Tag: wellness at sea

A new report by CNA, a US-based nonprofit organization, is looking at ways industries and governments have mitigated the spread of COVID-19 through the blue economy, while at the same time "jeopardizing the material and emotional wellbeing of seafarers". 

The Government of Canada in collaboration with the Canadian marine community, announced the establishment of the National Seafarers’ Welfare Board, to act as a forum for coordinating crew welfare in Canada.

A new strategic alliance in the shipping industry has launched a comprehensive Medical Advisory service for all types of vessels, from merchant to offshore, leisure and niche expedition cruises.

A new initiative by BIMCO called "seafarers delivering Christmas" seeks to pay a special tribute to seafarers amid this COVID-19 challenging times and remind them that they are not forgotten during this Christmas season.

Columbia Shipping Management (CMS) launches, in an industry first, a benefits package which offers seafarers life insurance and an investment plan for medical costs, disability provision, pension planning, or house/car purchase.

The Mental Health Support Solution urges the industry to provide support for crew by investing in Psychological First Aid (PFA) for those suffering traumatic experiences. Clinical Psychologist and Managing Director, Charles Watkins highlights the importance of providing aid to the crew members that have experienced a piracy attack, referring to the hijacking of the oil tanker Nave Andromeda just off the Isle of Wight last month.

Nine seafarers, two of whom had been onboard the Panama-flagged cargo ship Brio Faith for 20 months with no leave, are now making their way home, after intervention by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

A cooperation between British charities announced launch of a bursary fund for training of UK-based merchant seafarers who are facing redundancy as a direct result of Covid-19. Applicants will be eligible for up to £500 towards training that will help them get a new job in the industry.

World Stroke Day on October 29, focuses on the importance of health care, as well as highlights the signs of a stroke. Αnother factor that may lead to a stroke is also hypertension of high blood pressure. In this case, the heart must work harder to pump blood through the narrowed arteries and if the condition persists, damage to the heart and blood vessels is likely, increasing the risk for stroke, heart attack, and kidney or heart failure.

In response to the operational disruption the pandemic has caused to crew changes, which has subjected seafarers to increased levels of stress and anxiety, Steamship Mutual announced a partnership with Mental Health Support Solutions, aimed directly at the wellbeing of ships’ crews.