MHSS Mental Health Support Solutions finds that the holiday season is always a challenging time for the mariners it is working with and shared a key message.
“It is the time of year when people are more likely to feel undervalued if companies don’t put additional effort into supporting their crew,” explains Jannik Grothues, Managing Director of MHSS.
“Other key workers such as nurses, the police or doctors may find themselves working during the festivities but they will generally be able to organise a family celebration close to the actual holiday but for many seafarers the best they can hope for is a short call to their families while they continue working many hundreds of miles away.”
While it may not be possible for mariners to get back home to spend time with their families, it is vital that companies do everything in their power to give them a sense of belonging.
Mr. Grothues encourages operators to take steps to help alleviate the feelings of isolation that can come from being away from loved ones. For example, ensuring that traditional holiday food is available to the crew, giving them the opportunity to socialise with each other and organising joint activities that they would be doing with their families.
Most of the said maritime shipping owners don’t mind the holiday season. It’s because they don’t spend money or just continue working for their crew on board the ship.