News 09 Oct, 2024 World Mental Health Day: Enhancing Seafarers’ Mental Health and Psychological Capital Emma MacCarthy Loss Prevention Officer In the demanding and often isolating world of maritime professions, the mental well-being of seafarers has emerged as a critical concern. With this year’s theme, " It's time to prioritise mental health in the workplace," it becomes essential to understand these determinants and develop effective strategies. By focusing on enhancing the psychological capital of our seafaring community, we can ensure they stay resilient and mentally robust amidst the challenges they face. Download PDF Based on recent studies, the key factors contributing to poor mental health in seafarers are: Younger age Being single Poor physical health Greater exposure to noise and vibration Feeling physically unsafe High job demands Long hours Night shifts Irregular shifts Poor sleep Poor cohesion within teams Poor perception of supervisor support or shoreside management Lack of social support Lack of job-related autonomy Scheduling uncertainties Long duration at sea Over-commitment to work In terms of personal and socio-demographic characteristics, poor mental health and wellbeing appear to be associated with younger age, being single, and being in poor physical health. Managers should pay special attention to seafarers who fall into these categories, especially those meeting all three criteria, as they may need extra support and occupational health advice. This approach ensures a supportive environment for all employees, encouraging their growth and well-being. Younger age The reason for poorer mental health in younger crew is unclear. Their newer roles may lead to less job autonomy and security, affecting mental health. Inexperience might also make coping with high demands and decision-making more stressful. Being Single As supportive relationships often improve mental health, this makes being single a risk factor for poor wellbeing. Social support reduc