The sea is often romanticized as a place of adventure, freedom, and limitless possibilities. Yet, beneath the surface of all the imaginations lies a sobering reality, which is mental health challenges among seafarers are reaching alarming levels.
As someone, who has spent decades working closely with the maritime community, I’ve witnessed both the beauty and the burdens of life at sea. One of the most critical and often overlooked issues is the mental well-being of the men and women who navigate our global trade routes.
According to the latest reports, nearly25% of seafarers suffer from depression, with many not receiving adequate support or treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies depression as the leading cause of disability worldwide, and among seafarers, the risk factors are particularly intensified due to the isolated and high-stress nature of their profession.
Why Are Seafarers So Vulnerable to Depression?
The maritime profession is unique, and so are its challenges. Understanding these helps us grasp why mental health issues are prevalent among seafarers:
- Isolation and Loneliness
Spending months at sea, thousands of miles away from loved ones leads to profound loneliness. Modern ships are highly automated, often operating with minimal crew, which reduces social interaction even further. A study found that a significant 77% of seafarers reported experiencing loneliness at sea, contributing significantly to depressive symptoms.
- Fatigue and Long Working Hours
Seafarers often work 10 to 12 hours a day, with limited rest due to shift work and unpredictable schedules. Chronic fatigue reduces the brain’s ability to cope with stress and can accelerate mental burnout.
- Cultural Barriers and Language Differences
With multinational crews, communication barriers and cultural misunderstandings are frequent. These can isolate individuals within a team and make it difficult for seafarers to express emotional needs or build meaningful relationships.
- Fear and Anxiety in Dangerous Waters
Piracy, accidents, unpredictable weather, and, recently, the pandemic and geopolitical tensions (such as those affecting Ukrainian and Russian crew members) add another layer of stress. A survey showed that 58% of seafarers felt unsafe in certain waters, directly correlating to anxiety and post-traumatic symptoms.
- Limited Access to Mental Health Support
Unlike office environments or shore-based jobs, access to mental health professionals or therapy is nearly nonexistent at sea. There’s also a cultural stigma in the industry that discourages seeking help for mental health concerns.
The Importance of Addressing this Issue
The world relies on seafarers for over 90% of global trade. Without them, supply chains collapse. Yet, despite their vital role, their mental health needs have long been marginalized. A mentally unwell seafarer is not only suffering personally but may also pose a risk to ship operations, cargo safety, and crew morale.
Post-COVID, the situation has intensified. Extended contracts, port restrictions, and crew change crises saw some seafarers stranded on vessels for over 18 months without shore leave. This human rights issue brought global attention to the need for systemic change in maritime mental health care.
How We Can Support Our Seafarers
Improving seafarers’ mental health is not only a moral imperative but a strategic investment in global maritime safety and productivity. Here’s what needs to be done:
- Foster an Open Culture Around Mental Health
It starts with leadership. Shipowners, managers, and captains must cultivate a culture where mental health is acknowledged, not stigmatized. Training officers to recognize early signs of depression or anxiety can be lifesaving.
As a maritime leader and trainer, I’ve consistently advocated for the humanization of shipping. Emotional intelligence, empathy, and active listening should be as integral to leadership training as technical skills.
- Provide 24/7 Access to Counseling Services
Digital platforms like several helplines have made it possible to access psychological support via satellite or internet communication. These services should be standard provisions for all ships.
- Include Mental Health Education in Maritime Training
Awareness is the first step. Every maritime training curriculum should include modules on stress management, resilience building, and mental health first aid. This is especially crucial for young cadets and future officers.
- Implement Rotational Contracts and Timely Crew Changes
Companies must avoid overextending contracts. Fatigue and prolonged time at sea are among the strongest predictors of mental health deterioration. Crew rotation systems should be fair, consistent, and designed with well-being in mind.
- Encourage Onboard Social Interaction
Simple practices such as communal meals, recreational activities, movie nights, or group fitness routines can combat loneliness and create a sense of community on board.
- Leverage Technology for Connection
Ships should be equipped with reliable internet to enable regular communication with family and friends. Just a video call with a loved one can greatly lift a seafarer’s spirits. In today’s age, digital connection is a lifeline.
- Government and Regulatory Support
Flag states, port authorities, and international bodies like the IMO (International Maritime Organization) and ILO (International Labour Organization) must enforce minimum standards for seafarer welfare, including psychological support. The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006 needs to be updated to reflect mental health as a core component of seafarer welfare!
My Vision as a Maritime Advocate
As President of the Federation of Global Maritime Community and a lifelong maritime entrepreneur, I’ve always believed in people-first leadership. Seafarers are not just cogs in the wheel of global logistics, they are fathers, daughters, sons, and friends with dreams, emotions, and dignity.
I envision a maritime world where every ship values emotional safety as much as physical safety. Where crew members feel heard, respected, and supported. Where no one feels alone while surrounded by the vastness of the sea.
Final Thoughts
Mental health at sea is a storm we must face head-on, with compassion, collaboration, and action. It’s a call to reimagine maritime leadership, rethink crew welfare, and redefine success not just by profit or performance, but by the people we protect.
To every seafarer reading this: You are not alone. Your mental health matters. You matter.
To all shipowners and maritime entrepreneurs: it’s time to prioritize seafarers’ mental health. Connect with me to explore impactful strategies and solutions that support their well-being at sea.