Shore leave has long been recognised as a vital lifeline for seafarers—a chance to pause, reconnect, and decompress after weeks or even months at sea but a recent report by the ITF Seafarers’ Trust and World Maritime University, Shore Leave: Rare, Brief and in Danger of Extinction, reveals a concerning trend: seafarers are increasingly missing out on this fundamental right.
According to the survey, involving nearly 6,000 seafarers globally, over 25% received no shore leave at all during their contracts. For those who did, a staggering 93.5% spent fewer than six hours ashore— barely enough time for rest, let alone rejuvenation. The barriers were soberingly familiar: intense workload, short port stays, remote terminals, high transport costs, and bureaucratic port restrictions.
Meeting seafarers where they are
Understanding the practical challenges that prevent many from exiting port premises, SOS proudly runs a dedicated Drop-In Centre within the Pasir Panjang Terminal. This facility is strategically located inside the port area—eliminating the need for immigration clearance and expensive transportation, two of the most commonly cited obstacles to shore leave in the ITF report.
The centre offers free Wi-Fi, refreshments, comfortable seating, entertainment options, and a calm, safe environment to unwind. For seafarers who have gone months without stepping off their vessel, this space provides a much needed moment of humanity and connection.
A small window, a big impact
The recent ITF and WMU report on shore leave highlights that even when shore leave is technically available, it is often too short to be meaningful. Many seafarers choose to forgo it entirely, citing exhaustion, lack of transport, or the impossibility of clearing immigration in time. The Drop-In Centre directly addresses these issues, offering a lowbarrier solution that maximises every minute of a seafarer’s time in port.
SOS encourages all visiting crew calling at Pasir Panjang to make full use of the Drop-In Centre. Whether it’s to catch up with family online, enjoy a quiet break, or simply have a cup of coffee away from the engine room, the centre is a haven designed for them.
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