Crewtoo Seafarers Happiness Index shows widening gap in connectivity

MIDDLETOWN – Crewtoo, the online social network for seafarers and a part of KVH Industries Inc., published results of its third Crewtoo Seafarers Happiness Index report, which showed that a number of respondents feel insufficient investment is being made regarding Internet access.
The index, which monitors seafarer satisfaction levels through 10 questions, showed a level of 6.37 on a scale of 1 to 10, virtually unchanged from the 6.44 overall level reported in August. A score of 10 shows the most content, while one signals unhappiness.
Seafarers indicates that there is a growing disparity in Internet access, as some have good access that is inexpensive or free, while others report occasionally gaining access, but it comes at a cost and can have technical problems. Still others report no connectivity at all, KVH said in a news release about the report findings.
Those without Internet access likened conditions to being in the “stone age,” the release stated.
Since earlier this year, Crewtoo has been asking its approximately 112,000 members how happy they are with life at sea. In addition to connectivity and Internet usage on board, they are asked about healthy eating, access to welfare facilities and workloads.
Some seafarers reported getting good shore leave access and opportunities; those who can occasionally get ashore – but with difficulty; and those who are denied basic shore leave, the report found.
The data is part of an ongoing campaign to raise awareness about crews’ opinions, and to improve conditions on board to retain and recruit seafarers. Crews from all over the world participate, and range in age from 16 to late 60s.

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