{"id":21271,"date":"2019-11-06T10:35:21","date_gmt":"2019-11-06T10:35:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seafarersrights.org\/?p=21271"},"modified":"2019-11-06T10:35:21","modified_gmt":"2019-11-06T10:35:21","slug":"loneliness-of-seafarers-highlighted-in-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seafarersrights.org\/loneliness-of-seafarers-highlighted-in-report\/","title":{"rendered":"Loneliness of seafarers highlighted in report"},"content":{"rendered":"

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New research from Cardiff University reveals that long working hours, isolation and extended periods away from home put seafarers at risk of poor mental health.<\/p>\n

The study, funded by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), urges cargo shipping companies to provide greater support for workers to help prevent conditions such as anxiety and depression. This includes the provision of on-board amenities such as internet access, improved accommodation and recreational activities.<\/p>\n

More than 1,500 seafarers completed a questionnaire on their experiences for the research, while face-to-face interviews were conducted with a small group of seafarers, employers, maritime charities and other stakeholders. Lack of internet access, long periods away from friends and family, poor accommodation and food were among the leading causes of concern for those working at sea.<\/p>\n

Professor Helen Sampson, who led the study, says there is evidence that recent-onset psychological disorders are increasing among serving seafarers, yet more than half (55%) of employers said they had not introduced any policies or practices to address mental health for a decade.<\/p>\n

When questioned in an interview about suffering from mental ill-health, one seafarer said: \u201cBetween pressure, workload, no days off and you are a gazillion miles away from home with limited communication, what do you think is going to happen?\u201d Another said: \u201cThree months on land is nothing. You can\u2019t see your kids grow up, you can\u2019t see anything. You are just like an uncle coming and going.\u201d<\/p>\n

Professor Sampson, Director of Cardiff University\u2019s Seafarers International Research Centre, based in the School of Social Sciences, said: \u201cIt is all too easy for seafarers working out on the deep ocean to be invisible to those ashore. Their remoteness allows for abuse to go undetected. Sometimes seafarers are subjected to bullying and harassment by superiors and colleagues on board.\u00a0 However many employers also mistreat seafarers by failing to provide decent and humane living conditions which promote good mental wellbeing. This research, funded by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, reveals that seafarers working on cargo ships experience very little happiness on board and suffer the consequences of social isolation, stressful working conditions, fatigue, and monotonous institutional environments. It is time such issues were properly addressed.\u201d<\/p>\n

The report concludes that the provision of free internet access would make the most significant contribution to improving the mental health and wellbeing of those working onboard ships. Other areas for focus include better terms and conditions of work, relationships with colleagues on board, accommodation and recreation.<\/p>\n

Duncan Spencer, Head of Advice and Practice at IOSH, said: \u201cLone workers or those working in small crews in remote areas often work without close interaction with other employees or family members. They face a unique set of challenges and are particularly vulnerable when it comes to their mental health.<\/p>\n

\u201cOrganisations employing remote workers need to shift their approach to follow similar standards that are being implemented in other industries. Poor leadership and culture in the organisation, excessive pressure, bullying and harassment are factors that have the potential to negatively impact on workers\u2019 mental health and wellbeing. It is crucial that these are seriously considered and given a proportionate approach.\u201d<\/p>\n

Specific recommendations from the researchers include:<\/p>\n