The International Chamber of Shipping and the International Transport Workers Federation have released a new document for ship owners and seafarers, providing advice on how to recognise, report and eliminate harassment and bullying on board. If you would like to learn more please read the Guidance on eliminating shipboard harrassment and bullying.
Seafarers often spend long times at sea separated from family and friends and are more likely to be affected by mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Physical health issues are governed by international standards which support seafarers but mental health issues are not and may go unnoticed. Shipboard factors that may influence mental health problems include:
There are services available to help you in Australia.
SeafarerHelp is an international service provided by the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN). In addition to SeafarerHelp, other services available in Australia include:
Wellness is about adopting life-style practices that improve the chances of not getting sick or should illness occur, how to manage it.
The Wellness at Sea program aims to promote a seafarers’ wellbeing onboard and provides assistance in the early identification of mental health issues before they impact on seafarers’ lives.
Visit the Sailors’ Society website for more information about attending Wellness at Sea courses and programs.
The Sailors’ Society’s new Wellness at Sea app puts health and well-being at sea in the hands of seafarers. The app is iPhone and Android compatible and can be downloaded for free by searching for Wellness at Sea. For more information, please read the Sailors' Society press release.