Tag: Building Resilience

In times of high stress, many people are overwhelmed with negative feelings and concerns. Especially for seafarers, worrying situations may result in high pressure due to the demanding nature of their work onboard.

Seafarers, like all human beings, need three things: recognition, stimulation and certainty, argues INTERTANKO in its second edition of ’’Crew Welfare Management and Mental Wellness''

According to studies, especially during these challenging times, mental health problems among seafarers are getting worse, while stress onboard ships remains a growing issue.

Seafarers, like all human beings, need three things: recognition, stimulation and certainty, argues INTERTANKO in its second edition of ’’Crew Welfare Management and Mental Wellness’’. In this article, we explain ways to address seafarers’ need for stimulation.

Firstly launched in early July 2020, INTERTANKO Human Element in Shipping Committee (HEiSC) developed guidance and recommendations on crew welfare and mental wellness for crewing managers and shore-side staff. Following extensive use and feedback, the 'Crew Welfare Management and Mental Wellness' guide has now been updated to explain how shipping organizations need to work to prevent emotional and psychological distress in our seafarers.

Depression is a common but serious mood disorder which causes severe symptoms that may affect how we feel, think, and handle daily activities. Even in the most severe cases, it can be treated. The earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.

Crew welfare is a very important issue nowadays ; the COVID-19 pandemic has actually brought forward such an important issue. In the recent SAFETY4SEA Virtual Forum, Mr. Johan Smith, Wellness at Sea Programme Manager at Sailors’ Society, noted that this situation is presenting us with a very unique opportunity to create a wellbeing and mental health management for our industry.

The pandemic has led to increased stress, fear and anxiety. People are worried about their personal health as well as their beloved ones’ whereas uncertainty about an effective cure prevails. What is more, public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely while many struggle with their financial situation.

Intertanko highlights how important is for the ship management to lead by example; the ship management team oughts to treat crew with respect, praise good work and offer support if there are any skill gaps.

Happiness comes from moving toward our goals. However, it is not enough to set goals and keep them in the back of our mind.