Tag: maritime health

Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is the medical term for symptoms caused by vibration damages that may occur in the fingers, hands and arms due to the use of vibrating tools or machinery. Previously, it was known as ‘vibration white finger’, however the name is changed to HAVS to reflect additional symptoms.

There is no single thing that can cause chest pain and other disorders of the heart, but there are several risk factors that contribute to it. For a better heart heald, people working at sea and all people as well, coming from all ages, are advised being physically active, managing conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression, managing their weight and avoiding social isolation.

During our life there will be many times when we feel stressed, such as when the pressures or demands of life get on top of us. However, it is important to remember that stress is not only normal but essential for survival and can be beneficial to us. Moreover, there are ways that can help deal with stress effectively.

Foodborne disease outbreaks on ships, caused by consumption of contaminated food and drink, are of concern because of their potentially serious health consequences for the crew, resulting also in high costs for the companies and the industry.

Last year, the findings of a key industry report by 'Project MARTHA' were presented, identifying growing levels of fatigue, particularly among Masters and Watch Keepers and noting that motivation was a major factor in fatigue experienced by seafarers. 

A Seafarer Mental Health roundtable was held, discussing concerns regarding seafarers' mental health and measures to improve seamen's mental condition. The parties that attended the roundtable discussed about seafarers’ medical certificates, and the mental health factors that must be considered when issuing them. They also discussed which diagnoses, therapies, and medications must be disqualified.

Seafarers are usually exposed to several stressors due to their demanding working environment. Specifically, they are confronted with mental, psychosocial, and physical stressors. The different duties onboard, separation from family, loneliness on board, fatigue, multi-nationality, limited recreation activity, and sleep deprivation are among the contributory factors of stress at sea.

AMSA and two universities recently surveyed 1026 seafarers visiting Australian ports. More than 20% reported that they felt strain due to being away from their family, and a considerable number of respondents reported that they work more than 69 hours per week. AMSA issued a safety awareness bulletin discussing possible risk factors and solutions.

Norwegian-based OSM has launched a new mobile app for seafarers to manage their lives at sea and onshore. The development aims to increase efficiency and management capability, by providing seafarers with an instant overview of all relevant documentation, vessel assignments, communication with the company, pay slips, and others. 

More than 25% of seafarers show signs of depression and many won’t ask for help, according to a study carried out by international maritime charity Sailors’ Society and Yale University. The results, including responses of more than 1,000 seafarers, were presented at Sailors’ Society’s Wellness at Sea conference on 16 March, in London.