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The academic literature seldom views information and communication technology (ICT) as a means to empower merchant seafarers in terms of their active and positive contributions to their mental health (MH) and overall well-being. Seafarers are often viewed as recipients and not the sources of health interventions. Using mixed methods, this paper examines how seafarers’ MH has not been the top priority among seafarers themselves, and how ICT and formal education might empower seafarers in health promotion. The pervasive culture of “ship first” in the maritime industry is palpable in the findings of this study, where seafarers do not prioritize their MH because the ship’s safe operations take precedence over everything else. Data shows that seafarers perceive MH interventions provided by companies as more useful when these have direct implications or effects on their families. In effect, seafarers may not see a priorities the physical and mental health support directly impacting their well-being. Nevertheless, there are some fundamental changes in the maritime industry in using technology to improve the MH of seafarers and their overall well-being, such as the development of MH applications (“apps”), helplines, or websites, coupled with the growing comfort of seafarers to use ICT.

This narrative review examines current academic literature on the mental health of Filipino seafarers working internationally, including the mental health effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Framed within a rights-based approach, it aims to identify and analyse emerging themes on Filipino seafarers’ mental health literature to understand what these studies potentially mean for the improvement of seafarers’ education on mental health. Based on a broad selection criteria, 28 eligible papers demonstrate collectively three key findings: firstly, there is paucity in published research on seafarers’ mental health; secondly, the majority of published studies are associated with a recent piracy crisis, where a significant number of mariners were attacked, taken as hostages, or killed; thirdly, three key areas emerged under which research on Filipino seafarers’ mental health can be organized: the medical repatriation of seafarers, system of care for the mental health of seafarers including the diagnostic standards used, and seafarers’ experiences and conceptions of mental health including the mental health effects of COVID-19. Though the bulk of the current understanding of the mental health problems is associated with piracy, several risk factors for which the quality of quantitative and qualitative evidence are patchy. The few sources of primary data to date lack focus on mental health needs which makes it difficult to grasp the extent of the problem. Developing policies and programmes for the promotion of mental health through mental health education among seafarers is important for a couple of reasons. Seafaring remains a dangerous and socially isolating occupation where work-related accidents are likely and will be potentially traumatic to mariners. Research on occupational stressors is increasingly providing evidence of their contributions to poor mental health outcomes among seafarers. Thus, mental health education of seafarers in the context of their work is important for proactive training and development.

The primary objective of the article is to analyse the ILO's Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 and bring into light, a few of the problems faced by the seafarers. Before the intervention of the MLC 2006 , a lack of a relevant body to uphold labour rights and standards in the shipping industry was undeniably observed, the MLC convention, through its regulations, has prescribed a firm set of guidelines for the intensely globalized shipping sector, with some exemptions, of course. The article provides a brief overview of the convention and, shipping industry and the crew that runs it. A few loopholes or favouring circumstances that are being used by shipping companies and flag states to reduce the burden of implementing some clauses of the convention are identified. Data from various published sources are collected along with personal experience and views to gain an overview of how the implementation of MLC 2006 has affected the seafarers. A brief review of the predicaments faced by the seafarers in this industry is also covered and concludes on the statement that although adoption of MLC 2006 is a historic achievement, without the proper implementation it won't take long for the convention's reputation to go downhill.

Noise has long been neglected as an environmental pollutant and impairment health factor in maritime transport. Recently, acoustic pollution indicates the highest growth in transport external cost unit values. In 2020, questionnaires were submitted to seafarers to examine their noise exposure and perception on board and attitudes towards noise abatement measures. Responses of 189 participants were processed using descriptive statistics and Likert scale valuation, while their consistency was tested with indirect indicators using linear regression and correlation test. Results show that more than 40% of respondents do not consider noise as a significant environmental problem. The negative perception among respondents with ≥10 years of work experience was much lower (23.53%). Most are aware of the onboard noise harmful effects that can influence their health. Despite that, they use personal protection equipment only sometimes. A higher positive perception was recorded in groups of respondents with a university degree (90%), work experience longer than ten years (82.35%), and monthly income higher than 4000 € (70%). Respondents are not strongly motivated to participate in funding noise mitigation measures, and such a viewpoint is not related to their monthly incomes. The low awareness and motivation regarding acoustic pollution generally shown by the surveyed seafarers should be watched as a threat by the company managers. Better education and awareness are likely to be crucial to change the current state of affairs.

PurposeThis study aims to reveal the constituents of seafaring service quality (physical and social environment) and their effects on seafarer employee satisfaction (job satisfaction and turnover intention) and analyse any differences among seafarer ranks. Literature on service quality has overlooked the transportation sector and seafaring in particular.Design/methodology/approachSeafaring service quality is measured by the workplace environment constituted of physical and social environments. Two types of employee (job) satisfaction were explored: overall job satisfaction and turnover intention. This study is based on a unique, large survey based on the Existence-Relatedness-Growth (ERG) needs theory. An exploratory factor analysis revealed four physical environment factors (Ship conditions, Communication facilities, Nautical health and Living conditions) and four social environment factors (Social fit, Team cohesion, Ship company support and Intercultural environment). Multi-group regression analysis assessed the effects of seafaring service quality on employee satisfaction.FindingsThe social environment has stronger effects than the physical environment on job satisfaction but not on employee retention. Team cohesion has strong effects on employee retention, while social fit has stronger effects on overall job performance. Seafarer ranks showed significant variations. The physical environment matters for 2nd engineers' and cadets’ job satisfaction but not for ratings, masters and chief officers. Team cohesion is significant to master, chief officer, engineer and cadet ranks but not for junior officers and ratings. Social fit has stronger effects on overall job performance than employee retention, particularly for ratings, cadets, master, chief officer and chief engineer ranks. Ship company support has the stronger effect on overall job satisfaction among all workplace factors; this is also observed across all ranks.Research limitations/implicationsMotivation theories like the ERG theory can help understand service quality and employee satisfaction in the maritime sector; future studies should examine more behaviour variables/constructs from these theories.Practical implicationsMaritime companies can offer better services to seafarers, who are considered as key workers, by customising their interventions to specific seafarer ranks and developing a supportive culture that improves seafarer well-being.Originality/valueThis study examined the overlooked topic of maritime service quality based on a large-scale survey grounded on ERG theory and reveals how the physical and social environment has different effects on seafarer job satisfaction and retention.

Seafarers are recognized as essential workers responsible for maintaining the national logistics supply chain. This study analyzes the sustainable seafarers’ employment and welfare systems in South Korea and China using the comparative case study approach and presents relevant implications. In the era of the “New Normal” after the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, which is marked by hyper-personalization, seafarers have become increasingly resistant to acquiring maritime education and performing onboard duties. Even though South Korea has recognized seafarers as key agents of national economic growth, the participation of the new generation in the shipping industry has recently been declining. Meanwhile, China has been developing its shipping industry since the Deng Xiaoping reforms and fosters skilled seafarers by providing rigorous maritime education. However, both countries have been experiencing difficulties in ensuring the legal and social protection of seafarers; hence, the challenge of providing sustainable employment and welfare to seafarers remains. In conclusion, this study proposes the establishment of the “Asia Maritime Education, Employment, and Welfare Support Center” to support seafarers’ employment and welfare with the cooperation of other countries in the Asian region.

Seafarers’ experiences during the COVID-19 crisis have been associated with increased stress, anxiety and complaints of depression. The consequences of the crisis may have a cascading effect on seafarers’ retention, portraying the shipping industry as an indifferent working system for its workers’ well-being, with long-term impacts on seafaring as a career option. The paper reviews the literature on the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis for crew well-being and explores its effects on seafarers’ willingness to remain or quit their sea careers. Qualitative and quantitative methods were sequentially applied. These methods originated from 2 separate datasets and included semi-structured interviews with 12 seafarers from India and a survey questionnaire completed by 804 multinational seafarers. The concurring evidence indicates the lasting effects of the crisis on seafarers’ well-being and that many seafarers are reconsidering their options for careers at sea and contemplating quitting. A combination of factors, including stagnant monetary remuneration, contract instability, family separation and a working environment characterized by stress and excessive workload, is suggested as the main determinants affecting retention. Other factors of essential importance include low attention to seafarers’ well-being, inadequate recognition and unsustainable working conditions. While seaborne trade was never disrupted during the COVID-19 crisis, this has had a profound impact on seafarers’ work and lives, substantially affecting their well-being. The problems faced and the lack of support during the pandemic became a turning point for many, impacting their willingness to stay in the profession.

The main objective of the present study was to investigate factors related to seafarers’ mental health. A sample of seafarers from 12 countries participated in the study. A list of stressors was used to assess both perception of exposure to these stressors and their subjective significance. The Symptom Checklist (SCL-90) was used to assess seafarers’ mental health on 5 of 9 subscales: Depression, Anxiety, Hostility, Interpersonal Sensitivity, and Somatisation. Three significant findings emerged from the analyses. The first was that 3 types of stressors contribute significantly to mental health problems: (1) environmental factors (eg, vibration), (2) social problems (eg, bullying, homesickness, working alone), and (3) health problems (eg, physical injuries, viruses, and the illnesses). The second finding was that both stress and mental health issues determine seafarers’ motivation for their work and their consideration regarding leaving the maritime industry. The third finding was that factors contributing to seafarers’ consideration of leaving the industry were mainly related to social stressors such as isolation from family and friends, cultural differences at work, demands from supervisors, and bullying. Factors such as bad weather, working shifts, length of employment contract or a ban on disembarkment in ports were found to be relatively less important for seafarers as factors toward considering leaving the industry. The implications of these findings are discussed.

The concept of a healthy organisation promotes environments that enhance employee well-being, motivation, and productivity. Despite its benefits, it remains underexplored in the shipping sector. To address this gap, a pilot study was conducted to examine how seafarers and management perceive a healthy shipping company, with a focus on identifying the key determinants. This approach underlines the importance of active employee involvement, which is consistent with the principles of a healthy organisation. An exploratory, convergent, mixed-methods pilot study combined qualitative and quantitative data collection. The questionnaire included demographic and work-related characteristics, an open-ended question on the definition of a healthy shipping company from a personal perspective, and scaled ratings of key determinants of healthy shipping companies identified through a literature review. The sample consisted of 309 participants from the international shipping sector, including 238 seafarers and 71 shipping company managers. The study identified key factors that contribute to a healthy shipping company, with both seafarers and managers recognising the importance of employee well-being, safety, work-life balance, and a supportive organisational culture. These findings were consistently reflected in both the quantitative and qualitative data. The qualitative results also revealed group-specific perspectives: managers highlighted the importance of financial management, strategic innovation, and corporate governance, while seafarers placed greater emphasis on immediate working conditions and mutual respect. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of a collaborative approach, where both seafarers and managers are actively engaged in shaping a healthy organisational environment.

This study investigates the interrelations between perceived stress, depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and fatigue among active Turkish seafarers, with a particular focus on the mediating roles of sleep quality and fatigue. A total of 955 seafarers serving on various vessel types participated in the study. Demographic information, including ship type, job role, and workload, was collected. The Perceived Stress Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue Scale (FACIT-F) were administered, and analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS version 25 and PROCESS Macro v4.2. The results indicate that both sleep quality and fatigue significantly mediate the relationship between perceived stress and depressive symptoms, as well as between perceived stress and anxiety symptoms. Additionally, mental health outcomes varied significantly across ship type, job role, and workload. The findings highlight the critical role of sleep and fatigue management in safeguarding seafarers’ mental well-being and enhancing operational safety at sea. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on psychosocial risk factors in maritime settings and suggests that integrated fatigue risk management systems and evidence-based psychological support programs are essential to ensure safety, efficiency, and sustainability within the shipping industry.