Seafarers Report Declining Happiness As Port Restrictions Hinder Shore Leave Opportunities

The Mission to Seafarers has published the results of the latest Seafarers Happiness Index, which reveal a fall in happiness in several areas of seafaring life to 6.91 in Q4 2024, from 7.16 in Q3 of last year.

This marks the first downturn for four quarters, with restrictive port policies highlighted as a significant impediment to seafarer welfare.

The Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) is a quarterly survey conducted by the Mission to Seafarers, in partnership with Idwal and NorthStandard, and supported by Inmarsat. It provides vital insights into the experiences of the men and women who serve at sea, highlighting the areas most in need of attention and action.

These findings underscore the critical importance of prioritizing seafarer welfare to ensure a sustainable and thriving maritime workforce.

The results of the latest survey show that dissatisfaction is partly due to some ports not actively facilitating shore access. There is a growing perception that if a port is not proactive in supporting shore leave then it is acting as a barrier to it.

Many seafarers report feeling isolated and frustrated due to limited shore access, poorly maintained facilities, and inconvenient transport options. These challenges make it difficult for crew members to leave their vessels to rest and recharge, contributing to heightened mental strain.

These findings also highlight that while some improvements have been made in terms of interpersonal relationshi…

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