ISSUE 12 | MARCH-APRIL 2025 28 During the 6th SAFETY4SEA Limassol Forum, Marinos Kokkinis delivered a presentation on the evolving landscape of seafarer health, crew welfare, and resilience. Marinos Kokkinis Managing Director OneCare Group O P I N I ON How proactive measures can transform crew wellbeing Recent studies from organizations such as the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), Seafarers Trust, Yale University (2019), and BMC Public Health (2022) have revealed concerning statistics about the mental health of seafarers. The data is also linked to recent industry trends, including the Seafarers Happiness Index, surveys from Marine Benefits, and insights from OneCare Group service lines. These studies show that: ●● 25% of seafarers suffer from depression ●● 17% experience anxiety ●● 20% have suicidal ideation ●● 66% endure psychological stress In addition to these mental health challenges, medical concerns such as high hypertension rates and other common disorders are prevalent among seafarers. These statistics paint a worrying picture of the state of the workforce, highlighting the need for proactive measures to ensure the health and well-being of those working at sea if the industry wishes to remain sustainable and future-proof. Key areas of concern for s eafarers The need for change is further underscored by key areas of concern within the industry. Seafarers face isolation, connectivity issues, and fatigue. These challenges have a direct impact on their social well-being, health, fitness, and overall quality of life. Some of these challenges are highlighted in the Mission to Seafarers’ report “Seafarers Happiness Index Q4 2024”, and include: ●● Seafarer isolation and port issues: Limited shore access, poor facilities, and inconvenient transport hinder crew rest, adding to mental strain. ●● Connectivity: Unreliable internet limits communication with family and friends, further intensifying feelings of isolation and negatively affecting morale. ●● Fatigue: Workload and fatigue remain major concerns due to long hours, understaffing, and rising administrative burdens, impacting safety and wellbeing ●● Social interaction: Lack of socializing is another area in need of attention, with high workloads often restricting opportunities for social interaction. ●● Health and fitness: Seafarers struggle to maintain fitness due to limited space, poor equipment, and vessel movement. Sedentary lifestyles and poor nutrition pose long-term health risks, while heavy workloads and fatigue limit exercise. Many urge companies to invest more in onboard fitness facilities. ●● Training concerns: While training is crucial, its volume and delivery methods especially online formats, are disrupting seafarers’ rest and family time, leading to fatigue and dissatisfaction. Meanwhile, a study by Marine Benefits conducted in Q4 2024 revealed that 63% of seafarers consider attention to health and well-being as a key factor in deciding whether to continue their careers at sea. This statistic highlights the urgent need for action to improve the health and well-being of the workforce. Current efforts and areas of improvement In response to these challenges, significant efforts have been made to provide medical and mental health support to vessels. Statistics from OneCare Group services during the
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