Anxiety, social isolation, pressure of work and disturbed sleep, may negatively influence the mental health of seafarers. Taking care of the mental wellbeing of crew is vital and currently industry places a high priority on the issue. MLC, 2006 is a landmark convention on crew welfare but not enough; therefore, shipping operators need further policies to promote the health, safety and welfare of seafarers.
As such, the UK Chamber of Shipping, Nautilus International and the National Union RMT have jointly issued guidelines to shipping organizations on drawing up policies on the social, psychological and emotional well-being of the crew onboard.
Shipping operators may promote mental health by:
- Designating a director responsible for the’ mental health policy’
- Developing a ‘top-down’ approach
- Raising awareness over the issue
- Providing details of advisors who can discuss with individuals mental health issues
SAFETY4SEA has prepared the infographic below depicting Do’s & Don’ts for shipping operators who want to address and support seafarers’ mental health
See the signs
Following factors may indicate a mental health problem:
- Changes in behaviour or mood
- Changes in effectiveness at work
- Inability to focus/make decisions
- Changes in eating habits
- Signs of excessive alcohol use or drug use (not limited to illegal drugs)
Take immediate action
When a mental health problem appears:
- Arrange a meeting in confidence
- Encourage discussion without time constraints
- Use open questions to allow expression
- Arrange further appointments with other experts, if needed
- Follow-up seafarer’s medical status
Always Keep in mind
- If a seafarer is declared temporarily unfit for sea service -> reassure the job will be kept open for him/her to return
- If a seafarer is declared permanently unfit for sea service -> use best endeavours to offer suitable alternative employment
