Discover the top 12 things seafarers wish from the maritime industry. This human-centered guide explores welfare, safety, digitalisation, mental health, and career growth for those who keep global trade moving.
Why Seafarer Welfare Matters in Modern Maritime Operations
Seafarers are the invisible workforce powering 90% of global trade. They work in harsh conditions, far from home, often with minimal internet, long contracts, and immense physical and psychological challenges. The maritime industry depends on their endurance, skill, and resilience. But too often, their voices go unheard.
As digital transformation, environmental regulations, and global crises reshape shipping, the expectations and needs of seafarers are evolving too. Seafarers today want more than survival—they seek dignity, recognition, and a better quality of life.
Understanding their perspectives isn’t just ethical—it’s strategic. Happy, healthy crews are more productive, safer, and more likely to remain loyal. Let’s explore what the industry can do to make seafaring more humane and future-ready.
Better Internet Connectivity at Sea
One of the most consistent demands among seafarers today is access to stable, affordable internet. Isolation from family during long voyages remains a key stressor.
Recent Developments: According to Inmarsat and Iridium (2023 reports), over 65% of commercial vessels now have some form of satellite-based internet, but bandwidth often remains limited or costly.
Why It Matters: Crew morale improves significantly when seafarers can communicate with loved ones or access news and entertainment. The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) recommends internet access as part of decent working conditions.
Shorter Contracts and Timely Crew Changes
Lengthy contracts of 8–12 months, exacerbated by COVID-19 restrictions, created what the IMO called the “crew change crisis.” At its peak in 2021, over 400,000 seafarers were stranded beyond contract limits.
Current Trends: Many shipowners are shifting to shorter rotations (3–6 months), encouraged by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and BIMCO agreements.
Seafarer Perspective: Balanced work-rest ratios help avoid fatigue, reduce mental health strain, and support career sustainability.
Fair Wages and Transparent Pay Structures
Despite the vital role they play in world trade, many seafarers—particularly from developing nations—report underpayment, wage delays, or unclear salary terms.
Industry Standards: The ILO and ITF periodically update recommended minimum wage rates. As of 2023, the minimum monthly wage for an AB is set at USD 658.
What Seafarers Want: Transparent contracts, regular payments, and no hidden deductions—basic financial respect for their service.
Respect for Rest Hours and Fatigue Management
Fatigue is a leading cause of maritime accidents, as highlighted in MAIB and EMSA reports. But enforcement of rest hour rules (per STCW and MLC) varies widely.
Case Study: The grounding of MV Pratibha Cauvery (2012) in India exposed chronic fatigue among the crew due to excessive workloads.
What Helps: Realistic manning levels, digital fatigue monitoring systems (used in Wärtsilä and DNV pilot projects), and better onboard culture.
Mental Health Support
Seafaring can be isolating and emotionally exhausting. Anxiety, depression, and even suicide are growing concerns, especially among younger officers.
Emerging Solutions: Mental health helplines (ISWAN’s SeafarerHelp), onboard wellness training, and telemedicine consultations are being adopted by progressive ship operators.
What Seafarers Say: They need more than slogans—they need trained superiors, confidential counselling, and stigma-free environments.
Safer Working Conditions and Zero Tolerance for Abuse
The physical risks of seafaring are well known. But many seafarers also report harassment, bullying, or racial/gender discrimination onboard.
Global Responses: The IMO, ICS, and WISTA International released joint guidance in 2022 for preventing and responding to sexual harassment in the maritime sector.
What’s Needed: Stronger HR policies onboard, anonymous reporting systems, and accountability from both shipowners and flag states.
Continuous Learning and Career Growth
Many seafarers feel their shore-based counterparts advance faster, with better support systems. Static career paths and lack of mentoring can lead to frustration.
Better Practice: Companies like Maersk and NYK have introduced digital learning platforms and career ladders linked to performance and leadership skills.
Seafarer Aspiration: Access to training, IMO Model Courses, simulator time, and fair promotion policies regardless of nationality.
Inclusion in Policy Discussions
Seafarers are rarely consulted when policies affecting them are drafted. From emissions regulations to digitalisation initiatives, they are often seen as implementers, not stakeholders.
Recent Advocacy: The Nautical Institute and BIMCO recommend participatory approaches, including crew feedback during regulatory planning and trials.
Real Impact: Crew feedback helped shape the IMO’s E-navigation strategy and STCW Code revisions.
Better Onboard Food, Recreation, and Habitability
Shipboard life can be monotonous. Poor-quality food, lack of exercise areas, and cramped cabins affect physical and mental health.
Changing Standards: The MLC sets out habitability standards, and class societies like BV and ABS now offer “crew welfare notations” for ships.
What Crews Want: Nutritious meals, basic gym equipment, and spaces to relax—not luxuries, just livable conditions.
Recognition and Respect from Society
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many nations labelled seafarers as “essential workers”—but in practice, many were denied shore leave or vaccine access.
Wider Need: Seafarers want public acknowledgment, faster visa processing, and inclusion in national labor protection systems.
Quote: “People forgot that without us, shelves stay empty,” said a third engineer interviewed by Marine Insight (2022).
Greater Job Security and Transparent Hiring
Recruitment scams and “no placement fee” violations still plague many seafarers. Miscommunication between manning agents and owners also creates job insecurity.
Solutions in Practice: Flag states like the Philippines (via MARINA) and India (via DG Shipping) are tightening crewing regulations. The IMO GISIS platform allows tracking of shipowner histories.
What Seafarers Value: Direct hiring when possible, vetted manning agencies, and job continuity after contract completion.
A Say in the Digital Future of Shipping
From ECDIS to e-navigation and AI-assisted operations, digitalisation is transforming maritime work. But without proper training, seafarers feel alienated.
Insight: DNV and Wärtsilä have launched projects integrating seafarer input into smart ship design.
Future-Ready Expectation: Seafarers want to be co-creators of maritime tech—not just operators, but digital collaborators.
Real-World Maritime Examples
Maersk’s Seafarer Uplift Program
Maersk introduced structured feedback surveys and revamped their mental wellness offerings based on direct crew input in 2022.
NYK’s Learning Ecosystem
NYK Line’s e-learning and mentorship program has helped cadets transition smoothly into officer roles, reducing attrition by 12%.
SeafarerWell Platform (UK)
Developed in partnership with ISWAN and UK P&I Club, this platform provides free mental health tools, podcasts, and check-ins.
IMO Model Courses 6.09 and 1.30
These guide the development of instructors and bridge team training, enabling modern seafarer education aligned with STCW standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is seafarer welfare a hot topic now?
COVID-19 exposed systemic vulnerabilities—stranded crews, denied shore leave, and isolation—that pushed seafarer welfare into global focus.
Are there laws protecting seafarers’ rights?
Yes. The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006), STCW Code, and national labor laws govern working hours, safety, and living conditions.
What role do P&I Clubs play?
Protection & Indemnity Clubs ensure insurance coverage for crew injury, illness, and repatriation—key for welfare enforcement.
Are shipowners doing enough?
Some are leading with welfare-centric policies; others lag. Pressure from flag states, classification societies, and public scrutiny helps.
How can seafarers report violations?
Through ITF helplines, port state control authorities, and ISWAN’s confidential support services.
Will AI and automation replace seafarers?
Not anytime soon. The human factor remains central, especially for judgment, safety, and crisis response.
Is mental health support really available onboard?
Progress is being made. But access, awareness, and follow-up remain inconsistent across fleets.
Conclusion
Seafarers are the lifeblood of maritime commerce. They keep the world connected, often at great personal sacrifice. As the shipping industry evolves—driven by technology, regulation, and climate goals—it must also evolve in how it treats those at the helm.
From basic internet and safety to mental well-being and career progression, these 12 wishes are not unreasonable—they’re foundational. Meeting them is not just good ethics; it’s smart business and long-overdue justice.
Let’s ensure that seafarers are not just seen as operators of ships but as human beings at sea, deserving of dignity, support, and a stake in shaping the future of maritime work.
References
- International Maritime Organization (IMO). (2023). MLC, STCW & Seafarer Safety. https://www.imo.org/
- Inmarsat Maritime. (2023). Seafarer Connectivity Survey. https://www.inmarsat.com
- International Labour Organization (ILO). (2023). Seafarers’ Wages and Working Conditions. https://www.ilo.org/
- International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). (2023). Seafarer Rights & Support. https://www.itfglobal.org/
- BIMCO. (2023). Workforce and Crew Management Reports. https://www.bimco.org
- The Nautical Institute. (2023). Bridge Team Competency Resources. https://www.nautinst.org
- Marine Insight. (2022). Seafarer Testimonials and Case Studies. https://www.marineinsight.com
- ISWAN. (2023). Mental Health & Wellbeing at Sea. https://www.seafarerswelfare.org
- DNV. (2023). Smart Ship Design and Crew Inclusion. https://www.dnv.com
- Wärtsilä. (2023). Digital Navigation and Crew Feedback Projects. https://www.wartsila.com