A recent study published by the World Maritime University (WMU) highlights the growing strain on seafarers' work, health, and retention in the shipping industry. The report, commissioned by the Officers' Union of International Seamen (OUIS), draws on responses from over 4,300 seafarers representing 99 nationalities, providing a comprehensive insight into life and work at sea. The study reveals persistently long working hours, limited opportunities for rest and shore leave, and high levels of work-related stress among seafarers.
Around one-third of respondents were assessed as experiencing severe or potentially dangerous stress levels, while mental well-being scores indicate that a significant proportion of seafarers may be at risk of mental health problems. S. seafarers reported particularly heavy workloads, extended work hours, and administrative and inspection pressure despite shorter contract lengths.
The report also raises concerns about the future sustainability of the maritime workforce, with nearly half of all respondents indicating an intention to leave seafaring within the next five years. Poor mental health and dissatisfaction with working conditions emerged as key drivers for this trend. The study calls for urgent, coordinated action by regulators, shipowners, and other stakeholders to reduce excessive workloads, address administrative burdens, and prioritize seafarers' health and well-being at the centre of maritime policy and practice.
With the global shipping industry facing serious risks to safety, operational resilience, and long-term recruitment and retention, this report serves as a wake-up call for the industry to take immediate action. The findings of this study underscore the need for a more balanced approach to seafaring, one that prioritizes both the well-being of seafarers and the sustainability of the maritime workforce. By doing so, the industry can work towards creating a healthier, safer, and more sustainable future for its workers and the global economy as a whole.
The report's comprehensive insights into the challenges faced by seafarers provide a valuable resource for policymakers, shipowners, and other stakeholders seeking to address these issues and promote positive change in the industry. With its far-reaching implications for the maritime sector, this study is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of life and work at sea.
The WMU report's findings on the growing strain on seafarers' work, health, and retention are a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to address the root causes of these problems. By prioritizing seafarers' well-being and sustainability, the industry can work towards creating a healthier, safer, and more sustainable future for its workers and the global economy as a whole.
