Discover 12 practical ways to improve seafarer wellbeing at sea. From mental health support to nutrition and communication, this guide blends best practices, real-world examples, and global maritime standards for a healthier life onboard.
Why Seafarer Wellbeing Deserves More Attention
Life at sea is unlike any other profession. It demands endurance, resilience, and constant vigilance. Seafarers often work long hours, isolated from their families, and face unpredictable weather, cultural differences, and immense responsibility. Despite being the backbone of global trade, their mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing is too often overlooked.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of seafarer support systems. Crew change crises, port restrictions, and rising cases of depression and anxiety brought global attention to the mental health and wellbeing of maritime workers. As per a 2022 report by ISWAN (International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network), 44% of seafarers surveyed said their mental health worsened during their contract. Ensuring seafarer wellbeing isn’t just a moral obligation—it’s also essential for ship safety, operational performance, and compliance.
This article explores 12 actionable, high-impact ways to improve life onboard, based on IMO guidelines, industry best practices, and real crew experiences.
Provide Access to Reliable Internet and Communication Tools
Staying connected with loved ones is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline. Emotional wellbeing improves significantly when seafarers can message, call, or video chat with family during rest hours.
Modern maritime communication providers like Inmarsat, KVH, and Iridium offer affordable data plans tailored to crew needs. Many shipping companies have started offering crew internet allowances, with DNV’s Maritime Crew Welfare Survey (2021) citing internet access as the top-ranked welfare priority among seafarers.
Best practice: Set clear schedules for internet use, ensure privacy for video calls, and maintain stable Wi-Fi zones in common areas.
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Encourage Regular Physical Activity
Long shifts, confined spaces, and irregular rest can lead to fatigue and cardiovascular issues. Encouraging regular movement onboard supports both physical and mental wellbeing.
Simple solutions include:
- Designated fitness areas with basic gym equipment
- Daily step-count challenges among crew
- Stretching routines at start of watch
Ships with designated wellness officers or proactive Chief Mates have shown improved morale by organizing informal team sports or yoga sessions on deck.
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Offer Mental Health Support and Psychological First Aid
Mental health remains one of the most underserved aspects of seafarer welfare. From homesickness to PTSD, the causes are wide-ranging. Yet open dialogue is rare due to stigma.
Initiatives like:
- ISWAN’s SeafarerHelp hotline (free and confidential)
- Peer support training for senior officers
- Access to mental health apps like Happify or Headspace
…can make a big difference. IMO Model Courses now encourage psychological first aid and emotional intelligence in leadership training.
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Ensure Nutritious and Culturally Inclusive Meals
A tired body and hungry mind can’t focus. Seafarers need access to balanced meals, but also culturally familiar food to feel at home.
According to The Mission to Seafarers, poor diet is a common complaint, with some crews experiencing repetitive, fried, or overly processed meals.
Solutions:
- Diverse menus planned by qualified ship cooks (per MLC Regulation 3.2)
- Monthly feedback from crew on food preferences
- Provisioning from regional ports for ethnic diversity
Case Study: Maersk Line adopted a rotating food culture menu pilot in 2023, with weekly changes inspired by Filipino, Indian, and Eastern European cuisines. The result? Improved crew satisfaction scores.
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Maintain Safe Working Hours and Watch Rotations
Fatigue is a silent killer at sea. Studies by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) and IMO show that most navigation errors are linked to inadequate rest.
Ensuring:
- Minimum 10 hours rest in any 24-hour period
- Fair and predictable watch schedules
- Overtime compensation or compensatory rest days
…are all part of the STCW Code. Electronic watchkeeping logs can help identify overwork trends.
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Build Positive Onboard Culture and Leadership
A ship’s culture is defined by its leaders. Toxic environments lead to mental burnout, higher turnover, and near-miss incidents.
Effective captains and chief engineers set the tone through:
- Transparency in decision-making
- Inclusive daily briefings
- Recognition of good work
The ILO’s MLC Guidelines recommend formal grievance procedures and anti-bullying training. Respect and teamwork are not optional—they’re survival tools.
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Provide Access to Rest and Recreational Spaces
Every crew member deserves a break. IMO and ILO recommend designated rest and social zones—spaces that are clean, comfortable, and allow mental decompression.
Essential features:
- TV lounges with international media
- Game areas or musical instruments
- Quiet zones for prayer or reading
According to a 2022 ICS–ITF Welfare Survey, 68% of respondents said access to comfortable recreation spaces significantly improved mental wellbeing.
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Facilitate Transparent Grievance and Reporting Mechanisms
Fear of retaliation or being ignored often prevents crew from speaking up about harassment, unsafe conditions, or discrimination.
Ships should implement:
- Anonymous reporting tools
- Designated grievance officers
- Non-retaliation policies
Port State Control inspections now include questions on crew wellbeing and complaint procedures. Companies like WISTA and ISWAN offer gender-sensitive grievance handling training.
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Promote Crew Training in Emotional Intelligence and Diversity
Today’s ships are multicultural microcosms. Miscommunication, cultural misunderstandings, and stereotyping can erode teamwork.
Emotional intelligence training, offered in IMO Model Course 1.21, helps crew understand:
- Non-verbal cues
- Conflict resolution strategies
- Diversity appreciation
DNV, RINA, and ClassNK are developing e-learning modules on intercultural communication as part of STCW refresher courses.
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Leverage Telemedicine and Health Monitoring Tools
Medical emergencies at sea are challenging. But with telemedicine, crew can consult doctors in real time. Tools like:
- Smart wearables (heart rate, sleep tracking)
- Satellite-linked diagnostic devices
- Pre-voyage health screenings
…help prevent incidents and support early intervention. Flag states like Norway and Singapore now mandate medical tele-support for high-risk routes.
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Encourage Shore Leave and Port-Based Welfare Access
Nothing refreshes the mind like walking on land. Yet bureaucratic hurdles, security concerns, and port policies often limit shore leave.
Solutions:
- Collaboration with port chaplaincies
- Transport arrangements for safe visits
- Support from Seafarers’ Centres at major ports
The ITF Shore Leave Toolkit provides model frameworks for flag states, port authorities, and companies to enable fair shore access.
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Involve Families Through Regular Updates and Programs
A holistic wellbeing strategy includes seafarers’ families. Offering:
- Family briefings pre-deployment
- Access to crew newsletters and emergency contacts
- Celebratory messages for birthdays or milestones
…helps build trust and improves retention. Several shipping companies now partner with NGOs to offer family support hotlines and counseling.
Case Study: Anglo-Eastern Ship Management created a digital family portal with updates, ship photos, and Q&A sessions during COVID, resulting in positive crew feedback and reduced anxiety.
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FAQ: Seafarer Wellbeing Explained
Why is seafarer wellbeing important? Because physical and mental health directly affect safety, performance, and morale onboard ships.
What is the role of MLC in crew welfare? The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) sets minimum standards for accommodation, food, rest, and medical care.
Can a lack of rest be reported during inspections? Yes. Port State Control and flag states can audit rest hours and detain ships for violations.
Is mental health training part of STCW? Increasingly, yes. The IMO has encouraged integrating mental resilience and leadership training into STCW Model Courses.
Do all ships provide internet for crew? Not yet—but the trend is growing, with many companies offering free or subsidized internet plans.
Conclusion: A Healthy Crew Is a Safe Crew
The journey to seafarer wellbeing is not about luxuries—it’s about dignity, safety, and humanity. Every ship that prioritizes crew welfare sends a powerful message: people matter as much as cargo.
These 12 ways—backed by industry standards, lived experiences, and expert recommendations—form a roadmap for responsible shipowners, compassionate officers, and empowered crews.
Let’s continue building a maritime future where wellbeing isn’t a bonus. It’s the baseline.
References
- International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN)
- IMO STCW Convention
- ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)
- DNV Maritime Reports
- ITF Global
- Inmarsat Crew Connectivity
- ICS Guidelines on Crew Welfare
- Nautical Institute Health & Safety Resources
- WISTA International
- Wärtsilä Maritime Health Tech
- Marine Accident Investigation Branch (UK)
- Mission to Seafarers
- EU DG MOVE – Transport Policy