Maritime Industry
Sailors’ Society Cadet Report 2025/26:
The first digital seafarer generation
Exploring the realities behind the statistics
With cadets, trainees and ratings from 30 countries sharing their experiences, hopes and fears, our 2025/26 report reveals how this first digital generation of seafarers experience life in a digital age, how they build resilience in the face of stress and uncertainty, and how peer networks are becoming essential sources of support.
While this fourth Cadet Report continues to use a wealth of exclusive data from our acclaimed Wellness at Sea conferences to provide the global evidence-based perspective of previous editions, it also offers fresh insight into the digital, psychological and social dimensions that will define the future of seafaring.
The demographics remain central, revealing regional nuisances and global trends, but this report also zooms in on the ‘inner world’ of the next generation entering the industry and looks at three key areas: questions of connectivity, social media pressure and online harassment.
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“Our 2024/25 report showed the external structures shaping cadets’ opportunities. This year, we listen more closely to their voices, emotions, and lived experiences. The result is a report that not only captures what is happening in the industry but also shines a light on how young seafarers are feeling and coping as they embark on their careers.”
Sara Baade, CEO, Sailors’ Society
“The importance of maritime connectivity in supporting crew mental health is well documented, and for cadets beginning their careers at sea, its role is pivotal. and day-to-day communications… Cadets joining this increasingly automated and data-driven industry expect and require high-quality Internet access to perform their duties effectively while protecting their mental health. This is reflected in several of the key findings in this year’s Sailor’s Society Cadet Report .”
Gert-Jan Panken, Vice President, Inmarsat Maritime
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