A group of established maritime entities announced collaboration in order to develop a digital platform, which aims to improve the emotional well-being of the world’s 1.7 million seafarers.
Namely, the “Safebridge CrewCare” app is developed by volunteer group Container Shipping Supporting Seafarers (CSSS), maritime EdTech company Safebridge, data analytics company Motion Ventures, and the Universities of Manchester and Plymouth.
“Each organization participating in this project collectively applied its knowledge, expertise, and capabilities to contribute to the CrewCare app’s vision and success. As a result, CrewCare makes it possible to create a real-time connection between crew managers and their seafarers, offering the level of support that goes far beyond career development.”
…as Emmanolia Kolias, Global Sales Leader, Safebridge, said.
As explained, the application encourages seafarers to open up about their feelings and thoughts to mitigate the risk of depression and suicide.
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What is more, the app facilitates crew managers’ ability to monitor the status of the seafarers’ well-being, general health, and COVID-19 risks but also gives them the power to take immediate action and offer direct support to those in need.
At the same time, the app incorporates a professionally qualified questionnaire based on techniques medical practitioners use to make decisions when presented with a patient’s symptoms. Therefore, an algorithm rates the multi-choice answers given to rate the mood of the seafarer from 1 (low risk) to 10.
If a user scores 9 or 10, then that person is identified, and actions can be taken by the ship management company to mobilise appropriately qualified personnel in support of the individual.
In light of the situation, Valentinos Steliou, Product Manager, Safebridge added:
“The CrewCare App enables forward-thinking companies to provide their seafarers with a smart tool designed not only to manage their seafarers’ well-being but also to help them provide the requisite care. This app allows ship managers to take positive action and provide support where and when it is needed.”
In addition, the app combines features and functionalities derived from Motion Ventures and Safebridge platforms to offer a single central point for assessing, monitoring, and responding to seafarers’ health and well-being needs.
It also features an integrated communications function and affords access to the 24h International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) helpline SeafarerHelp.
Overall, speaking of digital platforms, Isle of Man Ship Registry recently became the first Flag State to launch a seafarer welfare app, named as “Crew Matters”, as it has gone live and is available to approximately 10.000 seafarers.
