Following on from the release of the annual Seafarer Wage Cost reports, Spinnaker’s data team have been working on analysing data relating to bonus and benefits…an important part of a seafarer’s remuneration package.
In terms of base pay, and looking ahead to pay reviews in 2026, the future is looking more rosy for ratings than it was last year. In 2025, only 6% of ratings were given in excess of a 3% pay increase, whereas in 2026 this is forecast to increase significantly with a third of ratings due to receive over a 3% increase.

When it comes to bonuses, only 22% of companies were planning on awarding performance related bonuses to ratings, compared to over half of companies where ALL officers are entitled to a performance bonus.

Salary and bonuses make up only part of a seafarer’s overall package; some might argue that benefits such as medical and health are equally as important. In our report there has been a big shift in the number of companies offering medical benefits to ALL crew.
In 2024, 80% of companies offered medical benefits to all, this decreased to around half in 2025. Fortunately, CBA’s ensured that most companies provided both disability and death-in-service to all crew.

It’s particularly pleasing to see that ALL respondents in the survey provided wi-fi, mental health support and diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Spinnaker run a ‘HR initiative’ Awards annually at the Maritime People and Culture Conference and it’s great to see some of the innovations in place including networking groups to support family on shore, wellness surveys, 24/7 access to mental health support. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that can make the biggest change to a seafarer’s wellbeing. Something as simple as a blackout blind in the cabin can make the biggest difference to sleep quality.

To find out more about the reports that Spinnaker provide to the shipping sector, please contact Helen McCaughran or Monique Turner in the business development team or visit our website.

Helen McCaughran
[email protected]
+44 (0)1702 481643

Monique Turner
[email protected]
+44 (0)1702 481637