Samenvatting

Over the years, one disease that is increasingly common in society is the disease “depression”. This disease is often described by people as “it’s in your head and it doesn’t exist”. Previous studies have shown that more than 25 % of seafarers are dealing with symptoms of depression. These symptoms have side effects and not only affects the seafarer but the entire crew on board walk slower or faster, have less interest in their job, excessive drinking. In some cases it can even be so bad that people commit suicide. The possible causes are the workload that is constantly increasing, this because the shipping company wants to win more and more money by putting less and less crew on board, which means that seafarers not only have to work under a higher workload but also have to work longer days.
The purpose of this research is to find out can seafarers depressions be reduced on board? For this, 4 sub-questions have been prepared: what are the most common symptoms of depression, what are the possible causes of this, what is the impact on aboard a ship and how can symptoms be recognize among colleagues. To examine this, it was decided to send a questionnaire survey to all seafarers from the shipping company where the researcher did his internship. To be able to draw a conclusion based on this questionnaire survey and previous studies to prevent further depressions on board.
Based on the results that are received from 146 seafarers working in the company VSM. The main causes are the workload in port and separation from family/friends. As a result it is recommended when they are loading / discharging in port to hire external companies if major maintenance is required in the engine room or more lay days in port. Also for loneliness / separation from family can be solved by installing a Wi-Fi connection on board so that the seafarers are able to have connection during sea and in