REVERSING a rise earlier this year, the global Seafarers Happiness Index fell in the September quarter to an average score of 7.05 out of 10 from Q2’s 7.54/10 in what its publisher, the UK-based Mission to Seafarers, describes as a “stark reality check”.
“After a promising upward trajectory in mid-2025, the Q3 Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) data and responses provide a stark reality check,” the Mission stated on releasing the latest SHI on 29 October.
“The data paints a particularly alarming picture: nearly every measured aspect of seafarer wellbeing has deteriorated, with decline not isolated to one or two areas [but] across almost every aspect of seafarer wellbeing, from wages and training to health and workload management.”
The SHI average score decline is reflected in the fall in the index measure for “general happiness” from 7.31 in Q2 to 7.04 in Q3.
“The declining general happiness score suggests that mounting pressures are beginning to erode the resilience that has traditionally characterised the seafaring workforce,” the Mission commented. “Comments reveal that happiness is often contextual, with significant variations between vessel types.”
In the only measure recording a rise, albeit modest, in the September 2025 quarter, the “Contact with family” score rose from 7.81 to 7.75, reflecting improving access to communications technology aboard ships.
“The feedback reveals that connectivity directly impacts family relationships and mental health, with seafarers describing internet access as essential for ‘calling my family regularly’ and maintaining daily contact with loved ones,” the mission noted, adding that wide variability in internet access across vessels persisted.
Other SHI measures, all recording falls since Q2 in Q3, are:
Worryingly, comments from seafarers about training and safety showed there could be a tendency aboard some ships officers to prioritise “paper safety” or administrative recording over actual safety measures.
There was concern about interference in navigation technology – “GNSS spoofing” – highlighting an over-reliance on the technology, leading to panic among junior officers when it failed because they had not been adequately trained in traditional navigational skills.
But one captain responding to the survey had come up with a corrective measure. “Every month we conduct a watch using traditional fixing,” the caption revealed. “Initially, there was resistance, but now officers see the value. Their confidence in traditional methods has improved dramatically.”
One respondent suggested that each vessel should have a “low/no tech navigation” advocate who could mentor younger colleagues and help sharpen their skills. As another master put it succinctly: “Technology should enhance a navigator’s capabilities, not replace their fundamental skills. We need confidence and practice to stay as navigators.”
Mission to Seafarers regional director Australia and Papua New Guinea Sue Dight said that “while increased connectivity remains a bright spot for crews, the mounting workload is dragging overall morale”.
“Improved digital contact is one of the few gains—but it can’t fully offset stress from heavier tasks, extended duties and shrinking downtime.”
The online SHI was launched in 2015 and can be found at www.seafarershappinessindex.org