Samenvatting

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic mental health problems among seafarers became more visible to the world. Seafarers seem to have some unhappy moments while working on board for several months. Especially during this pandemic life on board has been tougher than usual, shore leave is nearly impossible, contracts are often extended and fear of the virus affects life on board. Eventually for some seafarers this can result in some mental health issues.

To obtain data about the development of depression and about the kind of factors which play a part in it, surveys have been sent to 25 different vessels of Seatrade’s fleet. After two weeks 41 respondents have completed the survey, the final results are built on these 41 people giving their thoughts on COVID-19 related questions and on general questions related to mental health issues. With these results the following questions can be answered:

The main question of this study is as follows: ‘How can depressions among seafarers on board merchant vessels be reduced within five years from now?

To answer the main question, the following sub-questions have been formulated:
1. What factors contribute to creating mental issues?;
2. What can people do themselves to be mentally healthy?;
3. What measures should be taken by the IMO, ILO and shipping companies to protect seafarers from mental issues?;

The answers to these questions provide a good insight into how depression develops, which regulations need to be adjusted and/or added to achieve this, what measures should be taken to treat it and to avoid it. Finally a recommendation to shipping companies has been created by use of the answers to these questions. In addition to this, also recommendations for the Maritime Labour Convention regarding mental health has been made.

After analysing the results the following things can be concluded. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic social isolation got worse for seafarers because contracts were often extended. When looking closer to the Ratings, the biggest issues are long contracts, restricted internet access and COVID-19. While the biggest problems to Officers and Engineers are long contracts, restricted internet access and bad food quality. Seafarers can also take action themselves to avoid any mental issues, like exercising, participating in social activities and asking others for help. Even more than 93% of the respondents thinks that sports and fitness can improve the mental state of seafarers.

To accomplish a lower risk of depressions among seafarers, shipping companies and maritime organisations should change policies and regulations. The results have shown that good food seems to be very important to seafarers, especially to officers and engineers it is a big deal. So it is required that MLC regulations regarding food quality have to be improved. But also regulations regarding fitness/sports, internet facilities, employment contracts and a pandemic response plan have to be modified and/or implemented.

The following recommendations are created. Shipping companies should undertake the following actions to reduce the risk of mental issues among seafarers.
- On a regular basis mental health issues should be discussed on board;
- Mental health programs and procedures have to be created so that seafarers are able to receive the help which is needed;
- Make it possible for seafarers to have access to sports and fitness activities;
- Internet access for everyone on board has to be established;
- Food quality standards in the shipping companies’ policy must be improved;

It is recommend for seafarers to undertake the following actions in order to treat or avoid mental health issues.
- Exercising on a regular basis in the on board gym can be useful for maintaining a healthy mind;
- Asking others for help when feeling depressed can be helpful to treat mental health issues. Talking to a phycologist can be effective as a treatment;