04 May 2023 – NorthStandard is pleased to announce its continued sponsorship of Seafarers Happiness Index, an initiative of the Mission to Seafarers, as the latest report highlights a decline in overall satisfaction levels among vessel crews.
The latest SHI report, covering the first quarter of 2023, reveals that overall satisfaction levels among seafarers have fallen to 7.1 out of 10 from 7.69/10 in Q4 2022.
Covering 10 key areas of life at sea, the report identifies concerns surrounding access to shore leave and onshore welfare services as the most significant challenges facing seafarers. Between Q4 2022 and Q1 2023, the former fell from 6.76/10 to 6.23/10, while the latter dropped from 7.41/10 to 6.49/10. On a more positive note, the same period saw satisfaction regarding onboard connectivity rise from 7.4/10 to 7.56/10, reflecting a generally positive response from seafarers on the ability to maintain contact with family.
âIt is unfortunate to see a dip in satisfaction levels from 7.69/10 to 7.1/10 in Q1 of 2023 following the incremental rise reported throughout 2022,â said Captain Yves Vandenborn, Director of Loss Prevention. âPersistent frustrations with shore leave and challenges with extended periods on board appear to have had a negative impact on scoring as the pace of industry-wide improvement to these areas has been slow.
âThere is also a growing awareness among seafarers of the disparities in terms of the provision of connectivity, access to mental health support and well-being programmes offered to crew by companies across the industry. Shipping is the lifeblood of the global economy and dependent on nearly two million seafarers, relying on their expertise, experience and professionalism every day, so it is vital that their health and wellbeing are prioritised. NorthStandard will continue to support members in raising awareness of important well-being aspects to drive positive change and improve job satisfaction, productivity and retention among seafarers. This will in turn help ship owners to attract and recruit the most-talented personnel.â
During Singapore Maritime Week 2023, NorthStandard, The Mission to Seafarers, co-sponsor Idwal and SHI founder Steven Jones, together with Inmarsat, met to examine the results of the latest report. Supported by an invited panel of ship owners, managers and charterers, the roundtable group aims to translate lessons from the report into meaningful solutions for the long-term improvement of seafarer welfare.
The Mission to Seafarersâ SHI report for Q1 2023 can be accessed here.
About NorthStandard:
NorthStandard is one of the leading providers of global marine insurance products and services across the maritime industries. Established through the merger of North P&I Club and the Standard Club in February 2023, NorthStandard brings together over 300 years of marine insurance heritage. âAâ rated by S&P Global, NorthStandard has a premium income around US$800M and provides cover for over 390 million GT of owned and chartered tonnage.
From headquarters in the UK and with offices throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas, NorthStandard offers a unique blend of worldwide presence and class-leading expertise across multiple specialist areas, including P&I, FD&D, War Risks, Strike & Delay, Hull and Machinery and ancillary insurance. Its Sunderland Marine and Coastal & Inland divisions also provide cover for ownersâ fixed premium P&I, fishing vessels, inland waterway and coastal trading vessels and aquaculture. NorthStandardâs comprehensive local market and sector knowledge is underpinned by continuous investments in market-leading digital technologies.
NorthStandard is a leading member of the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG) and is fully committed to upholding the shared objectives of its 12 independent member clubs, which provide liability cover for approximately 90% of the worldâs ocean-going tonnage.
