(NEWS) WEBINAR - Seafarers’ Mental Health & Well-being: Lives and Dignity at Sea

December

2024

WEBINAR - Seafarers’ Mental Health & Well-being: Lives and Dignity at Sea

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On 14 November, the World Maritime University (WMU) hosted the second session of a two-part webinar series focused on Seafarers’ Mental Health & Well-being. “Lives and Dignity at Sea” 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 brought 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 200 participants from 73 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 six authors of the special collection on a variety of topics.

Employment Practices, Cost Minimization, and their Implications for Food Provisions and Seafarers’ Wellbeing on board Ships were addressed by Dr. Polina Baum-Talmor, Research Associate, Dalhousie University and Dr. Çağatay Edgücan Şahin, Professor, Ordu University. The research revealed under-resource conditions and the need for improved food quality, adequate training of cooking personnel, and cultural suitability for seafarers.

Dr. Chuanzhong Tang, Associate Professor, Dongbei University of Finance and Economics and Mr. Bin Dong, Seafarer, from COSCO SHIPPING Seafarer Management Co, Ltd presented a ground-breaking study on Work-Induced Sexual Abstinence and Psychological Health of Chinese Male Seafarers. The study highlighted the psychological impact of work-induced sexual abstinence on seafarers. It revealed the positive effect of job satisfaction, living conditions on board, friendliness of co-workers, and welfare facilities on the tolerance level of sexual abstinence.

A Mixed-methodology research on seafarers’ Sleep on Board was presented by Mr. Marko Galić, from the University of Zadar, Croatia. The study stressed the positive impact of job satisfaction on better sleep quality and fewer somatic symptoms.

Dr. Sanley S. Abila, Associate Researcher from the Seafarers International Research Centre, UK, presented about the Role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Seafarers’ Well-Being. The study emphasized how ICT and formal education may empower seafarers in health promotion and the usefulness they perceive in mental health interventions when these directly affect their families.

In a discussion following the presentations, the panelists provided insights on practical solutions that could be created to support seafarers’ well-being onboard and/or ashore. Based on their studies, these solutions would involve improving the social status of seafarers and empowering them by acknowledging their rights, providing standardized training in mental health and well-being, giving attention and care to their families, and cultivating a culture of speaking up in the seafaring community. It was also stressed that authorities should conduct safety checks with dedicated attention to working and living conditions. The panelists agreed on the importance of the collaborative efforts of regulatory bodies, authorities, NGOs, training institutions, companies and seafarers in implementing the practical solutions.

Mr. Charles Watkins, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Mental Health Support Solutions, highlighted raising the standards of seafarers by “treating them like anyone else and not restricting rights for them”. In addition, making shore leave feasible and affordable for seafarers, providing internet access, having onshore personnel assisting seafarers so they can rest, and updating the medication chest on board.

The session concluded with noting that although it is clear that change has been overdue for a long time, research evidence on mental health and well-being needs to be heard and advocated to push maritime bodies to work together to improve seafarers' working and living conditions.

To access the Session 1 recorded webinar, Seafarers’ Mental Health & Well-being: Translating Research into Practice, click here.‍

To access the Session 2, recorded webinar Seafarers’ Mental Health & Well-being: Lives & Dignity at Sea, 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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My research explored thetheoretical foundations of governance, placing a particular emphasis onmaritime governance. Going beyond mere theoretical frameworks, the studyconducted a comprehensive examination of a crucial aspect within maritimegovernance—specifically, the implementation of International MaritimeOrganization (IMO) instruments, exploring the contextual factors that affectthe implementation process. Applying the grounded theory methodology, theresearch aimed to understand these theoretical underpinnings, as well as firmlyanchor insights in the practical context of maritime governance; unveiling theintricacies and challenges associated with the effective implementation of IMOinstruments in the maritime domain. The selection of this topic was motivatedby a personal interest that was cultivated during my Master’s studies inmaritime law and policy. Furthermore, it was driven by the recognition of ascarcity of scientific research on this specific topic. This gap in theexisting body of knowledge served as a catalyst for my exploration,underscoring the significance of contributing valuable insights to an area ofmaritime governance that has been relatively underrepresented in scholarlyresearch.

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Embarking on my professional path,my foremost aim is to establish myself as an authority in the field of maritimegovernance. I aspire to leave a significant and enduring mark on the globalmaritime landscape. Beyond the academic sphere, my drive is fuelled by apassionate interest in pursuing diverse opportunities within the maritimedomain and the broader educational sector and contributing significantly topositive transformations in the global maritime sector.

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WMU's unwavering commitment tomaritime education, coupled with its resolute emphasis on bridging the realmsof academia and industry, deeply resonated with me. It became evident that WMUwas the perfect crucible for my transformation from a career entrenched inmaritime operations to one flourishing within academia. The University'sstoried tradition of nurturing and producing experts and leaders within themaritime sector further solidified its standing as the ideal choice for myeducational pursuits.Furthermore, WMU's distinctive interdisciplinary approachto maritime studies served as an irresistible attraction.

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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.

Upon graduation, I was awarded aprestigious research fellowship in sustainability, energy, and the pursuit ofnet-zero emissions within the maritime industry at the esteemed University ofSouthampton in the United Kingdom. This exciting opportunity marks the nextphase of my academic and maritime journey. I remain passionately committed tocontinuing my exploration of academia and the maritime sector, building uponthe invaluable knowledge and experience I acquired during my time at WMU. Myprimary objective is to contribute significantly to the advancement of thezero-emission maritime industry, a pivotal and transformative sector within ourglobal community.

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