Tag: mental health

Amid the COVID-19 crisis and the crew change issue that has presented, seafarers are facing an unprecedented period full of anxiety. The feeling of fear and doubt on how the pandemic will evolve has led to stress and panic, something that affects the seafarers during their everyday routine. Considering the situation, stress can easily lead to lack of mindfulness, thus increasing casualties onboard.

The US Coast Guard published its Maritime Health & Wellness journal, highlighting importance of health and wellness for mariners because they are essential to the safety, security, and efficiency of the marine transportation system.

Leadership always comes with challenge, especially in the world of business, where motivation of employees is the A and Z for a healthy workplace and overall efficiency of an organization. But in today’s complex and fast-paced world, how easy is it for leaders to create and maintain an environment where employees feel fully engaged?

Following the remote work issue that has arise due to the coronavirus outbreak, it is of major importance that we all take care of our mental health.

While life onboard with its harsh workload and isolation had already an adverse effect on crews’ mental health, the COVID-19 pandemic with its travel restrictions and limited mobility brought an even bigger anxiety to seafarers, who referred to their vessels as ‘floating prisons’.

The World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th is more relevant than ever amid this year’s unprecedented experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, which left thousands of seafarers stranded onboard for prolonged periods away from family, adding to already emerging issue of crew mental health.

Seafarer UK’s Chief Executive Officer, Catherine Spencer, notes the pandemic has negatively impacted seafarers’ mental health and wellbeing. Although there are helpful resources to support them, many appear to be trying hard to overcome what is being described as a ‘crew change crisis. Hence, Seafarers UK has released additional £2 million from reserves to support seafarers in need and their families.

Mental health issues among seafarers is an increasing area of concern, AMSA notes, considering that long periods of time separated from family and friends, long work hours, shift work and fatigue, along with the general operational hazards of seafaring, can all play their part in creating a stressful environment.

Mission to Seafarers published the latest Seafarers Happiness Index Q2 focusing on the continuous impact of COVID-19 on the welfare of seafarers and their families.

Following Seafarers Awareness Week (6-12 July), the Maritime Charities Group and Merchant Navy Training Board joined forces and issued a practice guide focused on seafarers' mental health and wellbeing.