Seafarer Happiness: An Updated Review for 2025

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Since Martide's last review of the Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) in 2022, there have been some interesting patterns emerging in the maritime industry.  

As a leading maritime recruitment and software brand, it is important to keep prospective employees up to date with the latest trends in the industry and showcase that it is a great sector to work in.  

This post provides an updated review of the data collected by The Mission to Seafarers, offering insights into the well-being of seafarers and what it means for those considering a career at sea. 

Overview of the Seafarers Happiness Index 

The Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) is a quarterly survey conducted by The Mission to Seafarers to assess the well-being of seafarers worldwide. The survey asks seafarers questions about various aspects of their life and work, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities they face. 

Key Factors Influencing Seafarer Happiness 

The SHI survey encompasses key questions that address various aspects of the professional and personal lives of those working at sea. These include: 

• General satisfaction 

• Shore leave 

• Wages 

• Training 

• Crew interaction 

• Workload 

• Welfare 

• Connectivity 

• Food 

• Health and fitness 

Seafarer Happiness Index: 2020 - 2024 

Here is a graph showing the Seafarers Happiness Index over the last 5 years: 

Analysis of Recent Trends 

• Q3 2022: The SHI showed a continuous increase, with the overall average rising from 5.85/10 in Q1 to 7.3/10 in Q3 2022. This jump was largely due to improved access to shore leave and better connectivity with family1. 

• Q2 2023: There was a significant drop in overall happiness to 6.77/10, down from 7.1/10 in Q1 2023. Happiness levels fell across all categories, with growing problems potentially exacerbated by the slow improvements post-pandemic. 

• Q1 & Q2 2024: The index saw a very slight increase to 6.99 in Q2 2024, marginally up from 6.94/10 in Q1 2024. This modest rise indicates that seafarers’ happiness has at least stabilised. Improvements were noted in general satisfaction, shore leave, wages, training, crew interaction, workload, and welfare. However, there were slight declines in satisfaction regarding connectivity, food, and health and fitness. 

• Q3 2024: The SHI increased to 7.16, up from 6.99 in Q2 2024, partly attributed to increased downtime from Red Sea diversions. 

Factors Contributing to Happiness 

• Shore Leave: Relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions has allowed for better access to shore leave and welfare centers, contributing to higher satisfaction. 

• Connectivity: Good Wi-Fi access on board helps seafarers stay connected with loved ones, improving social cohesion and overall happiness. 

• Rest and Routine: Unexpectedly, the added time from Red Sea diversions has provided seafarers with opportunities for rest, routine establishment and social activities. 

Persistent Challenges 

• Physical Health and Wellbeing: Issues persist regarding the provision of fresh, quality food and the training standards of catering crews. Many seafarers still report feeling tired and stressed due to high workloads, which cuts into time for fitness. 

• Workload and Personal Time: High workloads often leave little spare private time, negatively impacting work-life balance and making it hard to have any kind of social life on board. 

• Connectivity Costs: The high costs and slow speeds of internet access remain significant hurdles. While communication has improved, there is still a need for more affordable and faster internet services. 

• Nutrition and Hydration: There have been troubling reports about ships running out of stores and limited access to potable water, which is a significant concern. 

Seafarer Happiness Index Scores Over Time 

The Maritime Industry: A Promising Career Path 

Despite the challenges highlighted in the SHI, the maritime industry offers a rewarding career path. The opportunity to travel the world, experience different cultures, and develop valuable skills are significant advantages. Moreover, the sense of camaraderie and teamwork on board can create lasting bonds and a supportive work environment. 

Martide’s Commitment to Seafarer Well-being 

At Martide, we understand the importance of seafarer well-being. We are committed to connecting seafarers with reputable employers who prioritize their crew's health, safety, and overall happiness. By using Martide's recruitment platform, seafarers can find opportunities that align with their values and career goals, ensuring a more fulfilling and positive experience at sea. 

Conclusion 

The Seafarers Happiness Index provides valuable insights into the realities of life at sea. While there are ongoing challenges, the industry is making strides in improving seafarer well-being. By addressing key issues such as workload, connectivity costs, and access to essential amenities, the maritime sector can continue to enhance the quality of life for its workforce.  

For those considering a career in the maritime industry, these improvements signal a positive trend towards a more supportive and rewarding environment. 

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This blog post was originally published on August 11th 2022 and was rewritten and updated on June 17th 2025