The US Committee on the Marine Transportation System (CMTS) COVID-19 Working Group (C-19 WG) launched a survey urging mariners to take part anonymously, in efforts to see the impact of the pandemic in the sector.
Accordingly, the survey asks mariners a variety of questions about COVID-19, mental health, and their experiences and feelings when aboard a vessel during the challenges of this worldwide pandemic.
Keep in mind, that up to now seafarers have been struggling and facing many challenges because of the pandemic. The latest Seafarers Happiness Index report, concerning the fourth quarter of 2020, noted that there are still huge challenges with crew changes, not only in the limitations of leaving or joining a ship, but also the treatment and facilities provided during quarantine.
It is highlighted that the participation will be critical to determine the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of the mariners.
USCG notes that
Mariner unions, vessel operators, vessel owners, mariner training institutions and industry associations are requested to encourage and facilitate the prompt participation of their mariners in this survey. MTS stakeholders are requested to widely distribute this announcement within the U.S. maritime industry.
The survey is conducted independently by Dr. Marissa Baker, Assistant Professor & Industrial Hygiene Program Director, University of Washington School of Public Health and is supported by Centers for Disease Prevention & Control (CDC) and the COVID-19 Working Group (C-19 WG) of the federal interagency U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System (CMTS).
