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Management of Mental Health Problems on Board
All crew should have a basic understanding of mental health and how to look after their
mental health at sea.
Officers and those in positions of responsibility should, in addition, be equipped with
skills to:
• Recognise signs of someone who may be struggling
• Know how to have a confidential conversation with the person concerned
• Provide early intervention response, including:
• Making reasonable adjustments to work
• Facilitating access to confidential support
• Facilitating access to information or advice
• Facilitating support to address practical problems
• Monitor the case through ongoing follow-up
Establish effective support and response mechanism
Safety Culture
• Support promoting a shipping culture where speaking openly about wellness is
encouraged, and seafarers seeking help are not disparaged.
Training & Development
• Educate other crew members on stressors, reactions, and resources for treatment.
• Encourage employees to share their personal challenges
• Try to make sure that any crew member experiencing difficulty is likely not alone.
Encourage everyone to speak up and support each other
Create a Caring Environment
• Influence others by positive leadership, feedback, performance management
processes, procedures, and skills.
• Effective communication: shore to vessel and on-board
• Clear, effective, safe to use, Bullying, Harassment, Discrimination, Safeguarding and
Grievance Policies and procedures
• Support high-quality living conditions, recreational and exercise facilities
• Invest in the professional development of other seafarers
• Refer the people who need help to the bespoke helplines for psychological assistance
• Engage with crew on a personal level, express gratitude and appreciation from the
company
• Create peer support mechanisms for potentially isolated or vulnerable groups,
including social network peer support groups, mentoring or buddy schemes
Observe Work Practices
• Identify if adequate training is available for all work tasks and responsibilities.
• Observe the factors that effect the Psychological Safety of fellow Seafarers
• Facilitate increased control over how work tasks are completed
• Observe if fellow seafarers feel that they get enough Professional development
opportunities
• Notice if performance management procedures are constructive and supportive
• Note if the seafarers have enough Work/life balance
