COVID-19 Crisis - Lasting Effects on Seafarers' Well-Being and Its Potential Impact on Retention

Seafarers' experiences during the COVID-19 crisis have been associated with increased stress, anxiety and complaints of depression. The consequences of the crisis may have a cascading effect on seafarers' retention, portraying the shipping industry as an indifferent working system for its workers' well-being, with long-term impacts on seafaring as a career option. The paper reviews the literature on the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis for crew well-being and explores its effects on seafarers' willingness to remain or quit their sea careers. Qualitative and quantitative methods were sequentially applied. These methods originated from 2 separate datasets and included semi-structured interviews with 12 seafarers from India and a survey questionnaire completed by 804 multinational seafarers. The concurring evidence indicates the lasting effects of the crisis on seafarers' well-being and that many seafarers are reconsidering their options for careers at sea and contemplating quitting. A combination of factors, including stagnant monetary remuneration, contract instability, family separation and a working environment characterized by stress and excessive workload, is suggested as the main determinants affecting retention. Other factors of essential importance include low attention to seafarers' well-being, inadequate recognition and unsustainable working conditions. While seaborne trade was never disrupted during the COVID-19 crisis, this has had a profound impact on seafarers' work and lives, substantially affecting their well-being. The problems faced and the lack of support during the pandemic became a turning point for many, impacting their willingness to stay in the profession.