Discover how the maritime sector is addressing crew welfare, burnout, and mental health post-pandemic. Learn lessons from the crew change crisis, explore new policies, and see how technology is improving life at sea.
Why Crew Welfare and Mental Health Matter in Maritime Operations
When a ship sails into the open ocean, it’s not just cargo that it carries — it also carries the hopes, fears, and wellbeing of the crew onboard. Seafarers are the silent engines of global trade, keeping 90% of world commerce moving, often far from home and support systems. Yet, until recently, the industry rarely spoke openly about their mental health.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting crew change crisis changed that. Suddenly, crew members were stranded at sea for up to 18 months, denied shore leave, and left in limbo between port and policy. It was a breaking point — and also a wake-up call. As one Filipino second engineer described it in a 2021 ITF survey, “We became invisible, trapped on a floating prison.”
This article explores how the maritime world is confronting burnout, mental health stigma, and systemic gaps in welfare. What have we learned since the crisis? Is support improving, or is it still lip service? And how can we realistically build a safer, more humane future for those who live and work at sea?
Lessons from the Crew Change Crisis: What We Got Wrong — and Right
Human Rights vs. Logistics
During the height of the pandemic, an estimated 400,000 seafarers were stuck aboard vessels, while another 400,000 were stranded ashore, unable to join their ships (IMO, 2021). Flights were canceled, borders were closed, and immigration policies changed overnight. Maritime labor laws like the MLC 2006, which guarantee crew repatriation and rest, were often sidelined.
The Seafarers’ Rights International (SRI) called it “a violation of fundamental rights,” and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) launched the “Enough is Enough” campaign, pressuring governments and companies alike.
Some governments, notably Singapore and the Netherlands, created safe crew change hubs. Others lagged behind. The IMO’s designation of seafarers as ‘key workers’ in 2020 came late but laid the groundwork for later reforms.
Communication Breakdowns
Many seafarers reported not knowing when — or if — they would return home. Inconsistent updates from ship managers only fueled anxiety. A 2021 survey by Lloyd’s Register Foundation found that lack of transparent communication was the top contributor to seafarer distress, followed by fatigue and uncertainty.
Emerging Good Practices
Some companies responded proactively. Maersk, NYK Line, and Wilhelmsen introduced 24/7 helplines, digital check-ins with shore-based staff, and flexible contract extensions. In the years since, these practices are being formalised as permanent welfare protocols.
Is Mental Health Support at Sea Improving or Still Under-addressed?
A Growing Conversation
There’s growing recognition that mental health matters as much as physical safety. The ICS-BIMCO Seafarer Workforce Report (2021) highlighted mental wellbeing as a priority for recruitment and retention.
Organisations like Sailors’ Society, ISWAN, and Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS) now provide training, apps, and helplines. The IMO STCW Code was also updated in 2022 to include awareness of psychosocial risks as part of maritime education.
Still, cultural and structural obstacles persist. Many seafarers, especially from Asia and Africa, fear stigma or job loss if they disclose mental health struggles. Only 20% of ships have trained mental health officers onboard, according to a 2023 survey by The Nautical Institute.
Not Just Talk — But Action?
While awareness is improving, actual mental health interventions remain uneven. Ships often lack private spaces for counselling or even basic internet access. Language and cultural barriers can prevent meaningful conversations. Policies are sometimes vague and not enforced.
The ILO and IMO have called for industry-wide implementation of the Guidelines on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers in the Event of a Maritime Accident, updated to reflect psychosocial dimensions.
What Shipping Companies Can Do Now to Improve Crew Welfare
Normalize Mental Health Support
Providing mental health training for officers and crew can help normalize the topic and reduce stigma. Programs like WISTA’s Seafarer Wellness Course and MHSS e-learning modules teach how to spot burnout, support colleagues, and respond to crises.
Incorporating wellbeing into the Safety Management System (SMS) ensures accountability. Some firms are also integrating IMO Model Course 1.30 (Leadership and Teamwork) with mental health modules.
Prioritise Rest, Rotation, and Reconnection
Fatigue is a leading cause of both accidents and mental health deterioration. Ensuring proper rest hours, predictable rotations, and access to communication can significantly reduce stress.
The ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) mandates max 14-hour days and rest periods. But enforcement varies, especially under substandard flags. Paris MoU port inspections are beginning to consider mental health compliance in their audits.
Access to Wi-Fi is becoming essential. According to a 2023 Inmarsat study, crews with 24/7 connectivity report 30% higher job satisfaction.
Provide Grievance Mechanisms
Creating safe, confidential ways to report harassment, bullying, or overwork is vital. Companies like Shell and Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) have launched anonymous digital feedback platforms accessible from sea and shore.
Design for Wellbeing
Shipbuilders are beginning to rethink vessel interiors with wellbeing in mind. Natural light, quiet recreation rooms, fitness areas, and noise reduction measures all contribute to healthier onboard life. DNV now includes crew wellbeing as part of its vessel assessment criteria.
How Tech and Policy Can Create Safer Environments
Digital Tools and Mental Health Monitoring
Wearable tech and mental health apps like Seably, WellAtSea, and ISWAN’s “Mentally Healthy Ships” initiative allow companies to track crew fatigue, mood, and engagement. These tools can flag risks before they escalate.
But privacy is key. Any monitoring should be opt-in and transparent. Data misuse can deepen mistrust rather than solve problems.
Smart Scheduling and Predictive Analytics
AI is also being used to forecast crew fatigue levels based on workload, sleep patterns, and voyage schedules. Wärtsilä’s Fleet Operations Solution (FOS) integrates this data to optimize watchkeeping and rest.
Regulations Catching Up
While the MLC 2006 provides a legal backbone, there is growing demand for updated mental health clauses and clearer enforcement. The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and Canada’s Transport Ministry are piloting programs linking flag registration to crew welfare audits.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8 (“Decent Work and Economic Growth”) also directly supports fair treatment of seafarers. ESG ratings are increasingly including crew welfare metrics, influencing investor decisions.
Case Studies: Examples of Progress
- Shell Shipping & Maritime: Implemented a global mental health program with trained peer supporters on every vessel and an escalation framework.
- Thome Group: Launched “You Matter” campaign, integrating wellbeing KPIs into crew evaluations.
- Inmarsat: Rolled out “Crew Xpress” Wi-Fi platform, now on over 12,000 vessels, with built-in access to telehealth and mental health resources.
- V.Group: Developed digital “Wellbeing Hub” platform available across its managed fleet.
FAQ
What is the crew change crisis?
It refers to the inability of seafarers to disembark or join ships due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, leaving many stranded at sea for months beyond contract.
Are mental health services available onboard ships?
Services are increasing, but availability depends on the company. Helplines, apps, and mental health training are growing but not yet universal.
What is the MLC 2006?
The Maritime Labour Convention is an international treaty ensuring minimum working and living conditions for seafarers, including rest, pay, and repatriation rights.
Why is fatigue such a problem at sea?
Long shifts, unpredictable hours, and insufficient rest affect alertness, safety, and psychological wellbeing. Fatigue also increases accident risk.
How does internet access help mental health?
Reliable Wi-Fi allows seafarers to connect with loved ones, access news, stream entertainment, and use telemedicine — all vital for mental wellbeing.
Conclusion
The wellbeing of seafarers is no longer a side issue — it is central to safety, sustainability, and decency in maritime operations. The COVID-19 crew change crisis exposed painful vulnerabilities but also catalyzed change. Since then, many companies have stepped up, but systemic gaps remain.
Mental health must be treated not as a luxury, but as an operational priority. That means policy enforcement, cultural change, smarter use of technology, and above all, empathy. After all, behind every cargo manifest is a crew who deserves dignity, rest, and care.
The horizon ahead may still be rough, but with the right tools and commitment, the industry can chart a course toward a healthier future at sea.
References
- IMO Crew Change Crisis Statement
- ICS-BIMCO Seafarer Workforce Report 2021
- Lloyd’s Register Foundation Wellbeing Report
- ILO Maritime Labour Convention 2006
- Sailors’ Society Mental Health Training
- ISWAN Mentally Healthy Ships
- The Nautical Institute Fatigue Survey
- DNV Crew Wellbeing Services
- Inmarsat Crew Xpress
- Wärtsilä Fleet Operations Solution
- Paris MoU Inspection Updates
- ITF Enough is Enough Campaign