What makes a good social work environment?– Perspectives of fishers and seafarers onNorwegian vessels

By Birgit Pauksztat og Solveig Øye Bjørdal

Publisher: Nordlandsforskning

Date: 2026

Language: English

Total page count: 20

Download NRI working paper 1002/2026: What makes a good social work environment? – Perspectives of fishers and seafarers on Norwegian vessels

Summary

Over the last decade, there has been an increasing focus on improving the working conditions, health and safety of crews on commercial cargo, passenger and fishing vessels, both in Norway and globally. To achieve these goals, creating a good social work environment on board is essential.

This research project examines the social work environment on Norwegian vessels today. Two questions are central: (1) What is the social work environment on board today? And (2) how can we create the preconditions for a good social work environment, through (a) maritime education and training, and (b) shipping companies’ policies for HR and working conditions? In this way, we wish to contribute to better knowledge about how a good social work environment at sea can be created.

The project consists of four phases. The aim of the first phase of the project, which started in 2015, is to get a better understanding of the social work environment on different types of vessels, as a foundation for the next phases of the project. The focus is on crew members’ perceptions of what makes a good social work environment on board. First, according to crew members, what characterizes a good social work environment? And second, what are the factors contributing to this, based on their perceptions and experiences?

This report gives an overview over preliminary results from the first phase of the project.