2024 Seafarer Job Market Insights: Wage Increases and Welfare Concerns

The ongoing shortage of skilled seafarers is benefiting those in the industry by driving up wages and allowing workers to be more selective about their job choices, according to Danica Crewing Specialists‘ fifth annual survey on the job market, salaries, and seafarers’ concerns. The crewing agency notes that while wages are increasing and seafarers can choose jobs more freely, there are still significant welfare issues to address.

Henrik Jensen, CEO of Danica Crewing Specialists, stated that the combination of a general shortage of competent seafarers and improved financial conditions for vessel owners is leading to higher remuneration and continued wage growth. The survey revealed a 10 percent wage increase from 2023 to 2024 across all vessel types.

However, the survey also highlighted wage disparities, with Indian senior officers on dry cargo vessels earning about 10 percent more than their Eastern European and Filipino counterparts, who earn similar salaries at senior levels. Filipino junior officers, on the other hand, earn less than both Eastern European and Indian junior officers. Senior ratings, such as Bosun, Fitter, Pumpmen, and cooks, remain in demand and have also seen wage increases.

With a surplus of job offers, seafarers are becoming more selective, considering factors beyond salary, such as joining dates and the age of vessels. The survey indicated that 58 percent of seafarers had changed employers at least once in the past three years. The percentage of crew changing jobs for higher salaries has risen from 25 percent in 2019 to 37 percent today. Other factors driving job changes include internet access, newer vessels, better promotion opportunities, and benefits like pension plans and medical insurance.

However, Danica also noted some downsides, such as employers promoting less experienced individuals to fill senior officer roles. There has been a concerning rise in fake experience on resumes, with consultants assisting in creating fraudulent CVs. Many seafarers are actively looking for new job opportunities while on leave.

The survey, which included nearly 4 900 seafarers from May to September 2024, primarily focused on senior ranks across various vessel types. While wages are rising, crew welfare concerns are also increasing. Although all respondents reported having internet access at sea, with 74 percent stating it is free, 25 percent reported shortages of food and drinking water, up from 20 percent in 2019. Additionally, 35 percent of seafarers reported late salary payments, and 7 percent did not receive their full salary. Although the number of seafarers not being relieved on time has decreased since the pandemic, one in five still do not return home on schedule.

Bullying and harassment at sea were reported by one in eight respondents, and 35 percent noted non-compliance with statutory rest hours. The percentage of seafarers feeling mentally depressed during their last contract increased from 11 percent in 2023 to 14 percent in 2024, with 3 percent stating they were prevented from seeing a doctor on shore.

Just over half of the respondents reported having access to mental health support, and usage of these services increased from 23 percent in 2023 to 30 percent in 2024. However, the perceived usefulness of these services declined from 75 percent to 65 percent.

Jensen believes that the five years of data collected provides valuable insights into trends and developments in the crew marketplace, serving as a useful resource for the industry.