(NEWS) WEBINAR - Seafarers’ Mental Health & Well-being: Translating Research into Practice

November

2024

WEBINAR - Seafarers’ Mental Health & Well-being: Translating Research into Practice

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On 17 October, the World Maritime University (WMU) hosted session one of a two-part webinar series focused on Seafarers’ Mental Health & Well-being. “Translating Research into Practice” was the session topic.

In June 2024, INQUIRY, the Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing, published a special collection on the Mental Health and Well-being of Seafarers, promoted by WMU researchers. The collection comprises recent studies by worldwide scholars examining seafarers' mental health and well-being. The webinar series brings together the authors of this special collection, mental health professionals, seafarers, and researchers to foster a discussion on the interrelation of their research findings and real-world practices, with the goal of enhancing seafarers' working and living conditions.

Over 260 participants from 77 countries registered for the event that was open to the general public. WMU faculty members Dr. Maria Carrera-Arce and Dr. Inga Bartusevičienė moderated the session. The webinar featured five authors of the special collection.

Ms. Rebecca Hayes-Mejia, Public Health Manager at Marine Benefits AS and affiliated with Lund University, presented collaborative research conducted with Dr. Martin Stafström from Lund University, focusing on "Well-being and Happiness and Their Association with Working Conditions at Sea." Drawing from a unique dataset of 13,008 international seafarers, their study examined the links between working conditions, self-reported well-being, and happiness among seafarers.

Findings from research conducted by a multinational team, which included seafarers from 12 countries, was presented by Dr. George Gabedava, Professor at Batumi Navigation Teaching University (Matija) in Georgia. The study offered an in-depth analysis of seafarers' mental health, pinpointing major stressors and their effects on career decisions.

Dr. Maria Carrera presented the study “Assessment Methods for Seafarers’ Mental Health and Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” conducted with WMU colleagues, Dr. Raphael Baumler and Dr. Johan Hollander. Based on a systematic literature review and analysis of 27 original investigations, Dr. Carrera emphasized the need for standardized and validated tools tailored to seafarers’ unique circumstances.

Looking at structural equation modeling and analyzing responses from 420 seafarers aboard Turkish and international vessels, Dr. Nihan Senbursa, Associate Professor at Ordu University from Türkiye, presented results of research conducted with Dr. Emre Dunder from Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Türkiye. The research investigates the impact of work-life balance on seafarers’ job performance, with the mediating effects of psychological well-being, organizational happiness, and trust.

Mr. Charles Watkins, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Clinical Psych./Psychotherapist for Mental Health Support Solutions, discussed the recent challenges related to seafarers' mental health and well-being. “On a macro scale, what the industry needs is a global mental health regulation that ensures consistent mental health support across all vessels, all shipping companies, all owners and all P&I Clubs, and these policies should be mandated and standardized. [...]. Let’s start addressing the elephant in the room and install systems that ensure sleep and rest hours are guaranteed”, said Mr. Watkins.

In a discussion following the presentations, the panelists collectively stressed the most pressing issues impacting seafarers’ well-being, and requiring action based on scientific evidence, including workload monitoring, task distribution, on-board communication, and stress awareness and management. The importance of shipping companies acknowledging human limitations, balancing work-rest appropriately, and promoting an organizational culture that values trust and belonging was also highlighted. Together with mental health promotion and support, a preventive approach that identifies and addresses mental health risk factors, including humanity and health aspects as core values, is crucial.

The session concluded with a call to end the disparate treatment of seafarers and to provide them with the same standards of care afforded to other professionals. Key recommendations for improving seafarers’ mental health and well-being included updating the onboard medical supplies to include psychiatric medications for addressing acute mental health needs, offering culturally familiar foods to foster a sense of home and community, ensuring reliable internet access for meaningful communication with loved ones, and nurturing a culture of trust that emphasizes self-care and mutual support.

To access the Session 1 recorded webinar, click here.‍

Session 2, focusing on Lives and Dignity at Sea, will take place on 14 November. For more information and to register for session 2, click here.

WMU Webinars

WMU offers a variety of webinars that are open to the general public, including from the The Knowledge for Life WMU Alumni Webinar series that was launched in 2019 with the aim of keeping WMU graduates connected with the cutting edge research and work of WMU faculty. Previous WMU webinar topics with links to the recordings are provided below.

Sustainable Shipyards

Marine Litter in the Eastern Caribbean

The World of the Seafarer

BUGWRIGHT2: Overcoming Regulatory Barriers for Service Robotics in an Ocean Industry Context

The “Ever Given” - A Legal Status Update

Ocean and Climate Challenges: Seeking Sustainable Solutions

Digital Innovation for Smart Shipping

‍Understanding the Effects of COVID-19 on Seafarers ‍

The People We Need for the Ocean We Want

A Culture of Adjustment Research Report - evaluating the implementation of the current maritime regulatory framework on rest and work hours ‍

Covid-19 and Labour: Revisiting the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 ‍

Upgrade Your Professional Skills For The Future ‍

Search and Rescue in the High North Region ‍

COVID-19 and shipping: maritime law and policy highlights ‍

The Journey Towards a Zero/Low Carbon and Energy Efficient Maritime Future ‍

Transport 2040: The Future of Work

Decarbonization of International Shipping

Women in Leadership: Paths Through Education

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One of the most memorable aspectsof my WMU experience has undoubtedly been the University's vibrant andinclusive interdisciplinary environment. Engaging with both faculty members andfellow students hailing from diverse backgrounds and nationalities has been anincredibly enriching facet of my academic journey. This inclusive atmospherehas offered me a unique opportunity to gain fresh insights and perspectivesthat would have remained undiscovered within the confines of a purely industry-focusedsetting. The collaborative exchange of ideas across various maritimedisciplines has proven to be invaluable, expanding my horizons and enriching myeducational experience. Additionally, the regular involvement in thoughtfuldiscussions, seminars, and workshops focused on globally relevant maritimetopics has served as a consistent source of inspiration throughout my time atWMU. The University’s unwavering dedication to cultivating a global network ofmaritime experts has allowed me to establish meaningful connections withprofessionals and scholars from across the world. These connections have notonly broadened my academic horizons but have also added a global dimension tomy educational journey, enhancing its depth and significance.

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