11 LMM V I S I O N ISSUE 21 | Q2 2025 SEAFARERS’ INTERVIEW Describe the factors that can affect the mental health / morale of a seafarer on board a vessel. RA: Some of the factors that affect mental health on board are bullying and harassment, long working hours and inadequate rest, cultural differences, social isolation and prolonged separation from family. BR: Factors impacting mental health on board due shipping business high demands of tanker vessels trading can be divided in categories as work related and environment surrounding factors. Work related can manifested through like long work hours, fatigue lead to physical and mental exhaustion, sleep deprivation, burnout and dangerous conditions. Based on life on board dynamics where intensifying isolation is present at all times and limited shore leave with same group of people living in confined environment for extended period can lead to interpersonal conflict and stress. Social stressors such as isolation, separation from family creates loneliness contribute to depression. Environmental factors can be accredited to noise, vibration which depending of individual ability of physical tolerance. RC: As I observed from a long time of being at sea, there are several factors affecting the mental health and morale of seafarers, though the most of it is the feeling of isolation and being away from their family, with very little or limited access to outside world as well as time to communicate with their loved ones. When they need to, not only because of limited connection but also the time difference being on the other side of the world and finding the perfect time to get in touch with their family, we need to remember that maybe a simple personal issue back home can be a great deal when you are on board where you feel you have a very small chance to do something about it, or like when you feel nobody is willing to listen to your problems. Unlike when you are surrounded with people who you think are always ready to help when you need, and the feeling of isolation sets in. There are times when there is not much connection between the crew itself, this can be caused by lack of social activities or it can also be attributed to fatigue, stress and or commercial pressure on the seafarers’ life on board. That’s why for me keeping a good interconnection between the crew is very important and should be supported by senior officers and as well as shore personnel or management representative when needed. AT: The mental health and morale of seafarers are affected by a complex mix of factors. Psychological and social challenges, such as isolation, loneliness and separation from family, are the most significant stressors. A multicultural crew with different cultures and customs can create barriers to communication and social distancing. Work-related and environmental factors are also critical. Heavy workloads, irregular unpredicted rest hours, and fatigue increase stress and reduce wellbeing. Limited physical surroundings, lack of privacy and limited shore leave worsen the feeling of being trapped. Ultimately, this combination of isolation, stress and a demanding environment creates a unique and significant risk to a seafarer’s well-being. AK & CJ: Several factors can influence the mental health and morale of a seafarer on board a vessel, as follows but not limited to, ●● Isolation and loneliness: Being away from family and friends for extended periods can lead to feelings of isolation. ●● Workload and fatigue: High workloads, long shifts, and physical exhaustion can impact mental well-being. ●● Confinement and limited space: Small living spaces and confined quarters can lead to stress and claustrophobia. ●● Environmental conditions: Uncomfortable weather, rough seas, can contribute to mental distress. ●● Communication limitations: Restricted access to communication with loved ones hampers emotional support. ●● Job security and future uncertainty: Concerns about contract renewal or job stability can cause anxiety. ●● Safety and security: Fear of accidents, piracy, or emergencies can heighten anxiety. ●● Recreation and leisure opportunities: Lack of recreational activities can lead to boredom and low morale. What challenges do you face for identifying warning signs of poor mental health / morale on board? BR: Challenges for identifying poor mental health depends individually as each person differently manifest behavior or feelings, symptoms, reactions than a sign of poor mental health. As individual approach is not possible for all crew individually observers challenges need to be focused on selected team group in order to establish communication and feedback through constructive relationship to be able to determine for indicated individual if changes are his normal behavior or if they are a true warning sign. RC: The challenges on this is when seafarer himself is not showing any physical sign of mental issues or he may be keeping it to himself, some individuals are capable of keeping their burden away from others and that is the most difficult part which needs intervention of professionals. We as senior officers can do very little to identify this as we are not trained for this, we may noticed obvious signs but not as depth as trained person or professionals can do. AT: Identifying poor mental health or low morale onboard is challenging because warning signs are often subtle or mistaken for normal fatigue. Crew members may hide their struggles while cultural and language barriers can make it harder to express feelings openly, to avoid being seen as weak or risk their job. The limited privacy and close living quarters on a vessel also make it difficult for individuals to show vulnerability. Officers usually lack formal training to
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