Shipping companies are increasingly prioritizing early intervention and preventative mental health support for seafarers, as highlighted in a recent report by the Global Maritime Forum’s All Aboard Alliance. The report, titled Raising the Standard at Sea: Showcasing What Good Looks Like with the Sustainable Crewing Guidelines, evaluates the practices of 13 maritime companies that are implementing recommendations aimed at enhancing life at sea. While it addresses various aspects such as welfare, inclusion, and career development, the report particularly emphasizes the diverse approaches companies are taking to tackle mental health challenges.
One notable initiative comes from Höegh Autoliners, which is investing in training programs to boost mental health awareness among crew members. By equipping officers and senior crew with the skills to identify signs of distress, the company aims to foster supportive conversations and guide colleagues to appropriate resources before issues escalate. Similarly, Synergy employs a proactive strategy through its Ahoy platform, enabling seafarers to provide weekly feedback on their well-being. This allows the company to address any emerging concerns promptly, with serious cases referred to professional counselors.
Other companies, like MISC, combine regular well-being checks with access to psychological support via partnerships with platforms like Big Yellow Fish, which offers resources and professional assistance. Shell, on the other hand, has expanded its safety policies to include psychological safety, encouraging seafarers to recognize and address inappropriate behavior. These varied strategies illustrate that effective mental health support at sea relies on a multifaceted approach, encompassing training, regular check-ins, and the creation of psychologically safe work environments.
Despite these advancements, the report reveals that gaps remain in the implementation of certain welfare practices. While all participating companies offer training on inclusive practices and confidential reporting mechanisms, only four provide the recommended paid parental leave, and none currently offer paid paternity leave. Susanne Justesen, director of human sustainability at the Global Maritime Forum, noted the importance of recognizing the human element behind policies, emphasizing the need to address well-being as an interconnected issue rather than isolating it into physical, mental, or social categories.
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