New mental health awareness and wellbeing standard launched

On the occasion of Seafarers Awareness Week, the Maritime Charities Group, comprising 10 major maritime charities, has joined forces with the Merchant Navy Training Board to publish a good practice guide to designing a training course for seafarers on mental health and wellbeing awareness.

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Launched on 7 July, the new Seafarers’ Mental Health Awareness and Wellbeing Training Standard comes by experts from the maritime and education sectors in response to the growing mental health crisis amongst seafarers amid COVID-19.

The Standard sets a benchmark for training that aims to develop a keen awareness and appreciation of mental health and wellbeing amongst all types of seafarers, as well as those with an interest in seafaring. It includes course content, delivery and the qualification requirements of course facilitators.

One in four people will develop a mental health problem during their lifetime, but the incidence amongst seafarers is much higher. The Covid-19 crisis has made the situation for seafarers even worse so now is exactly the right time to publish this guide,

…said Commander Graham Hockley LVO RN and Chair of the MCG.

Welcoming the initiative, Bob Sanguinetti, CEO of the UK Chamber of Shipping added:

We are delighted to be working with the MCG to make this Standard available. Whilst it may not be mandatory, it is certainly advisory and we would encourage all ship owners and training providers to adopt it.

See also: 10 tips for good mental health onboard