Seafarer pay is still rising, but crew well-being is becoming a major concern, according to Dania Crewing Specialists’ 2024 Seafarer’s Survey.
The survey, which gathered responses from around 5000 seafarers globally, found that the shortage of skilled crew is increasing salaries, with some positions seeing increases of up to 10% compared to 2023.
Mental stress and welfare issues at sea are on the rise, with more seafarers reporting difficulties with their mental health, pay issues and food shortages.
The survey found that wages are rising for all types of vessels. Senior officers in India continue to receive the highest wages, about 10% more than their peers from Eastern Europe and the Philippines.
Filipino junior officers earn less than their peers in both regions.
Senior ratings like Bosuns, Fitters, and Pumpmen are also seeing pay increases as demand for their jobs remains high.
Henrik Jensen, CEO of Danica Crewing Specialists, said that the continuous lack of skilled seafarers, along with improved financial conditions for many ship owners, has led to employers offering better pay to attract talent.
He said that the competition for skilled crew is intense, and that is the reason why wages continue to increase. As job opportunities expand, so does the number of sailors looking for better positions.
Almost all the responders said that they look for new job opportunities during their time off, not just for higher salaries but also for benefits like better joining dates, newer vessels, and more extensive health insurance and pension plans.
Despite the rise in wages, seafarer welfare remains a major issue.
Per the survey, mental health issues are becoming more common, with 14% of respondents feeling mentally depressed during their last contract, up from 11% in 2023.
Even though more seafarers are seeking mental health support, only 65% found the support useful, down from 75% in 2023.
Other welfare concerns include food and water shortages and delays in salary payments. An alarming 25% of seafarers reported a lack of food and drinking water, a rise from 20% in 2019.
Additionally, 35% said they were not paid on time, and 7% reported not receiving their full salary.
The report also revealed that more seafarers are switching jobs. In 2024, 58% of seafarers said they had changed employers at least once in the past three years. Of those who changed their jobs, 37% did so to earn a higher salary, up from 25% in 2019.
Other reasons for switching jobs include better internet access, newer vessels, and promotion opportunities.
Danica Crewing Specialists surveyed almost 70000 seafarers globally, with responses coming from a variety of vessel types. The survey also focused on the situation of Ukrainian seafarers, revealing that nearly all are now based outside Ukraine, but the availability of Ukrainian crew remains the same as before the war.
Jensen stressed on the situation, saying employers must not just offer competitive wages but also consider the welfare of their crew, adding that the industry is constantly evolving, and those who do not adapt may struggle to attract the best talent.
Reference: DANICA
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