Crews still watch each other’s backs, but the industry isn’t doing nearly enough for them. The latest Seafarers Happiness Index reveals increasing unhappiness with working conditions and a growing disconnect between the support seafarers provide to each other at sea and what the industry actually offers.
Based on survey answers and seafarers’ own testimonies, the index fell to 6.81 in Q3 2026, down from 6.87 in Q2. It is part of a slide that started after the index peaked at 7.26 in the last quarter of 2025. Of the 10 areas surveyed, four went up, six went down. Connectivity was the biggest loser, as seafarers expect more and become more frustrated with the quality and limits of internet at sea.
Having Wi-Fi is no longer enough
The industry’s approach to connectivity is facing tougher questions. “Seafarers are no longer satisfied with Wi-Fi being on offer,” the report’s authors say. What people want is a connection that is fast, reliable, private and affordable, so they can stay in touch with family and friends the way anyone ashore would, without pointless restrictions.
The report draws a line between having an internet connection and truly being connected to life back home. Access is still limited, and that makes real contact with loved ones harder, especially during long stretches away. The connectivity score dropped from 7.46 to 6.89 because what seafarers expect has moved ahead of what ships actually provide.
The next challenge for the sector, according to the report, is internet that is dependable, affordable, secure and open enough for seafarers to build meaningful relationships beyond the ship.
Pay isn’t keeping up with responsibility
Wages saw the second-largest fall, sliding from 6.86 to 6.56. The results reflect a worry that pay isn’t keeping pace with growing responsibilities, particularly on more complex vessels.
One respondent was blunt: salaries hadn’t moved in years and were no longer enough. Working on an LNG tanker means a high-risk environment and extra duties, yet there is no extra allowance to match.
These concerns come at a time when the traditional financial appeal of life at sea has worn thin. Inflation has eaten into purchasing power, and jobs ashore now look more attractive thanks to better benefits and conditions. As the pay premium shrinks, more seafarers are asking whether the money is worth the long separation from their families, the heavy workloads and the physical and mental strain of life onboard.
The Achilles heel of the industry is shore leave
Shore leave scores the lowest of the 10 categories, falling from 5.72 to 5.46. Operational demands keep getting in the way, making it more and more difficult for crews to step off their vessels.
Faster port turnarounds, smaller crews, remote terminals, tighter port security and heavy workloads translate into less time ashore. The low rating reflects a structural problem rather than a temporary setback, the report says. Some respondents even wondered why they would rate a benefit they seldom enjoy. One seafarer said he had been denied shore leave for four contracts in a row, each of them five to six months in duration.
Even worse are the port calls because you cram so many things in them. The report indicated that workload had improved in Q3 but that cargo operations, bunkering, inspections, maintenance and paperwork all tend to accumulate into the same short period. One might think that a port call would be a time to relax and recharge, but it is often the most hectic part of the journey. Even if leave is granted, operational priorities can restrict any real opportunity to go ashore.
Good news regarding training
But the report didn’t bring all bad news. Training and development increased significantly, from 6.97 to 7.28.
Seafarers gave positive feedback about learning from experienced colleagues and acquiring new skills. That’s a major change from the previous quarter, when some mariners said the training was repetitive and compliance-driven. This improvement means that seafarers’ satisfaction still matters a lot to good onboard learning and professional development.
The crew’s bonds keep people going
Interaction also increased, from 7.49 to 7.70. The jump was not the biggest in any of the categories but the authors of the report consider it one of the most important findings.
The positive relations that seafarers experience on board are often described in terms of family, friendship, cooperation, humor, respect and mutual help . These ties afford emotional assurance and help ships to run smoothly. Close knit crews communicate better, they share the pressure and it makes it easier for people to ask a colleague for help.
However, the report adds a caveat, stating that this solidarity should not be viewed as a replacement for proper welfare provision. But the support the crews give each other helps them cope with the pressures of life at sea, and that doesn’t mean the industry should not fix poor working conditions and the structural problems seafarers face.
Overall, the picture is mixed. Camaraderie, interaction and training are encouraging but falling satisfaction with connectivity, pay and shore leave show the industry has a lot more to do to support seafarers.
