A new international report warns that seafarers’ access to shore leave has continued to decline since the Covid-19 pandemic, raising concerns about crew welfare and the sustainability of port-based support services.
Titled “Shore Leave and the future of port-based welfare”, the study by ITF Seafarers’ Trust was unveiled at the Crew Connect Global Conference in Manila. Building on earlier research with the World Maritime University, it confirms that for many seafarers, shore leave has become increasingly rare and brief.
Drawing on input from 96 respondents across 83 welfare organisations in 25 countries, the report highlights a 61% drop in visits to seafarers’ centres since the pandemic. Most visits now last less than two hours, with heavy onboard workloads, shortened port stays, and restrictive company or port policies cited as key barriers.
Welfare providers report that seafarers’ frustrations are shared. Seafarers’ centres and port based services remain critical spaces for rest, connection, and access to essential facilities. When shore leave is restricted, the impact extends beyond individual wellbeing to the long-term viability of these services.
Despite heightened attention to seafarer welfare in recent years, the report highlights a gap between industry commitments and operational realities. Without change, reduced shore leave risks further weakening port-based welfare support when it is needed most. The report calls on regulators, funders, shipping companies, and maritime stakeholders to take collective responsibility for enabling shore leave, recognising its importance for health, wellbeing and safe ship operations. For SOS, the findings reinforce the need for continued advocacy and collaboration with welfare partners to safeguard seafarers’ rights—both at sea and ashore.
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