SEAFiT Crew Survey Report 2023

Crew Survey Report | 2023 27 seafit.safety4sea.com Several seafarers highlighted that affordable means of communication, i.e. free internet data package, would improve the communication with their be- loved ones ashore and subsequently their well- being significantly. However as mentioned previ- ously the question with highest score of satisfac- tion was the one related to contacting home. The paradox may be explained that the need for inter- net for seafarers considered to be a recreational mean (apart of communication mean). There were many respondents who touched the is- sue of focusing more on social life onboard and invest- ing in team bonding with team activities, i.e. karaoke nights, BBQ Sundays onboard, games. The recreational issues have almost the same level of concern to seafarers wit inter- net connectivity. Furthermore, many participants asked for a healthier nutrition rich in fruits and vegetables, recreational facilities and gym equipment for exercise. Other major complaints were issues related to hu- man factor (training on mental health issues, resilience meetings, mental health support by experts etc) and health care system (onboard and ashore health sup- port). What is more, several participants highlighted how important is for the ship management to check crew feelings and their mental health on a timely manner and suggested medical insurance to the family onshore. Contracts termination/ repatriation and shore leave were also among seafarers’ high concerns as a result of the COV- ID-19 pandemic and crew change challenges. The contracts and repatriation routine have almost returned to pro COVID levels however the restrictions in shore leave is something that the industry should review in deep. Overall, crew welfare issues are being successfully ad- dressed according to the Crew Welfare Index of the survey which remains at a high level 74,2%. Although, the wellness issues (related to aspects of social, emotional, physical, in- tellectual and spiritual wellbeing) show a high satisfactory level for crew onboard, seafarers felt that communication with each other and stressed work load affect their wellbe- ing overall. SURVEY ANALYS I S