The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology Sailors SocietyViganVan AalstTelestackTOC Europe 2023
  • Telestack
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • TBA Group
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Sailors Society
  • TOC Europe 2023

iCall helping seafarers

(Posted on 16/03/20)

A mental health and wellness helpline service set up to support sea and shore-based maritime personnel worldwide is receiving increasing requests for assistance as the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic crisis mounts.

iCALL for Seafarers is a free, confidential and anonymous psychological helpline for the worldwide maritime community established by leading Singapore-based shipmanager Synergy Group in October 2018 in partnership with India’s renowned Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).

“We had a 40% jump in messages and calls in February and coronavirus is an issue,” said Dr Aparna Joshi, Director of iCALL. “We’ve now added a 15th counsellor to ensure all seafarers and their families receive the help and support they need.”

Now available in ten languages, iCALL for Seafarers is available 24/7 via phone, email and the chat-based nULTA App.

“Management at TISS tell me there has been a recent increase in calls received from maritime personnel and this is entirely understandable,” said Captain Unni, CEO and Founder of Synergy Group.

“We have highlighted the intense pressure on seafarers due to the spread of coronavirus so it is no surprise the spike in calls might be related.

“Current events really just highlight that shipping has for far too long been in denial of the mental pressures on ship crews.

“Seafarers are on the front line of world trade supplying the consumer necessities and commodities we all need during this pandemic. They should have all the support they need.”

Since its inauguration, counsellors located at TISS in Mumbai have fielded daily calls, emails and online chats from maritime personnel and their families. All 15 counsellors that currently support distressed maritime personnel have at least a Master’s degree in Clinical or Counselling Psychology and are trained to help with over 20 wellness issues including mental health, career anxiety, relationships, suicide & self-harm, substance use and work-life concerns.

A first year report into the counselling conducted by iCALL for Seafarers found that the top three mental challenges seafarers and their families raise with counsellors relate to emotional distress, relationship issues and work-life concerns.

Despite seafaring still being male-dominated, 17% of the calls received were made by females.

“It’s heartening to see a vague idea about setting up a completely anonymous psychological helpline for seafarers turn into one of the most important mental health initiatives in shipping,” said Captain Unni.

“The availability of mental health support for seafarers and their families is crucial now more than ever. I’m delighted that with TISS’s support that is what we are able to offer help through iCALL for Seafarers.”

Dr Joshi said the partnership between TISS and Synergy was built on a vision to create a healthy environment on ships where mental health is prioritized and help-seeking is normalized.

“Together we aspire not only to create interventions to address mental health concerns, but also to promote mental well-being,” she said.

Latest News

Groke brings new situation awareness expertise to One Sea

(Posted on 24/03/23)

One Sea has welcomeed Finnish start-up Groke Technologies as its new member, bringing additional expertise... Read more


ClassNK releases FAQs on EU-ETS for shipping

(Posted on 24/03/23)

ClassNK has released “FAQs on the EU-ETS for Shipping”, an overview and necessary preparation... Read more


New AXSMarine tool helps users visualize CO2 emissions and CII

(Posted on 20/03/23)

AXSMarine, a pioneer and market leader in the provision of advanced solutions for shipping professionals... Read more


Shipzero advances the decarbonization of logistics

(Posted on 20/03/23)

Shipzero is enabling transport and logistics companies to create transparency about their emissions... Read more


Isle of Man Ship Registry joins INTERCARGO

(Posted on 07/03/23)

The Isle of Man Ship Registry (IOMSR) has become an associate member of The International Association... Read more


More investment into crews’ health and nutrition says MCTC

(Posted on 07/03/23)

The wellbeing of crew members is becoming more important to shipping companies says leading catering... Read more


Strong demand and diversified vessel portfolio fuels strong Algoma performance

(Posted on 28/02/23)

Canada based Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the year ended 31 December, 2022... Read more


Ukrainian seafarers back, but many have suffered trauma

(Posted on 24/02/23)

Ukrainian seafarers have largely returned to international shipping thereby restoring balance in crew... Read more


Round Table prioritises seafarers at first in-person meeting since COVID

(Posted on 24/02/23)

The Chairs of the Round Table of International Shipping Associations met in Athens last week to renew... Read more


AXSMarine invests in Nextvoyage

(Posted on 21/02/23)

AXSMarine, a leading provider of SaaS shipping software and data for decision making in the chartering... Read more


CimbriaBühler GmbHPort of StocktonTBA GroupPort of South Louisiana
  • The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology
  • Cimbria

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping