Tag: life onboard

While the voting procedure for the 2018 SAFETY4SEA Awards is open, Ben Bailey, Director of Advocacy, The Mission to Seafarers, talks about ‘Seafarers’ Happiness Index’ project for which the organization has been shortlisted in the ‘Initiative’ category alongside a number of other distinguished nominees.

We all feel stressed at times, although stress in the right amount is useful and essential for survival, the effects of stress can be unpleasant or uncomfortable. How useful could mindfulness be to seafarers though?

Walter Woodage, General Manager of Norbulk Shipping UK Ltd highlights that communication is vital for enhanced safety; this is why they engage all levels of staff and crew to these initiatives promoting an open and welcoming dialogue as well as safety / mindfulness training and presentation of best practices.

Smoking causes damage to nearly every organ in the body and is directly responsible for a number of diseases; nonetheless the majority of the smokers find it difficult to quit. Although many believe that quitting smoking is an easy task, in fact, it is a physiological and psychological challenge.

Solent University in Southampton is carrying out a year-long project examining seafarers’ welfare which focuses on mentoring seafarers. The Mentoring Seafarers’ Project is looking at what the industry is offering in terms of mentoring provision, highlighting how it can help to combat issues faced at sea in order to improve the wellbeing of seafarers.

In the latest release of their seafarers health information series, the Shipowners Club and ISWAN provide useful advice on how to address the causes of stress, as more and more seafarers often find themselves dealing with anxiety due to isolation and big workload.

The galley is one of the most critical compartments on board. Galleys are subject to MLC inspections, therefore, they must be kept in such a condition so that could not cause food borne diseases, which can put vessel and crew in danger and consequently shipowners to face unexpected costs.

In the latest release of their seafarers health information series, the Shipowners Club and ISWAN focus on controlled breathing as a means of relaxation from stress. As mental health issues are rising as a key area of concern for seafarers, the guide notes that it is important to recognise stress and take measures to manage it.

Shipowners' Club in cooperation with ISWAN released an information booklet, aiming to support seafarers' mental health. Namely, as the report says, managing stress and sleeping well at sea is an integral part of positive health and well-being on board. The guide offers practical to recognise stress and cope effectively.

Andrew Russ, Marine Surveyor at Standard P&I Club, addresses the issue of human element and fatigue in shipping. Mr. Russ reflects on research and measures that aim to resolve this issue, as the human element is a major contributor to accidents in the shipping industry.