Shocking seafarer stats create urgent call for change at sea

 

 

The global shipping industry must take steps to improve working conditions across seven key areas and urgently improve seafarer well-being, make life at sea safe and inclusive, and future-proof against the changing needs of the maritime labour market to attract future generations of seafarers according to a new 24-page report published today by the Diversity@Sea pilot, a Global Maritime Forum initiative.

The findings identify areas such as addressing abuse and harassment, enhancing work-life balance, and upgrading onboard facilities as critical to the future of the industry and protecting the future of global trade.

The conclusions are the culmination of a 10-month global collaboration involving 400 seafarers and 12 major first-mover shipping companies to generate more than 50,000 data points.

The report contains many shocking statistics. For instance, a Nautilus International survey found that almost 42% of maritime workers have encountered bullying, harassment, or discrimination at sea, while Safer Waves reports that 58% have experienced sexual misconduct at sea.

 

58% of seafarers have experienced sexual misconduct at sea

Estimates in the report indicate that 8% to 25% of all seafarers experience harassment and bullying. For female seafarers, the number is over 50%. In the first quarter of 2023 alone, the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) reported a 45% increase in cases of harassment and bullying compared to the previous quarter, with many incidents involving abuse by senior officers.

“Poor work conditions pose long-term risks to global trade, with seafarer labour shortages reaching a 17-year high, and some banks in August indicating they could curb lending for shipowners who put seafarers’ welfare at risk,” the report notes.

The report’s findings have identified seven critical areas for meaningful change across the industry. These include zero tolerance for abuse and harassment, improved contracts to avoid the pressure seafarers feel to work excessive hours, enhanced internet and social connectivity, guaranteed helpline access, and parental support to ensure that being pregnant or having family responsibilities at home does not prevent seafarers from working or making a living at sea. Other recommendations include inclusive personal protective equipment and transparent training and appraisal systems to promote fairness and equality and improved career progression at sea.

Under the leadership of Global Maritime Forum’s human sustainability director, Susanne Justesen, the project will develop these findings into a comprehensive report and guidelines in early 2025 to improve conditions for seafarers. The hope is for these guidelines to help maritime companies, institutions, regulators, and academics to shape the future work environment at sea and overcome some of the key workforce challenges faced by the industry.