More Than Half of US Mariners Intend to Leave the Job in Next Five Years
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- Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2026 06:13
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More than half of American mariners responding to a new survey say they plan to leave their jobs in the next five years.
This is one finding of an international study based on responses from 4,372 mariners, including 500 Americans, sailing in a range of billets aboard different types of commercial vessels.
The study was conducted by World Maritime University with support from the Officers’ Union of International Seamen (OUIS), of which MM&P and MEBA are members.
The three largest groups were from India (25.1 percent), the Philippines (15.8 percent) and the US (11.5 percent).
US seafarers reported the longest workweeks—79 hours. Additionally, 94.8 percent of American seafarers reported not having a weekly day off, and 87.6 percent of them stated that they had not had a full day off during their entire contract period. “While US seafarers benefit from shorter contracts, this advantage is hampered by excessive workloads, demanding administrative burdens, extended work hours, high work stress, and severely limited shore leave,” the researchers said.
“The combined effects of inspection pressure, administrative burden, and challenging communication with companies dangerously elevate unsustainable stress levels among seafarers, particularly US seafarers.
“Without serious, immediate consideration for seafarers’ welfare, the shipping industry as a whole, and the US maritime sector in particular, may face a recruitment crisis and the loss of vital operational know-how.”
Based on the survey results, nearly half of seafarers globally report they intend to quit within the next five years. US seafarers had the lowest intention to stay (40.2 percent), followed by Filipino and Indian seafarers. “From the numerous statements by working seafarers it becomes evident that a major change is required if the industry is to not only retain those experienced seafarers… but also to recruit the next generation,” said OUIS Executive Director Nick Bramley.
“MM&P officers participated in this study to shine a light on the realities of modern shipboard life,” said MM&P Atlantic Ports Vice President Tom Larkin. “These findings make it clear that fatigue, stress, and work-life imbalance are not just quality-of-life issues— they are safety issues. “Addressing them is essential to protecting mariners, vessels, and the integrity of the US maritime industry.” The survey was conducted by Captain Bikram S. Bhatia, a WMU professor, Captain Raphael Baumler and WMU Professor Maria Carrera-Arce. The study is posted on the MM&P website, bridgedeck.org, under News and Announcements.