Recognizing that mariner mental health concerns may adversely affect vessel operations and life at sea, the US Coast Guard shed focus on the issue, assuring mariners that seeking mental health care will not jeopardize their medical certification.
In the new Marine Safety Information Bulletin 07-21 “COVID-19: Spotlight on the Mental Health of Mariners”, USCG Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy stressed that the mental health risks posed by COVID-19 threat and the prolonged nature of the pandemic have compounded existing stressors and created new stressors on maritime personnel, including feelings of isolation, and physical and mental fatigue.
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Mental health concerns may include, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicide. While some of these concerns arise in individuals with diagnosed mental illness, many occur in people who do not have a known mental health condition.
The USCG is committed to working closely with industry partners and the National Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee to identify successful strategies to promote mariner mental health. However, the USCG and its partners recognize that strategies will only be successful if mariners feel safe accessing and utilizing available mental health resources,
…USCG noted.
Therefore, the USCG assured mariners that seeking mental health care will not jeopardize a mariner’s medical certification. In fact, the National Maritime Center (NMC) routinely approves medical certification for individuals who have stable, well-controlled mental health conditions.
On the infrequent occasions that the NMC has denied medical certification to a mariner with mental health concerns, it was for mental health conditions that were not sufficiently controlled so as to pose a risk to public and maritime safety,
…USCG explained.
If you are a mariner who is in need of mental health care, please:
- do so without fear of reprisal or punishment from the USCG; and
- remember that it is generally better to seek help and treatment rather than putting yourself and fellow crew members at risk because of an untreated condition.
FIND MORE IN THE USCG BULLETIN HERE
