The inability of seafarers to end contracts and return home during the coronavirus pandemic is having a major impact on their physical and mental well-being, a new survey reveals.
The “seafarer community is in the midst of a mental health crisis”, claimed the latest Seafarers Happiness Index published by The Mission to Seafarers.
Decline of happiness
The report highlighted a continuing decline of happiness at sea due “to the inability of seafarers to sign off and return home” as a result of the ongoing impact of Covid-19.
Heavy workloads, virus fears and a perceived lack of precautions on board vessels are exacerbating the decline in satisfaction, the charity added.
“Without immediate action, there are significant risks for the mental and physical well-being of crew and a growing risk to safety,” said the report which was undertaken in association with insurer the Shipowners’ Club and shipmanagement company Wallem Group.
Overall, seafarer happiness has dropped to a rating of 6.18, out of 10, in the three months between April and June, down from 6.3 in the first quarter of 2020.
The report said vessels are sailing with fewer crew, increased sickness on board and a pressure to keep hygiene standards at almost hospital-like levels. Seafarers are struggling to adhere to guidance and maintain social distancing, it added.
Workloads have been relentless and have impacted standards since the pandemic began and are taking a toll with seafarers reporting feeling unsupported, stressed and without respite.
“Combined with the challenge of accessing medical services, the risk of an increase in incidents of self-harm and in the number of accidents is very real as stress impacts work, compromising safety at all levels,” the report said.
The Mission to Seafarers secretary general Andrew Wright said the report highlights the cost of inaction over solving the problems of crew changes while lockdown restrictions are in place.
“It is paramount that we see progress with crew changeovers, on-board personal protection equipment and improved communication between shore and sea, to defuse this ticking time-bomb.
“Protecting seafarers is a priority and governments must now come together and work with industry before it is too late.”
Social distancing at sea
Loss prevention director at the Shipowners’ Club Louise Hall added that social distancing has taken a toll on relationships on board ships.
“Additional safety measures, such as separating tables and limiting the capacity of mess rooms at mealtimes, has made even the most habitual social interactions difficult. This, coupled with extended periods of time at sea, raises serious concerns for seafarers’ mental well-being as feelings of loneliness and isolation intensify.”
Frank Coles, chief executive of Wallem Group, added: “No bonus or extra pay can resolve the anguish, mental stress and problems being faced by the crew today.”
The happiness index also identified disappointment that seafarers have not been recognised as key workers and growing reports of sexism, racism and bullying and drunkenness.
“It is essential that faster progress is made to protect seafarers and stop the industry from falling into a deeper crisis,” the report said.
The Institution of Occupational Health and Safety, which has 47,000 members in 130 countries, added its support to the report, and said it was worrying that 55% of shipping employer respondents to research by Cardiff University last year said they had not introduced any policies or practices for the mental well-being of seafarers in the past decade.
