition alone. multicultural vessels, some cooks were
If you are lucky to have a good chief cook,
you will be happy. But if not, all crew will be
affected when performing their duties.Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018 | 19
Exercising and working out ↑ 6.64
Tell us more about your ability to keep fit and healthy on board
With shore leave often limited, it can rather than being left to the crew to
be even more important to ensure that fund them. One such quote stated,
seafarers are able to access some form “Not all ships have the facilities like gym
of exercise and activity on board. There equipment and sometimes we have to
is often a surprisingly mixed bag of take from our “welfare fund” to buy this
responses when it comes to the matter equipment which should be provided by
of exercise. the company.”
Looking at the data, those seafarers While there are others who simply do
who marked their exercise more highly not feel they have the time or energy
also tended to experience a higher level to exercise. There were complaints that
of general happiness. So, it seems that time working and punishing schedules
exercise does indeed appear to impact mean that there is no time to exercise.
the overall well being of seafarers. While for some the impact of bad
weather also took its toll. Storms, rolling
The data shows that there are very and heavy weather often mean that
different experiences at sea. There are even where there are facilities, then
those who really enjoy and value the seafarers cannot always access or make
ability to exercise, and who have access use of them.
to good facilities. They are usually far
more likely to experience better general In addition, though, lest we forget the
happiness and are happier across a fact that not everyone sees themselves
range of the other key areas. One as responding well to exercise. One
seafarer stated, “Exercising boosts your respondent perhaps captured a sense
mood and confidence. It’ll help also that many of us have on occasion,
maintaining your mental health.” stating, “Truth be told, I am just too lazy
to work out”.
Then there are those whose experiences
are more negative. There are crews who
do not have access to equipment, nor
have a space to engage in recreation
and exercise. There was also a sense
that companies should provide these,
Exercising boosts your mood and confidence.
It’ll help also maintaining your mental health.20 | Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018
Learning and Training ↑ 6.62
Tell us more about the training you receive on board
Seafarers want to proceed up the career Those who felt the company was Unfortunately, there were some
ladder, and they also want to become encouraging them or were supporting respondents who felt their employers
ever better at their jobs. This is the their career development recorded were not doing enough. One seafarers
feedback that comes back from multiple higher than average on the Happiness claimed the company, “does not care
responses to the Happiness Index. Index, and they spoke positively about whatsoever for career development.
their experiences. Common responses You are nothing but a number”. Which
Quite how they achieve career were along the lines of “great, no is a shame on many levels. Also, some
profession and development, and their problems”. They felt that their skills seafarers stated that it was difficult to
preferred approaches to it seem to were improving and so too was safety convince their company of the need for
vary quite significantly. However, it is on board the vessel. higher levels of training. This left them
clear from the data that the seafarers feeling frustrated and dissatisfied.
who feel they are being well trained The seafarers who felt that they were
return higher figures when it comes to not receiving sufficient, or the right
happiness. kinds of training were conversely low
scorers on the Index. They felt that it
There does seem to be come confusion was sometimes, “not clear what we are
as to what constitute “training”, and for meant to be doing”. There was a sense
some seafarers they are just happy to of confusion and frustration.
take part in drills, or to watch a safety
video. While others see the issue more There was also a sense that a blended
holistically and want their training to approach to training is needed, and
form part of their own wider career some reported that too much reliance
picture, and ultimately career path. on computer-based training (CBT) can
“drain moral”. While some found CBT to
As one might expect, the senior ranks be useful and wanted more, there was
below Master and Chief Engineer a universal sense that practical training
seemed to swing from high to low on either ashore, or from senior officers
the Index, depending on whether they makes for the best standard.
felt they were being supported.
If you are lucky to have a good chief cook,
you will be happy. But if not, all crew will be
affected when performing their duties.Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018 | 21
Teamwork and Relationships ↓ 7.08
Tell us more about your ability to keep fit and healthy on board
We received quite a mixed response to It can be all too easy for those who With ever smaller crew numbers, with
the question of on board interaction have not been to sea to appreciate the single occupancy cabins and the fact
this time around. Respondents seemed proximity to other seafarers, and the that ships no longer have a bar to serve
to feel that either their shipmates were fact that maintaining a positive balance as the hub of activity, then it is perhaps
one of the best things about their life at between privacy and camaraderie can too easy to think that online access is
sea, or the worst. be a challenge. One seafarer hammered the reason for people retreating into
this home quite well, stating, “One isolation. It seems though, that there is
Obviously, those without strong feelings snorer on board can ruin an entire trip”. rather more to consider.
don’t tend to take the time to share
their thoughts, over and above the Whether that is more to do with One respondent also made an
numerical return. However, it makes for the snorer or badly designed interesting observation, stating that,
very interesting reading to hear what accommodation is perhaps up for “offices have been moved to lower
seafarers think of their fellow crew debate. However, it paints a vivid decks, so you get less people coming
members. picture of the frustrations and the to visit the bridge”. The act of moving
hardships of living and working in a working areas away from shipboard
The negative responses all seemed steel box out at sea. activities can mean we are creating
to have a common thread, and they unnecessary isolation.
focused on the varying degrees of There were some who felt that since
bullying, disrespect and general lack of internet was introduced on board For the positive responses, there were
decency between some crews. This was that interaction with crew is less now themes which consistently emerged.
felt, as one might expect, more keenly compared to the old days, and another These seafarers spoke of the fun and
from lower to higher ranks, and within stated that a lot of people stay in their enjoyment they experience. There was
multinational crews. cabins nowadays. There has been a much talk of jokes and good humour
temptation to think that access to the on board. One quote perhaps captured
Quotes captured the difficult nature internet is the problem, but there are the reality and the need for seafarers
of some on board relationships. They others that see connectivity as a major to manage their interactions. This
included quotes such as, “Senior positive. respondent stated, “Harmony and unity
officers are plain rude”, “Officers are on board is very crucial in the safety
very arrogant”. While the issue of the So, what is the truth when it comes to and success of operations on the ship.
treatment of female seafarers also the internet? Does connectivity erode But we cannot select which crew is
came in for comment. One responder interaction on board, and is being going on board, each has their own
wrote, “Sexual harassment/bad attitude online the reason that social cohesion unique characteristics and attitude. So,
towards women are a problem and is more difficult at sea today? There adjustment to interact is really needed.”
needs to change NOW!!” While another is a danger in jumping too readily to
wrote, “I encounter gender and race that conclusion, but lest we forget
harassment every day”. correlation is not causation.
Harmony and unity on board is very
crucial in the safety and success of
operations on the ship.22 | Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018
Working Hard ↑ 6.51
Tell us more about your workload
As with other issues covered in the The sheer amount of responsibilities and This seems to be adding greatly to the
Seafarers’ Happiness Index, there is roles to be completed when arriving and stress of seafarers, which of course
very much a two-tiered view within the alongside in port were repeated time has an impact on physical and mental
written responses we received. There and time again by respondents. The wellbeing.
are those who are happy to be busy, and operational demands of berthing and
who see it as way of passing the time. cargo work, are then exacerbated by a Those with a more positive view of the
While there are those who feel that they slew of visits to the vessel, by officials workload issue often saw it as a form
are worked too hard, taken advantage of and often by company officials. Throw in of “badge of honour” to work hard and
and even abused. additional maintenance work, and the get things done. There were many who
receipt of stores, and it can be seen that felt proud that they pushed themselves
There were a few responses which the work load increases massively when so hard. While others were fortunate
virtually shrugged and said the work in port. enough to work for companies who
load levels are “as you would expect”, applied both the letter and spirit of the
but for others the issue is far from cut There was also criticism that all too regulations. One respondent stated,
and dried. Obviously, the mirror issue often there are new responsibilities “Workloads are regulated well according
to work load is that of rest, and many placed onto seafarers, but that there to the Code of Safe Working Practice
respondents spoke of the fact that they was little consideration of the work and SOLAS regulation”. Though it seems
don’t mind the heavy work load, but that already had to be completed. One not all companies are so compliant.
that it impacts so badly on their ability seafarer commented, “Companies seem
to get enough sleep. to find more to do without adjusting
what was previously required”.
Time and again the issue of rest and
recuperation was mentioned, “Only While others commented that
work...no quality time”, said one “Workload increases almost daily with
respondent. Another commented that, more and more bureaucracy from head
“Although as per STCW 2010 we should office”, and there was a sense that
have enough rest, during ships arrival managers ashore were passing too
and departure it is difficult to maintain much work to ships, “Work that should
work hour / rest hour”. have been done ashore in the office is
given to the ship, our job is supposed to
navigate and deliver the goods in port,
not doing paperwork”.
Workloads are regulated well according
to the Code of Safe Working Practice and
SOLAS regulation.Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018 | 23
Welfare is well fair ↑ 6.36
Tell us more about the welfare facilities
As we have seen from the question One seafarer stated the Missions “…give From all the responses there were two
of shore leave, seafarers are far from us a moral and wellbeing boost. we get centres which were singled out for
guaranteed to be able to get ashore cherished as well as refreshed by having praise, and the seafarers who visited
when they arrive in port. If they are contact with chaplains, access to WIFI, them were hugely impressed by the
fortunate to get off the ship for a little support from the staff, and a chance facilities and the welcome that they
much need rest and recreation, then it is to talk to our families”. While another received. These were the Mission to
important that they have the means to interesting response captured the fact Seafarers’ Centre in Mombasa, Kenya
get to facilities they need. seafarers’ centres and missions are so and the Rosenhill Seamen’s Center
important in helping to, “bridge the gap which is in Gothenburg, Sweden and
Obviously from the Mission to Seafarers’ between land life and sea life”. operated by the Swedish Seamen’s
perspective the emphasis is very much Service, a division of the Swedish
on the seafarers’ centres, and the ability Sadly, many of the negative responses Maritime Administration.
for crews to use the facilities to access were about how difficult is to sometimes
the services they need and want. get ashore and to actually visit the
The actual Seafarers’ Happiness Index centres. There were many responses
figure for this question has risen this which focused on the cost of taxis, or
quarter, which is pleasing. This is the strict rules in place which stand as
especially significant as we have started barriers for seafarers wishing to get
taking hard copy responses from the ashore.
seafarers visiting Missions in port. So,
thankfully the fact that the numbers are There were some suggested
rising seems to suggest that the crews improvements and observations too –
who do avail themselves of the centres and one interesting one was the fact
are happy. that Seafarers centres should be able
to provide crews with an experience of
From the written responses, we had a local culture. So, a chance to taste local
spread of sentiments. Thankfully the cuisine, and to perhaps feel once more
majority wrote to praise the centres. that thrill of travel that is sometimes not
There were multiple responses which associated with modern seafaring.
stated, “they help us very much”, and
“they are so welcome to see”.
…give us a moral and wellbeing boost. we
get cherished as well as refreshed by having
contact with chaplains, access to WIFI...24 | Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018
Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018 | 25
Female Seafarer Perspectives
As noted, we had a fairly large number of returns from
female seafarers, with 16.22% reporting on their happiness
levels. This is a significant increase from previous Happiness
Index results. A large percentage of female respondents
served on Tankers, most were in the age 25-35 section, and
were predominantly from Western Europe.
This was both pleasing to note and and friends at home, and this eased about being sick of salad and healthy
provided some interesting insight. On a loneliness, isolation and also better food, and preferring, “deep fried
purely numbers perspective, the female equipped them to deal with the hamburgers and pizza all the time” was
seafarers were actually lower when pressures of being often the only female actually made by a female seafarer.
it came to the question of “General on board.
Happiness” levels. The total average Sadly, there were mentions of sexual
was 6.72, female seafarers marked As with all seafarers, if the moral on and gender harassment, and of
themselves as an average of 6.46, which board is good then they reported higher the effect that this has on moral,
is a change from previous surveys when levels of satisfaction. Respondents also happiness and job satisfaction. From
female seafarers have tended towards a wrote of the importance of camaraderie the responses received, it seems clear
higher level of satisfaction. and of feeling part of a team. Those that regardless of gender, the building
females who reported higher happiness blocks of happiness remain the same –
We thought it might be useful to assess levels on the questions about but there is an obvious and vital need
the responses from female seafarers, connectivity and also the interaction to ensure that harassment, bullying or
so as to better build a picture of what with other crew on board, went on to singling out of people is stopped, as a
seafaring means to them, as both a have higher scores across the board. matter of urgency.
career but also living their life at sea.
It seems that good relationships with
The positives that female respondents fellow crew, allied with a sense of being
voiced opinions on focused on were able to contact those at home, these
actually very similar to their male are the foundations which really mean a
counterparts. There was a great lot to female seafarers.
emphasis placed on connectivity,
perhaps even more than by male Food was another key issue – and
seafarers. Female respondents wrote female seafarers seemed to be more
a great deal about how important attuned to the need for a healthy diet.
it was to feel a connection to family However, the most vociferous answer26 | Seafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018
Conclusions
Overall there the Seafarers’ Happiness Index figures have
shown a rise, and while it is obviously early days, it is positive
to see growth across various key issues.
The average Seafarers’ Happiness level belonging and engagement is crucial. their career progression, and most felt
expressed by respondents was up from that their employers were supportive
6.25 out of 10.0 in 2017 to 6.69 in this There were some dissenting voices, and looked to provide them with the
first quarter of 2018. which felt that crews being online tools they needed.
was negative to interaction on board.
The happiest tranche of respondents However, it is difficult to wholly point Unfortunately, the one area of the
was in the 25-35 year age group – and the finger of blame at people being Index which fell this quarter was that of
once again, these figures were hugely online, especially when the social fabric on board interactions. This is still one
impacted by the ability to access the of vessels has been altered. Fewer of the highest performing factors and
internet and to feel connected with the people, shorter trips, single cabins, the issues within the Seafarers’ Happiness
shore. removal of the ship’s bar – all have had Index, but it is a concern to see the
an effect. data falling. Comments about issues
Deck crew and officers tended to Seafarers do retreat to their cabins, such as harassment and even racism
be happier than their engineering they do spend time online and there were noted, and it is an obvious area to
counterparts – and the middle cohort of is less interaction on board. Which monitor. Given the rising global tide of
ranks, second officer and third engineer, came first though, in a chicken and egg nationalism, it could well be that some
chief officer and second engineer, conundrum, did seafarers sit in their attitudes or views are filtering into the
performed better. They recorded the cabins and go online because there was seafaring population. This is a concern,
highest results across the board. less opportunity to interact, or is their and we can hope that it is a blip rather
Female seafarers marked themselves less chance to interact because people than a trend.
lower than the general average this are online?
time around. Which was a significant The issue of workload saw a surprising
shift from previous Seafarers’ Happiness The issue of shore leave saw a positive rise this time around – however, in
Index results. While, once again, shift in sentiment, but it is not yet clear the comments received, the same
respondents from South East Asia the effects of new legislation are being old problems came to the fore. This
tended to record higher happiness felt. Wage sentiment rose too – rather is especially prevalent around vessel
marks in their responses. than much focus on the level of wages, activities in port. Too many tasks, so
though there was some disquiet about many visitors, a slew of activities, as
Seafarers on container vessels once stagnation, the main problems were well as the operational norms and
again were the highest in terms of around timely payments. requirements – these all add up to a
happiness. However, the differential huge and significant spike in workload
between those crews and those serving The parallel issues of food, health and as a vessel nears and arrives in port, and
on tankers was narrowing when it exercise saw rises – there were many as it sits alongside.
comes to happiness. Of the major comments about the quality of Cooks,
constituent vessel types, bulk carriers and the importance of ingredients. Seafarers’ welfare facilities ashore also
were the worst performing – but these Seafarers value these hugely, and where saw a rise in positive sentiment, and
were also on the rise this quarter. there is a sufficiently high spend on respondents time and again stressed
food, where Cooks are able to prepare just how important it is to have
“Happiness” on the part of seafarers good and varied, culturally sensitive access to the support, interaction and
can be seen as being driven by some menus – then these are happy seafarers facilities that the centres provide. The
key basics. As has long been stressed, indeed. only negatives were that, as has been
connectivity is a key component covered in the shore leave question, it
of satisfaction. The ability to feel Training saw a rise too in this quarter. can be too hard and expensive to get off
connected to life at home, to talk with There was a positive sense from the vessel.
loved ones or to just have a sense of respondents about the importance ofSeafarers Happiness Index Q1 2018 | 27
The Mission to Seafarers
St Michael Paternoster Royal
College Hill
London
United Kingdom
EC4R 2RL
Tel: +44(0)20 7248 5202
Fax: +44(0)20 7246 4761
Email: info@missiontoseafarers.org
www.missiontoseafarers.org
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