Prioritising Mental Health and Wellness at Sea: A New Wave of Support for Maritime Crews

The physical demands of life at sea have been well recognised for many years, but only relatively recently has the industry begun to seriously address the mental health challenges faced by seafarers. While physical safety remains a top priority, the wellbeing of maritime crews increasingly considers the health of both the body and mind. 

Challenges to wellbeing

Seafarers work in extremely challenging environments: confined living quarters, physically taxing labour, and long periods of separation from loved ones. While physical wellness is rightly commonly addressed, the emotional and mental toll of life at sea has often been overlooked.

Stress, disrupted sleep, and a high stakes role can wear down mental resilience. And for many, this is often compounded by feelings of loneliness.

Crew members can feel both overwhelmed and isolated. After spending months away from family and friends, deep loneliness and a sense of disconnection is common amongst seafarers. Alongside this, crew also have limited privacy due to shared accommodation, and deal with constant high risk, and high stakes situations. This confined and pressurising lifestyle can lead to high levels of anxiety, which in turn affects not just performance, but also the physical health and wellbeing of crew.

Creating a Culture of Care

Improving crew wellness starts with fostering a positive and inclusive team atmosphere where every crew member feels valued and safe. Open communication around mental health should be encouraged, and there must be channels in place for crew members to speak openly without stigma.

Special attention should be given to minority crew members by providing access to tailored support services. Minority crew members may also need specialised communication forms and separate spaces for privacy for cultural or religious practices.

Training programs focused on mental health awareness can equip crews to better recognize and respond to emotional distress among colleagues. Dedicated wellness officers, either onboard or on the shore, can also help monitor mental health, preventing causal issues rather than simply treating present symptoms.

Developing comprehensive wellness programs that promote good sleep, balanced nutrition, hydration, and regular exercise is another essential step, as physical and mental wellbeing are deeply linked. 

Charities and Industry Commitments 

Organisations like the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) play a key role in driving positive change. ISWAN offers free helplines, financial support, and educational resources for crew and their families. They work to promote health, safety, and long-term wellbeing for all maritime crew members.

Furthermore, Crew Welfare Week grants an opportunity for the industry to come together and prioritise its workers wellbeing, both physical and mental. Each June, the sector celebrates the dedication of seafarers and reaffirm the industry’s commitment to their care.