The Seafarers Happiness Index was founded in 2015 and is designed to monitor and benchmark seafarer satisfaction levels by asking a series of questions, and serves as an important barometer of seafarer satisfaction with life at sea. Questions focus on a range of issues, from mental health and wellbeing, to working life and family contact.
2025 has proven to be a period of volatility in crew satisfaction. Following an encouraging upward trajectory during the first half of the year, the industry experienced a significant course correction. The Q3 data delivered a sobering reality check, but the year concluded with modest recovery. The Q4 2025 data showed an improvement to 7.26/10
This report presents analysis of responses from seafarers participating in the Q4 Seafarers Happiness Index survey and a review of the year just gone. The findings reveal the balance and trade-offs between professional fulfilment and personal sacrifice. Stressing the contradiction of technological advancement amidst persistent human isolation, and the constant negotiation between economic necessity and quality of experience.
Have a look on overall and individual happiness index
- General Happiness 7.39 ↑ from 7.04
- Connectivity 7.42 ↓ from 7.81
- Shore Leave 6.72 ↑ from 6.56
- Wages 7.01 ↑ from 6.81
- Food Quality 7.4 ↑ from 7.29
- Health and Exercise 7.51 ↑ from 7.09
- Training and Development 7.56 ↑ from 6.99
- Interactions 8.02 ↑ from 7.68
- Workload Management 6.89 ↑ from 6.59
This data reveals an industry optimised for a narrow profile: older, male, from developing regions, working on less specialised vessels on short contracts. Those who deviate, young people, women, non-binary individuals, those from developed nations, more senior officers on complex vessels or long contracts, experience significantly diminished satisfaction. An industry where the young are unhappy, where women and non-binary individuals struggle, where rank brings misery, and where extended time creates unbearable conditions cannot sustain itself. These numbers are a concern.