According to a new report from the Seafarers Hospital Society (“The Human Heart of Sustainable Shipping”), caring for seafarers’ well-being should not just be a social issue, but a foundation for the sustainability of the entire maritime industry. The report emphasizes that a healthy, motivated crew is as much a part of safety as the technical condition of a vessel or compliance with IMO regulations.
📋 The report highlights key issues requiring systemic change:
🔘Mental health and fatigue
Long voyages, lack of shore rest, isolation, and unstable schedules lead to stress and chronic exhaustion. This directly increases the risk of errors and incidents on board.
🔘Financial pressure on seafarers
The cost of training, courses, and certification is rising, and many face high costs without adequate support from employers. This reduces the attractiveness of the maritime profession and creates additional emotional stress.
🔘Tank shortage and shortage of new specialists
The industry is experiencing serious difficulties attracting and retaining personnel. The lack of young specialists and new entrants to the profession is particularly noticeable, which threatens the long-term sustainability of crews and the entire industry.
📄 The report emphasizes that companies that actively invest in crew support programs—providing rest, psychological support, and improved living conditions—reap tangible benefits: lower turnover, higher productivity, fewer incidents, and improved overall safety.
✈️ The sector needs not isolated initiatives, but a systemic approach, where seafarer well-being is considered a strategic part of sustainable development.
Seamen’s Club 🇺🇦 | #news