Mental Health First Aid at Sea: How Crew Members Can Support Colleagues
Life at sea can be rewarding, but it can also present unique challenges for seafarers. Long periods away from family, demanding work schedules, fatigue, isolation, and the pressure of working in a confined environment can affect a crew member’s emotional wellbeing.
In this environment, crew members can play an important role in supporting one another. Mental Health First Aid at Sea is about helping crew members recognise possible signs of emotional distress, respond with empathy, and guide colleagues toward appropriate professional support when needed.
It does not mean that crew members need to become mental health professionals. Instead, it gives them the awareness and confidence to notice concerns and respond appropriately.
What Is Mental Health First Aid at Sea?
Mental Health First Aid at Sea refers to the basic knowledge and supportive skills that crew members can use when a colleague may be experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties onboard.
A trained crew member can listen without judgement, provide initial support, encourage the person to seek appropriate help, and escalate concerns when there is an immediate safety risk.
The goal is not to diagnose or treat mental health conditions. It is to ensure that crew members do not feel alone when they are struggling.
1. Recognise Changes in Behaviour
One of the first steps in supporting a colleague is noticing significant changes in their behaviour.
A normally social crew member may suddenly become withdrawn. Someone who is usually focused may appear unusually distracted or irritable. Changes in sleep, appetite, communication, work performance, or participation in onboard activities may also indicate that someone is having difficulties.
A single change does not necessarily mean there is a mental health problem. However, noticeable or persistent changes may be a reason to check in with the person.
2. Start a Supportive Conversation
Approaching someone who appears to be struggling can feel uncomfortable. A simple and private conversation can be a good starting point.
A crew member could ask whether everything is okay and give the colleague an opportunity to talk.
The conversation should be respectful and free from pressure. The objective is to listen rather than immediately provide solutions.
Sometimes, knowing that someone is willing to listen can make a meaningful difference.
3. Listen Without Judgement
Listening is one of the most valuable skills in Mental Health First Aid at Sea.
When someone shares a personal concern, the listener should avoid criticism, blame, or dismissive comments. Statements such as “just forget about it” or “everyone feels the same” may unintentionally discourage someone from talking further.
Instead, crew members should listen calmly, show empathy, and acknowledge that the person’s experience matters.
4. Respect Privacy
Trust is essential when discussing personal concerns onboard.
Crew members should respect confidentiality while also understanding its limits. If someone is at immediate risk of harming themselves or another person, appropriate senior personnel or professional support should be contacted according to the vessel’s procedures.
Mental health support should never become gossip among crew members. Protecting personal information helps create a safer environment where people feel comfortable asking for help.
5. Encourage Professional Support
Crew members can provide initial support, but they are not expected to diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
If a colleague continues to struggle, encourage them to use available professional resources. Depending on the company’s support system, this could include a medical officer, designated company contact, counselling service, telehealth provider, or other qualified professional.
Early access to appropriate support can help prevent concerns from becoming more difficult to manage.
6. Know the Emergency Procedures
Mental health concerns can sometimes become urgent. Crew members should understand the vessel’s procedures for handling serious psychological distress or immediate safety concerns.
If someone appears to be in immediate danger, the situation should be treated seriously and escalated through the appropriate onboard and company channels.
Knowing whom to contact before an emergency occurs can help crew members respond more confidently.
7. Reduce Isolation Through Connection
Social connection can be particularly important during long periods at sea.
Crew members can support each other by creating opportunities for positive interaction. Shared meals, recreational activities, exercise, informal conversations, and team activities can help reduce isolation.
Small actions can make the onboard environment feel more connected and supportive.
8. Promote Healthy Daily Habits
Healthy routines can contribute to overall wellbeing. Crew members can encourage colleagues to maintain appropriate sleep, rest, physical activity, nutritious meals, and opportunities for relaxation.
These habits are not substitutes for professional mental health care, but they can support general wellbeing and help crew members manage everyday pressures.
Officers should also consider workload and fatigue when planning onboard activities and duties.
9. Build a Culture Where Speaking Up Is Safe
A strong onboard culture makes it easier for people to talk about difficulties.
Leadership plays an important role in creating this environment. Senior officers can demonstrate that asking for support is not a sign of weakness.
Regular wellbeing discussions, appropriate training, respectful communication, and clear support pathways can encourage crew members to speak up earlier.
When mental health is treated as part of overall crew wellbeing, conversations become more normal and less stigmatised.
10. Provide Mental Health First Aid Training
Shipping companies can strengthen their wellbeing strategy by providing structured Mental Health First Aid at Sea training.
Training can help crew members learn how to recognise warning signs, start supportive conversations, listen effectively, understand boundaries, and connect colleagues with professional assistance.
Scenario-based training can be particularly useful because it allows crew members to practise responding to realistic situations they may encounter onboard.
Why Mental Health First Aid Matters for Seafarers
Mental health support is an important part of creating a healthy and resilient maritime workforce.
Effective support can help shipping companies:
- Encourage early conversations about wellbeing
- Reduce stigma around seeking help
- Improve crew communication
- Strengthen onboard relationships
- Support a positive safety culture
- Improve awareness of available resources
- Create a more supportive working environment
Mental health should be considered alongside physical safety and operational performance rather than treated as a separate issue.
Conclusion
Seafarers spend significant amounts of time working and living together, which means crew members can become an important source of support for one another.
Mental Health First Aid at Sea provides crew members with practical awareness to recognise concerns, listen without judgement, encourage professional support, and respond appropriately when a colleague is struggling.
However, peer support should complement—not replace—professional mental health care. Shipping companies should provide clear support pathways, appropriate training, and a workplace culture where asking for help is accepted.
By investing in mental health awareness and creating a supportive onboard environment, maritime organisations can help build healthier crews and a stronger culture of care at sea.