INTERTANKO releases results of Seafarers’ Survey

1 May 2024

For immediate release.

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INTERTANKO releases results of Seafarers’ Survey

INTERTANKO launched an online survey in 2023 to better understand why people seek a career at sea, their living conditions on board and if experiences matched expectations and has now published the findings.

The survey responses represent a snapshot of the industry, not all seafarers' views, however, with more than 5,400 seafarers participating, they do represent a large proportion of those at sea, primarily serving on tankers, and as such can be seen as a good reflection of those serving on INTERTANKO Members' vessels.

Dimitris Fokas, Training Manager at Maran Tankers Management and Chair of INTERTANKO’s Human Element Committee (HEiSC), said: “The aim of the survey was to hear first-hand from those at sea and this survey highlights some real positives within our sector. It is very encouraging to hear that our seafarers feel they work in a safe environment.

“It is clear we need to ensure that seafarers are looked after through high-quality employment conditions and really focus upon their welfare and development. Young seafarers today want to get on, be mentored by seniors and make the very best of their chosen career.”

The survey uncovered some interesting findings that will potentially generate recommendations for the whole industry, with seafarers mostly sharing the same likes, concerns, hopes and issues regardless of age, nationality or ship type. 

While society at large can often make much of the perceived differences between nationalities, often based purely on stereotypes, the survey's findings do not back this up, which is both refreshing and encouraging to see. 

INTERTANKO’s Marine Director, Phillip Belcher, said: “This wide-ranging survey of seafarers working on INTERTANKO Members’ ships, highlights the key issue that seafarers, no matter where they are from, want a rewarding career and will work to achieve it. 

"For their service, they need proper rewards, easy access to the internet and clear information on their employment. While a number of negative aspects were identified, the findings provide an invaluable opportunity to address these issues through industry guidance and inputs into the IMO.”

One area where significant differences were found is that of gender. Women who responded to the survey exhibited greater motivation to reach higher management positions, were more likely to study for further qualifications and to recommend the career to others. 

Minor differences were seen on various other issues but the lived experiences of respondents were very similar, which included high levels of satisfaction with life and work on board. 

A series of recommendations have been highlighted relating to working and living conditions, recruitment and retention of seafarers, which INTERTANKO will work with Members and other key stakeholders to implement. 

All findings and results can be seen in the full document here.

INTERTANKO wishes to thank all those seafarers who took part. 

About INTERTANKO: 
INTERTANKO is the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners, a forum where the industry meets, policies are discussed and best practices developed. INTERTANKO has been the voice of independent tanker owners since 1970, ensuring that the liquid energy that keeps the world turning is shipped safely, responsibly and competitively. www.intertanko.com

Contact:  
Dr. Phillip Belcher, Marine Director, INTERTANKO  
Phillip.belcher@intertanko.com │ M: + 44 (0)7885 975384 

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