The maritime industry is undergoing significant changes, and the latest Seafarer Survey 2025, conducted by Danica Crewing Specialists, sheds light on the evolving challenges and opportunities for those working at sea. From rising stress levels to improvements in welfare support, the survey provides a comprehensive snapshot of life for today’s seafarers.
Mental Health and Stress on the Rise
One of the most concerning findings is the increase in stress among seafarers.
- 44% reported experiencing stress during their last contract, compared to 35% in 2024 and just 28% in 2019.
- 16% admitted to feelings of depression, highlighting the urgent need for mental health support onboard.
Younger crew members and junior officers are particularly vulnerable, citing unclear promotion paths and long working hours as significant sources of stress.
Early Retirement Trends
The survey reveals a growing trend towards early retirement:
- 42% of respondents plan to retire before age 55, a sharp decline from previous averages of 58–61 years.
- Engineers lead this trend, driven by health concerns, family separation, and rising living costs ashore.
This shift could exacerbate the shortage of senior officers in the coming years, creating operational challenges for shipping companies.
Persistent Wage Issues
While wages have stabilised across most ranks, financial challenges remain:
- 30% reported delayed salary payments, and 9% did not receive full payment.
- Seniority bonuses are becoming more common, and experienced second engineers have seen notable pay rises due to strong demand.
Positive Developments in Welfare and Training
Despite these challenges, there are encouraging signs of progress:
- Private medical insurance now covers 24% of seafarers and their families, a 33% increase since 2019.
- Training satisfaction improved, with 64% rating courses as “very” or “extremely useful.”
- New modules include cybersecurity and stress management, reflecting industry adaptation to digital and welfare needs.
Retention rates are also improving, with more seafarers staying longer with their current employers, suggesting growing loyalty and stability.
Key Challenges Ahead
The findings underscore several critical issues:
- Rising stress and mental health concerns demand better onboard support systems, including counselling and compliance with rest-hour regulations.
- Early retirements and wage delays risk talent shortages, particularly in senior ranks.
- Continued investment in welfare and training is essential to make seafaring a sustainable and attractive career.
Conclusion
The Seafarer Survey 2025 by Danica Crewing Specialists paints a mixed picture. While welfare initiatives and training improvements are steps in the right direction, mental health challenges and workforce instability remain pressing concerns. For shipping companies, addressing these issues is not just a matter of compliance—it’s a strategic imperative to secure the future of global maritime operations.
The Maritime-Hub Editorial Team
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Maritime-Hub. Readers are advised to research this information before making decisions based on it.
