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
