ISWAN issued a new guide focusing on the importance of mental health that has to be maintained within the shipping industry, following the imbalance the pandemic caused, the the impact it had on the seafarers.
Now, the guide aims to shipping companies and ship operators with information to help devise and implement mental health policies and practices to promote and protect seafarers’ mental health.
Mental health is crucial to how well staff are engaged, motivated and able to perform effectively in their role. This guide sets out to provide useful information for shipping and ship management companies on how best to devise and implement mental health policies and practices to promote and protect positive mental health shoreside and on board.
The guide includes 9 steps to Good Policy and Practice, concerning mental wellbeing, as such:
- STEP 1 Engage commitment to mental health & wellbeing
- STEP 2 Define objectives
- STEP 3 Translate objectives into measurable outcomes
- STEP 4 Measure current performance against objectives
- STEP 5 Identify initiatives which contribute to objectives
- STEP 6 Pilot initiatives and evaluate (review impact against outcomes)
- STEP 7 Modify / embed implementation
- STEP 8 Measure current performance against objectives
- STEP 9 Strive for continuous improvement
Moreover, it is highlighted that the Mental Health Policy should:
- State the company vision for mental health and the overarching purpose in devising a policy
- Define the objectives of the policy
- Set the direction for a strategic implementation plan which defines the steps for implementation of policy objectives and the evaluation of the outcomes
The Mental Health Policy may have a number of objectives such as:
- To establish a company-wide commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of all staff, shoreside and at sea
- To raise knowledge and awareness of mental health and psychological wellbeing across the company.
- To promote positive mental health and address risks to mental health and wellbeing
- To build and maintain systems, structures and processes which create optimal conditions in the environment and culture for staff to thrive
- To reduce stigma and remove barriers to disclosure and access to support for mental health and wellbeing
- To engage employees in active participation of initiatives to promote mental health and wellbeing
- To demonstrate a commitment to making reasonable adjustments, provide access to appropriate treatment and support, and assurance of fair treatment for those with mental health concerns.
Concluding, to learn more you may click on the report herebelow
