BSAFE mental health

Mental Health

It is a shocking fact suicide (or suspected suicide) is one of the most common causes of death amongst seafarers, and it may rank higher than deaths from accidents on board

It is also an acknowledged fact that seafarers are more likely to suffer from mental health problems than the general population. For example, research indicates that at least 25% of seafarers show signs of depression. Social isolation, loneliness, physical demands and fatigue all take their toll and some seafarers, as with all of us, will be more affected than others. There used to be a stigma surrounding mental health problems and this often prevented seafarers from speaking up or seeking help. Fortunately, attitudes appear to be changing and mental health is no longer a taboo subject, nor is it unusual to discuss one’s mental health issues or offer support to a colleague.

Today, many seafarers will also have the knowledge to recognize and react to symptoms themselves. The aim of BSafe is to raise awareness and point to existing, practical solutions for dealing with mental health issues among seafarers.

If you have any questions or would like further advice on mental health, then please feel free to contact us at: lossprevention@tindallriley.com

BEATING STRESS AND DEPRESSION

This edition of Health Watch focuses on how seafarers can the prevent the development of mental health and stress related problems. Read more…

FIGHTING FATIGUE

Fatigue has been identified as the main cause of a number of incidents at sea. This edition of Health Watch looks into ways of detecting and combatting fatigue at an early stage to prevent incidents. Read more…

CAUSES OF FATIGUE AND GUIDANCE ON GOOD PRACTICE

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has published Marine Guidance Note 505 looking at statutory duties, causes of fatigue and guidance on good practice. This is a useful reminder to seafarers as well as others maritime stakeholders on the factors that may lead to fatigue and how these can be mitigated. Read more…

SEAFARERS MENTAL HEALTH FACTSHEET

This paper by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) sums up what factors have been identified to make a seafarer unhappy and which onboard activities they can benefit from to improve mental health. Read more…

The following article has been developed by the Britannia Loss Prevention department providing guidance and advice on matters relating to “Mental Health”:

Published: 29 March 2021   Updated: 28 October 2022

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Published: 1 November 2019

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Britannia