UK Seafarer Numbers Show Modest Decline in 2024

The number of UK seafarers active at sea fell by 2% in 2024, revealing a broader trend of stability and fluctuation influenced by various factors.

The UK’s maritime sector has released its latest data on seafarer activity for 2024. According to the UK Department for Transport, an estimated 23,700 UK seafarers were active at sea as of 30 June 2024, marking a modest 2% decline from the previous year. 

A closer examination of the figures reveals notable shifts across various roles. Certificated officers saw their numbers decrease by 3% to 10,620.

Uncertificated officers experienced a 10% rise, reaching their highest levels since 2016 at 1,700. Ratings, a diverse group responsible for essential ship functions, totalled 9,880, while officer cadet numbers increased by 3% to 1,500, a welcome recovery after a significant drop in 2023 to the lowest level since 2007.

Historical data highlights a period of relative stability between 2012 and 2020, with the seafaring workforce consistently ranging between 24,000 and 25,000. This equilibrium was briefly disrupted in 2018 by a surge in Ratings due to changes in UK Chamber of Shipping (CoS) membership. 

However, the global COVID-19 pandemic triggered a pronounced downturn in 2021, with numbers remaining subdued into 2022. 

The introduction of a revised methodology by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in 2023 further complicates year-on-year comparisons, though the latest statistics underscore a gradual recovery in certain sectors.

The demographic composition of the seafaring community also warrants attention. Male seafarers continue to dominate the industry, accounting for 84% of the workforce among CoS-member companies. However, noteworthy progress has been made in diversifying specific roles.

In 2024, for the first time on record, women comprised the majority (51%) of uncertificated officers in the catering, hotel, and other departments. Overall, 81% of Ratings were male, with men representing an estimated 96% of deck and 98% of engine Ratings. Within the hotel, catering, and other Ratings group, the proportion of men decreased to 70%.

On a broader scale, UK nationals constituted just 11% of the seafarers active at sea with CoS-member companies in 2024. This trend is even more pronounced among Ratings, with only 7% hailing from the UK. 

A striking 85% of this group originated from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). Among certificated officers, UK nationals and EEA nationals each accounted for 35%, reflecting a balanced distribution.

The UK government has also highlighted the stability of certification figures in recent years. As of 2024, the MCA reported 42,130 valid certificates for work on UK vessels, 14,550 of which were held by UK nationals. 

These numbers have remained steady between 2010 and 2020 but experienced a decline in 2021 and 2022, likely influenced by the pandemic's disruptive effects.

While the UK’s seafaring workforce faces a complex interplay of challenges, including demographic shifts and methodological updates, the adaptability of this vital sector remains evident.

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