Danica Crewing Specialists’ 2024 Seafarers' Survey reveals ongoing wage increases in the maritime sector, with some positions seeing salary hikes of up to 10% compared to 2023. The survey highlights a competitive job market where seafarers are increasingly selective about their positions, considering factors such as salary, vessel age, and promotion opportunities.
The survey also found that 99% of seafarers actively search for new positions during leave time. However, welfare concerns persist, including reports of food and water shortages, delayed payments, and mental health challenges, with 14% of seafarers feeling depressed during their last contract.
Key trends include a rise in job changes for higher wages, with 37% of seafarers switching employers for better pay, up from 25% in 2019. Senior officers from India continue to earn the highest wages, while Filipino junior officers lag behind. The survey was conducted with nearly 5,000 seafarers globally, shedding light on the state of crew employment and well-being.
Danica’s CEO, Henrik Jensen, noted the challenges of ensuring crew welfare amidst the growing competition for skilled seafarers.