Reading habit: A survey on seafarers

Merchant Marine College, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China

^* Corresponding author: anji@shmtu.edu.cn

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the reading conditions and preferences of seafarers. Surveys were distributed to 491 seafarers, and statistical analysis was conducted. The research findings indicate that the overall level of reading time and quantity among seafarers is significantly lower than the national average in China. Seafarers under the age of 25 with less than 1 year of work experience exhibit a higher willingness to read, while those aged 56 and above show the lowest inclination to read. As sea service years increase, the willingness to read decreases. Seafarers with higher education levels demonstrate the best reading habits, and those in higher positions with advanced education exhibit better reading methods. The main obstacles to seafarers’ reading are attributed to personal factors and external environmental influences. The primary purposes of seafarers’ reading include entertainment, problemsolving, self-improvement, and stress relief, with diverse content preferences. After understanding the purposes and needs of seafarers’ reading, a series of recommendations are proposed to enhance reading conditions.