Mental Health: Supporting Seafarers Beyond Contracts
Mental Health is an ongoing topic that has been discussed as being one of the prevalent issues that many seafarers travelling at sea have been dealing with. Recently, a rise in stress has been seen among many seafarers, with the implementation of new technologies and an increase in workload being examples of factors causing an exponential increase in anxiety, stress, depression, and other types of health problems among seafarers in the cruise industry. It is an issue that affects many seafarers during their work contracts, and for some, it is a serious issue they take with them when their contracts end. (Allan, n.d.)
In order to speak on the support that can be given to seafarers after their contracts end, we need to take a closer look at the factors that have been shown to do damage to seafarers’ mental health even after they return home. A study that was conducted by a multinational academic research team, led by the University of Ljubljana, shows that seafarers’ mental health is shaped mainly by three broad categories of stressors. One of these stressors being environmental stressors, that can be caused by harsh shipboard conditions. Another can be caused by social stressors such as bullying, homesickness, isolation and cultural differences. The third category is health-related stressors that can be caused by injuries or illnesses. (Dalian Maritime University, 2024)
A growing body of maritime welfare guidance emphasizes that mental health support for seafarers should not end when the contract is completed Organizations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) highlight that the transition period, when the seafarers return home after months at sea, can be psychologically challenging. One of the most accessible forms of post-contract support is the availability of independent, confidential helplines. Services such as SeafarerHelp, operated by the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), provide 24/7 multilingual support via phone, email, or messaging platforms. This service allows seafarers to help freely even after their employment period has ended.
Charitable organizations also contribute significantly to post-contract wellbeing through structured programs and ongoing outreach. Groups such as Sailor’s Society offer wellness tools, resilience training, and continuous care services designed to support seafarers both during and after their time at sea. Their initiatives often include mental health awareness training, self-help resources, and in some cases financial or crisis support.
Emerging models of remote mental health support, such as counseling via phone, text, or online platforms, are helping bridge the gap between shipboard care and shore-based life. Services highlighted by maritime organizations provide flexible access to professional support. The evidence suggests that mental health support for seafarers should be viewed as an ongoing responsibility rather than a service limited to the duration of a contract. A stronger support framework beyond sign-off not only projects individual well-being but also supports a more humane and sustainable maritime industry.
References
Allan, K. (n.d.). Is there a mental health crisis among seafarers? Retrieved from Ship Technology GLobal: https://ship.nridigital.com/ship_mar25/mental_health_crisis_seafarers
Dalian Maritime University, G. H. (2024, 1 11). PMC PubMed Central. Retrieved from Ntional Library of Medicine: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10966976/
Resouces
· International Maritime Organization (IMO) – Crew Welfare Management and Mental Wellness
https://wwwcdn.imo.org/localresources/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Documents/2021_Crew%20Welfare_Management_and%20Mental_Wellness_2nd-ed-web_2.pdf
· International Maritime Organization (IMO) – Supporting Seafarers
https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/Supporting-Seafarers.aspx
· International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) – SeafarerHelp
https://www.seafarerhelp.org
· International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) – Wellbeing Directory
https://www.itfseafarers.org/en/directories/wellbeing-directory
· ITF Seafarers – Support at hand for seafarers’ mental health and wellbeing
https://www.itfseafarers.org/en/news/support-hand-seafarers-mental-health-and-wellbeing
· Sailors’ Society – 24/7 Care and wellness resources
https://www.sailors-society.org