Seafarer happiness improved across all measures in the second quarter of 2025, according to the latest Seafarers Happiness Index from The Mission to Seafarers.
The overall score rose to 7.31 out of 10, up from 6.8 in the first quarter, with camaraderie forged during hardship cited as a key driver of morale.
However, the report noted significant variations between vessel types, with 48% of respondents serving on tankers, 41% on bulk carriers, 5% on container ships, 4% on cruise vessels and 3% on offshore units.
A pronounced gap emerged between male and female respondents, with men reporting higher levels of satisfaction. The findings indicate that female seafarers face additional challenges that diminish their wellbeing and job satisfaction, prompting calls for targeted improvements in working conditions alongside efforts to boost female participation in maritime careers.
The survey reflected the sector’s gender imbalance, with 89% of respondents male, 7% female and the rest preferring not to disclose their gender.
Crew welfare recorded the most significant improvement among the nine areas assessed, measuring access to welfare facilities and the quality of services. Respondents suggested that awareness, utilisation and relevance of these services could be enhanced.
In contrast, shore leave showed the smallest improvement and remained the lowest scoring category, identified as the sector’s greatest challenge. LNG carriers were singled out as offering no shore leave, while low crewing levels were often linked to difficulties in granting it.
The report said shore leave restrictions reflect the combined effects of reduced manning, tight schedules and lingering pandemic-era measures.
Seafarers stressed the mental health benefits of time ashore, but the data suggests operational and commercial demands frequently override this need.
The authors of the report described shore leave as perhaps the most critical area for industry action, given its direct impact on mental health, family connections and overall job satisfaction.
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