Mental

Well-being is defined as a state of being "comfortable, healthy, or happy", which can be easily disrupted however by outside influences, such as family and relationship problems, depression, loneliness and financial issues. Subsequently, seafarers who are struggling with well-being issues could be more vulnerable to illness or injury.

Last year, the findings of a key industry report by 'Project MARTHA' were presented, identifying growing levels of fatigue, particularly among Masters and Watch Keepers and noting that motivation was a major factor in fatigue experienced by seafarers. 

AMSA and two universities recently surveyed 1026 seafarers visiting Australian ports. More than 20% reported that they felt strain due to being away from their family, and a considerable number of respondents reported that they work more than 69 hours per week. AMSA issued a safety awareness bulletin discussing possible risk factors and solutions.

As part of its Good Mental Health Guides series with ISWAN, the Shipowners Club issued two infographics focusing on mindfulness and mental health to enhance wellbeing onboard. The first reminds crews of mindful techniques for managing stress and the second highlights key components of positive mental health.

The UK P&I Club provides advice on how to spot the mental health signs among the crew onboard. A recent analysis revealed that anxiety, social isolation, pressure of work and disturbed sleep can affect crew, all of which can negatively affect crew of all ages, nationalities and ranks.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, The Mission to Seafarers has taken the opportunity to highlight the many health challenges faced by seafarers and calls on the industry to offer wider services that could help safeguard their welfare.

In this article, Dr Olivia Swift and Dr Rikke Jensen, Researchers in the University of London, use existing research to investigate how connectivity and social media can help and/or hinder seafarers’ mental health and onboard social cohesion.