Tag: life onboard

In an exclusive interview, Mr. Ray Barker, Head of Operations , ISWAN (International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network), explains why industry has increased its focus on seafarers’ mental health lately, referring to the major human and financial risks that could arise in case a seafarer had a mental health crisis while on duty

This time, our special column, in association with The North of England P&I Club, sheds focus on mental health issues which in shipping industry relate to the nature of seafarers’ job, characterized not only by intensive work hours, but also by isolation, being away from family for too long, fatigue, and many others.

In commemoration of World AIDS Day today, marking its 30th anniversary, we prepared an article-feature to spread awareness and help curb the rising cases of HIV infection and correct the stigma and discrimination that afflicts those living in this medical condition, and especially those working onboard. World AIDS Day 2018 theme encourages everyone to know their HIV status!

A survey by Nautilus International has found that criminalisation is still a major worry for those working in the shipping industry. In fact, almost 90% of the respondents are worried about the risk of prosecution. In addition, 70% of the respondents suggested the threat directly affects their desire to remain at sea.

Depression, anxiety, and psychoses are mental illnesses that affect a lot of people. However, according to Skuld Club, their impacts could be more severe to seafarers due to the nature of their work. For this reason, a timely diagnosis is needed, as well as the appropriate treatment of the person during and after presenting signs of a mental illness.

UK Club's Crew Health team announced that it will now be offering its operators access to mindfulness recordings. By practising mindfulness, an individual can relax when feeling stressed or worried. UK Club has collaborated with Andrew Johnson, who helps people relax through self-care MP3 downloads, Apps and workshops.

European Commission publicly announced its plan of co-financing the project "SkillSea, Futureproof Skills for the Maritime transport sector" in a ceremony. The project aspires to develop a pattern on identifying and meeting the future skills needs of maritime sector and to also lure Europeans to work in maritime industries. 

The Mission to Seafarers signed an agreement with the Panama Maritime Authority to provide seafarer welfare services in Panama. The agreement will enable the Mission to Seafarers to create welfare services at all major Panamanian ports, including the Panama Canal. 

How many of your crew members know how to care for a co-worker with diabetes? History has shown that diabetes does not make exemption to those working onboard ships. However, the industry can help people with diabetes by investing in education and prevention. What is your organization doing, though?

A Regional Meeting of Asia’s leading seafaring nations focused on the situation that many seafarers face in case of a maritime accident. As a result, the nations promised to advance effective implementation of the IMO and International Labor Organization (ILO) agreed Guidelines on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers. The meeting took place in Manila on November 13.