Creature comforts onboard vessels : Facilities and amenities onboard maritime vessels

Abstract

Creature comforts, facilities and amenities onboard vessels, are one of the key features that will define the wellbeing onboard a vessel. The ability to relax, communicate with crewmates and family back home, or doing something to take your mind off work is critical to being able to work for long periods of time. With the modern sailor working more than ever before this means that these facilities and amenities are critical for wellbeing and mental health. A question then comes to mind: which is the most important of the facilities that can be put onboard a vessel? This study answers this based of a survey of 88 people in the Finnish maritime sector. The study shows that having an internet connection is the most important, whether it be to communicate with family and friends or to stream movies and shows. The results also show that good quality accommodations, exercise and relaxation facilities are also very desirable things to have onboard. Some are more easily implemented, and some are quite prohibitive in either their ease of procurement or sheer cost, though this should not dissuade shipowners from still considering the benefits they bring to the crew.