Department For Transport
Details
These statistics show:
- an estimated 22,370 UK nationals active at sea in 2022, a slight (2%) increase compared to an estimated 21,970 in 2021
- around half of the total active seafarers were Officers (9,790 certificated and 1,450 uncertificated)
- 43% of seafarers were Ratings, and there were 1,570 Officer Cadets in training during the financial year ending 2022
- the majority of UK seafarers active at sea were male (89%), with most female seafarers working as Uncertificated Officers or as Ratings
To note for 2022 figures
The measures put in place to limit the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) were reduced in 2022 when the underlying data for these statistics were collected. However, the impacts from the pandemic can still be seen in the seafarer figures covered in this release.
These annual statistics are compiled from certification data held by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and data collected via the UK Chamber of Shipping Seafarer Employment Survey. Further details of the coverage of the statistics, uses and limitations can be found in the statistical release.
Contact us
Maritime and shipping statistics
Email maritime.stats@dft.gov.uk
Maritime statistics enquiries 020 7944 4847
Media enquiries 020 7944 3021