Longer voyages improve seafarer happiness

Longer voyages improve seafarer happiness
Marcus Hand, October 29, 2024 https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/crewing/longer-voyages-improve-seafare...

Diverting from the Red Sea to the Cape of Good avoid Houthi attacks has had an unexpected positive impact on seafarer happiness in providing more downtime.

When a press release on the latest quarterly Seafarer Happiness Index landed headlined ‘Red Sea diversions alleviating onboard strain’ I assumed it simply to the reduction in stress compared the fears that must be faced by seafarers having to make transits of the Red Sea in the face of the Houthi threat.

But it seems the diversion via the Cape of Good Hope on voyages between Asia – Europe, the Med, and US East Coast has had an unexpected side effect of more downtime for crew while at sea.

The quarterly Seafarer Happiness Index undertaken by the Mission to Seafarers, delivered in association with Idwal and NorthStandard and supported by Inmarsat, moved up to 7.16 points in Q3 compared 6.99 in the previous quarter.

Initially longer voyages had brought concern over crew having to spend more time at sea and potentially extended contracts as result. The reality has brought something rather different with many the vessels making diversions operating on liner services meaning there is now a much longer gap in port calls between leaving Asia and arriving in the Europe, the Med, or US East Coast. Overall transits are lengthened by around 10 – 14 days.

According to latest report the longer transits allow additional time for rest, social activities, and establishing better onboard routines translating into a positive impact on team morale and overall well being. It has also allowed senior officers to take on a supportive role to their junior colleagues.

“The benefits of longer transit routes show that even small changes can have a positive impact, but there’s more to be done to ensure our crews feel supported, respected, and rewarded for their vital work,” commented Ben Bailey, Director of Programme, The Mission to Seafarers.

However, the very different picture faced seafarers who do have to transit the Red Sea should not be forgotten. “The root cause of these diversions, however, should not be overlooked. We urge all parties to do what they can to reduce the unacceptable risks faced by seafarers from the continued attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea,” Bailey said.

Looking at the broader picture challenges remain in terms of on board crew welfare. It was noted restriction on internet access remained a major frustration in particular services such as Starlink. There was also a growing dissatisfaction with the relevance of training programmes to the real world challenges at sea.

A critical area is heavy workloads as a cause of stress and smaller crews putting more strain on those on board.

Thom Herbert, Idwal Key Account Manager and Crew Welfare Advocate, Idwal said, “The concerns raised about inadequate training for new environmental technologies are worrying trends that require industry-wide attention. The report's emphasis on the need for improved internet connectivity and shore leave opportunities reinforces what we're seeing across the global fleet - these fundamental aspects of crew welfare cannot be overlooked if we want to attain the highest standards in shipping."