Shore leave, once considered a basic right for mariners, is teetering on the brink of extinction, according to a joint study by the ITF Seafarers’ Trust and the World Maritime University (WMU), as reported by Splash 247.
Drawing on responses from 5,879 seafarers worldwide, WMU researchers found that more than 25% had no shore leave at all during their most recent contracts, which averaged 6.6 months at sea. Another third managed to step ashore just once or twice in that time. Even when granted, 47% of shore leave periods lasted under three hours, with a staggering 93.5% ending before the six-hour mark.
The report highlights systemic barriers: understaffing, heavy workloads, tighter port schedules, heightened inspections, strict security rules, a lack of shore facilities, and the cost or unavailability of transport. Together, these pressures have created a climate where time off the vessel is increasingly seen as an unaffordable luxury.
Officers, offshore vessel crews, and tanker crews fared worst in the findings. “This survey confirms our fears,” said Katie Higginbottom, head of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust. “Shore leave is not being treated as essential for crew well-being or vessel safety. We must act now to preserve it.”
The 47-page report warns that in an era where mental health is finally recognised as a cornerstone of safe ship operations, ignoring shore leave could harm both seafarer welfare and industry recruitment. With global crew shortages looming, the authors call on flag states, port states, shipping companies, and agents to work together to keep shore leave alive – before it disappears for good.
