ONBOARD Magazine autumn 2023

COMMENT
Happiness Rising
Captain Michael Howorth asks how happy are our hard working yacht
crew and what can be done to improve life on board?
Who knew that happiness at sea could be measured or
even evaluated? When I was a Captain, you were either
happy with your yacht, owner or management company
or you were not. If it was the latter, you buggered off and found
something more suitable. No one asked if you were happy and if
truth were known, the fact was, no one really cared.
But now they do! The Mission to Seafarers (they changed their
name from Mission to Seaman!) even prepares and publishes a
Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) every year. This is apparently,
regarded as the shipping industry barometer of sentiment at sea.
Each quarter they examine the most pressing issues affecting
those working at sea, asking seafarers ten key questions about
various aspects of their life and work.
The anonymous answers they give, in
terms of data marking their mood out of
ten and through their written responses,
help those ashore to gain insight and
understanding of the challenges faced
and the opportunities for welfare
improvements.
This most recent report covers both
the results of the data from Q4 2022,
but also the responses and issues that
seafarers encountered in 2022. Those compiling the survey
received messages from crews all over the world, and those
contributions allowed them to access vital data and insights.
The latest Seafarers Happiness Index, published at the end of
January, revealed average seafarer happiness levels reached
7.69 out of 10, up from 7.3 with levels rising across almost all
categories, reflecting the sustained upward trend seen throughout
the year. The results of the survey show that even the historically
most problematic areas, such as shore leave and access to
welfare ashore, are recovering. Crew members continued to
express their relief at the return of freedom of movement, as
well as their increased sense of certainty and stability.
Although the data shows
positive progress,
there are still persistent
issues that need to be
addressed
Other issues such as conflict and contracts also contributed to
the low morale and deflated mood among seafarers. Many seafarers
felt that their welfare was not being properly addressed and that
their work conditions were becoming increasingly difficult. Although
the data shows positive progress, there are still persistent issues
that need to be addressed, such as workload, mental health
impacts, and the stresses of the job. Training has improved, but
there are mixed responses from seafarers about its effectiveness.
The results show a clear correlation between the overall condition
of the vessel and crew welfare conditions on board merchant
ships. Further analysis of different vessel types, classification
societies, and flag states also support this trend. This highlights
the importance of the vessel standard in improving crew welfare
and the positive symbiotic relationship
between crew happiness and enhanced
welfare standards.
Reading the survey, I am struck by the
fact that while superyacht crews sail
under the same ensigns as do merchant
seaman we are in fact at the opposite
end of the spectrum. Are our cabins
too small, is the food in the crew mess
not up to snuff, but compared to the
average joe serving on board a merchant
ship we have it easy - don’t we?
Twenty years ago, the words mental health were the precursor
of being sent to the looney bin. No one discussed it, no one really
thought of it as an issue let alone an excuse not to do your fair
share of work. Certainly, 20 years ago when we did not have
internet access on board it was hard to stay in touch and this
did affect our personal lives.
As to whether or not it affected my happiness index, I am not
sure! But I am glad that 20+ years ago I was also blissfully
ignorant of such issues, and I believe I was a lot happier about
that then, than I am now.
ONBOARD | AUTUMN 2023 | 7