Without seafarers there would be no ships or shipping. As such, there are currently many discussions underway to address health concerns. Ultimately, a happy crew fosters a welcoming, safe, inclusive and positive environment on board. Given the demanding nature of seafarers' work, it is a key industry priority to strengthen seafarers' resilience in the face of all challenges on board, ensuring they are satisfied with both their work and life at sea.
IIn this context, SAFETY4SEA has launched the “SEAFiT Barometer Study”, an extensive industry study conducted in the last months of 2023. This study covers physical, psychological, social, social, social, social, social, social, social, social, social, social, social, social, social, We aimed to explore the key factors that contribute to positive choices and fulfillment across the globe. professional and spiritual aspects. The results provide insight into health factors essential to maritime organizations' strategies and programs.
There are many aspects of wellness to consider. But which aspects take priority in the wellness agenda? Here are the top 20 health factors identified in a recent survey of industry participants.
| rank | factor group | element | Score % |
| 1 | physically | healthy lifestyle | 83.9 |
| 2 | intellectual | Skill development and competency | 82.8 |
| 3 | socializing | cyber wellness | 80.6 |
| Four | socializing | leadership | 79.4 |
| Five | intellectual | time management | 78.9 |
| 6 | mental | suicide prevention | 77.8 |
| 7 | mental | Resilience | 76.7 |
| 8 | intellectual | Professional and personal development/mentoring | 76.1 |
| 9 | mental | stress, anxiety, depression | 75.6 |
| Ten | mental | fatigue, burnout syndrome | 75.0 |
| 11 | spiritual | beliefs, values and ethics | 74.8 |
| 12 | mental | bullying, harassment, discrimination | 74.4 |
| 13 | physically | quality sleep | 73.3 |
| 14 | socializing | Activities to enhance teamwork and team bonds | 73.3 |
| 15 | intellectual | Goal setting and decision making | 73.3 |
| 16 | physically | personal hygiene | 72.8 |
| 17 | physically | fitness and exercise | 71.1 |
| 18 | intellectual | growth mindset | 71.1 |
| 19 | physically | balanced diet | 70.0 |
| 20 | physically | Promotion of metabolism | 69.4 |
Main findings of the survey
- This study recognizes the physically demanding nature of work at sea and the prevalence of work-related injuries, and highlights that prioritizing healthy lifestyles within the maritime industry is of paramount importance.
- Shipping companies are required to engage in campaigns and initiatives that promote healthy lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of lifestyle-related diseases among seafarers.
- The focus on skills development and competency highlights the industry's recognition of the need for intellectual growth and proficiency, particularly as maritime operations continue to decarbonize and digitize.
- The industry's recognition and promotion of cyber wellness is commendable and reflects a proactive approach to ensuring healthy online behavior and responsible technology use onboard ships.
- Prioritizing leadership and time management emphasizes their critical role in fostering crew initiative, motivation, and productivity while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
- Addressing the mental, physical, intellectual and social aspects of wellness, such as resilience, stress management, teamwork and personal hygiene, fosters healthier and more resilient individuals and communities within the industry. essential for.
- This research's recognition of the importance of mental health, particularly respecting personal beliefs, values and ethics, aligns with broader efforts to promote holistic health within maritime organizations.
- By incorporating spiritual health considerations into environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies and organizational values, companies can better support the overall health of their employees.
Analyzing the key elements of happiness: why they matter
The survey results clearly show a focus on physical health, with a healthy lifestyle emerging as the top concern. Due to the physically demanding nature of work at sea and the high incidence of work-related injuries, maintaining good health is essential to ensuring a long and sustainable career at sea while minimizing the risk of lifestyle diseases. It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
That's why shipping companies are actively working on campaigns and initiatives that promote the benefits of healthy lifestyle choices. It is not surprising that this is considered a high priority element in health strategies and programs.
Skill development and competency follow closely, emphasizing the importance of intellectual growth and proficiency. As the industry's efforts towards decarbonization and digitalization expand, both seafarers and shore-based personnel are expected to improve their skills and adapt to rapidly evolving developments.
Recent research has revealed that maritime operations will increasingly incorporate digitalization and automation as alternative fuel technologies are introduced in the shipping industry. This highlights the need for industry to identify and develop the skills and competencies essential to implementing decarbonization-related technologies. Therefore, it is important to invest in training, upskilling, and reskilling efforts.
Given the ongoing technological transformation, it is very encouraging to see maritime organizations prioritizing the promotion of cyber wellness. Cyber wellness is essential to a seafarer's overall health and includes healthy online behavior and responsible use of the internet and mobile devices on board.
INTERTANKO provides comprehensive guidance that emphasizes three key principles of cyber wellness: respect for self and others, safe and responsible use, and effective management of non-work screen time.
Leadership and time management round out the top five priorities for addressing health. Leadership skills are invaluable to crew members at different levels, enabling crew members to take initiative, stay motivated to meet onboard challenges, and perform optimally. Conversely, effective time management is essential to comply with work and rest requirements, maximize productivity, and maintain a healthy balance between personal and professional life.
Regarding other factors, it is important to have a high level of interest in well-being strategies. It is noteworthy that feedback from the industry shows similar interest in four of his five aspects of health: physical, intellectual, spiritual and social. When it comes to mental health, it is encouraging to see a focus on respecting personal beliefs, values and ethics. In fact, many organizations are incorporating these principles into their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies, codes of conduct, and organizational values.
In conclusion, these findings collectively suggest a holistic approach to health in the maritime sector, addressing different aspects of seafarer health and well-being and incorporating technological transformation and holistic health initiatives. It highlights the industry's commitment to supporting the workforce through.
