Since 2019 Danica has conducted annual surveys among seafarers on their employment conditions, experiences and future plans.
These surveys have become an important contribution to our industry’s understanding of the seafarer employment market, and shipping companies use the results when planning their crewing strategies.
The individual survey reports will be published here. If you would like a copy of the latest report, please Contact us.
Latest edition
Seafarers’ Survey · 2025
Danica’s 2025 Seafarer Survey, which is now published and available on our website, highlights positive developments in crew retention, benefits, and training. However, it also reveals increasing challenges around mental well-being and rest hours.
Danica surveyed its database of nearly 75,000 seafarers worldwide, with almost 8,000 seafarers from a range of vessel types, 10% higher than in 2024, completing the survey. Data was collected between May and October 2025 with the largest number of respondents coming from senior ranks.
The survey provides insights into the experiences and expectations of seafarers across all ranks and vessel types.
| Wages : | Most ranks saw little change from 2024. Senior officers received limited increases, while demand for experienced second engineers and senior ratings such as bosuns and fitters supports competitive pay. More employers are offering seniority bonuses to reward loyalty. |
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| Retention : | Seafarers are staying longer with their employers, with a 14% increase in those reporting more than 24 months of service. |
| Training : | 64% of respondents find training ‘very’ or ‘extremely useful’, with a notable increase in cybersecurity courses. |
| Fringe benefits : | 24% of seafarers now receive employer-paid private medical insurance for themselves and their families – up 33% since 2019. |
| Mental well-being : | 44% reported stress during their last contract, and 16% felt mentally depressed, while 37% reported rest hour violations, highlighting areas for continued attention. |
“It is encouraging to see improvements in retention, training, and benefits. At the same time, mental well-being remains a critical focus. Supporting our crews is essential to ensure seafaring remains a sustainable and rewarding career.”Henrik Jensen, CEO of Danica
Crew Managers’ Survey · 2024
Retaining seafarers has improved slightly over the past year, thanks in part to salary raises, our annual Crew Managers’ Survey has revealed.
Seafarers’ Survey · 2024
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As a leading crewing service provider Danica boasts a database of almost 70k applicants mainly from Eastern Europe, India, and the Philippines.
Crew Managers’ Survey · 2023
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We start the new year with interesting information on the current state of the crewing marketplace. Following on from our latest Seafarers’ Survey, Danica conducted a survey among crewing managers to find out their views and see how they compare with those of seafarers.
Seafarers’ Survey · 2023
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This is the fourth time Danica has conducted our Seafarers’ Survey (we didn’t undertake one in 2022) so we are able to compare our 2023 results with previous years.
Download report (PDF)Every year Danica asks thousands of active seafarers about wages, job satisfaction, career plans, working conditions and retention. The results are published as a free industry report.
Officers and ratings of all ranks and nationalities sailing on merchant vessels worldwide — both Danica seafarers and seafarers employed by other companies.
The reports are free, but we ask for your name and email address so we can send you the download and inform you about future editions. Your data is only used for this purpose.
Owners and managers use the findings for wage benchmarking, retention strategies, connectivity and welfare decisions, and to understand what really motivates seafarers to stay with a fleet.
A new survey is conducted and published annually; earlier editions remain available in the archive for comparison over time.
