Since Covid-19, there has been a heightened focus on the mental health and wellbeing of seafarers. Seafarers experienced a hard time during the pandemic, unable to leave the ship due to restriction, however, seafarer mental health issues aren’t purely a covid-19 phenomenon. It is important to keep on top of our seafarers mental health and well-being, but how can this be done?
Here are some measures that could help improve the seafarers mental health and wellbeing while on board.
- Enhance recreation and health facilities on board: It is important to have quality food and comfortable beds, overall, better living conditions and a reduction in noise when sleeping.
- Internet speed and reliability: Having access to internet, reduces the feeling of loneliness as our seafarers can contact their loved ones.
- Consistency in work schedule: it is recommended to have short but regular shifts.
- Provide mental health support: it is important to help with the understanding of mental health problems and offer resources and strategies to the staff to help them maintain a healthy mental state.
By implementing these measures, we can create a more supportive and nurturing environment for seafarers, ensuring their mental health and well-being are prioritized. A healthy, happy crew is not only essential for their personal lives but also contributes to safer and more efficient operations at sea.