A higher salary leads to better company loyalty – this is one of the key findings of a new survey on the work of seafarers.
According to a recent report by crewing specialist Danica, seafarer retention has slightly improved over the past year, partly due to salary increases.
The assessment is based on the results of an annual survey of crewing managers from shipping companies and ship management firms. Almost 90% of respondents stated that they had increased salaries in 2024. Only 7% said they had not raised crew wages in the past year. Additionally, companies were more generous, with increases higher than those reported in the 2023 survey, except for junior crew members.
Key findings on seafarers’ work
- 75% of senior officers received a pay rise in 2024, up from 63% in 2023
- 67% of non-commissioned officers received a raise, compared to 59% in 2023
- 65% of senior ranks (boatswain, mechanic, cook) received a pay rise, compared to 54% in 2023
- Just over 50% of other ranks also received a pay rise in both 2023 and 2024
Better pay improves retention
Higher wages have a positive impact on the length of time seafarers stay with their company, according to Danica: “It is not surprising that retention rates have improved. The survey shows that seafarer turnover has generally decreased: 41% of crewing managers reported improved retention rates in the last twelve months, compared to 29% in the previous survey period.”
However, 23% of companies stated that retention rates had worsened, though this is still a decrease compared to 36% in the 2023/24 survey.
Skills shortage remains an issue
Overall, the results of Danica’s 2024 crewing manager survey show a positive trend. Fewer respondents reported a worsening recruitment situation. However, 31% still noted that recruiting competent staff had deteriorated or significantly deteriorated in the last twelve months, although this is an improvement compared to 46% in 2023.
Henrik Jensen, CEO of Danica Crewing Specialists, commented: “This shows that it is not a general shortage of seafarers that concerns crewing managers, but rather a shortage of competent seafarers.”
The data shows that 80% of crewing managers and directors now report to the highest level in the organization, at the same level as technical and financial managers. This is an increase compared to the 2023 survey. Jensen noted: “This could indicate a trend of shipping companies prioritizing the crewing of their vessels.”
Crewing management remains challenging
The 2023 Danica survey already indicated that crewing managers find their jobs increasingly demanding. In the 2024 survey, 38% of respondents said that the complexity of their job had not increased, while only 4% said their job had become easier.
However, Henrik Jensen emphasized: “Of course, that does not mean it has become easier to find crew.”
