The article in the OP is about international shipping and has nothing to do with US GoM pay and conditions.
That may be the case for many seafarers, especially in the US and other rich countries. It is certainly not for the excitement and adventure of visiting foreign countries these days.
But that is not necessarily the case for ALL seafarers, the majority of whom are not from rich countries. Many of those used to be happy just to have a job and be able to take care of their extended families (As pointed out by several in another thread recently): Maersk Bosun Attacks CM In Overtime Dispute - #38 by jerryb78
That may be changing as conditions in their home countries improves. The attractiveness of seafaring jobs decreases as payment and availability of other jobs increases at home.
The emphasize may change from pure monetary reward to “feeling appreciated” and “job satisfaction”. “Quality of life” in a broader sense, including being able to have a normal family life, may also play a major part.
The author of that article, Phil Parry, chairman of Spinnaker, may know a thing or two about the problems of recruiting seafarers and professionals for the shipping industry: