Seafarers’ mental health programme offered free
(Posted on 24/10/18)
KVH Videotel have introduced a new training package, “Seafarers Mental Health and Wellbeing,” during the 5th Annual International Shipowning & Shipmanagement Summit in London, and announced that the package will be available free of charge throughout the industry due to the critical importance of the topic. The programme was produced in association with the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) and comprises a short video, facilitator notes, and information booklets from ISWAN on mental health issues at sea. To obtain “Seafarers Mental Health and Wellbeing,” please visit videotel.com/seafarerwellbeing.
“Seafarers face unique working conditions which can put them under tremendous stress, with fewer opportunities for relief than they would be likely to find on land,” says Mark Woodhead, KVH senior vice president for EMEA. “This programme not only presents information from industry experts but also lets seafarers themselves tell their own story in interviews and short statements, describing the path to achieving happiness.”
If left unaddressed, seafarer’s stress can result in danger to one’s self by way of lowered morale, increased human error, lifestyle illnesses, decreased productivity, burnout, and mental health issues. “Seafarers Mental Health and Wellbeing” focuses on what seafarers can do to cope with the challenges but also to take advantage of the many opportunities onboard. It underlines the importance of rest, diet, team activities, and maintaining good relationships. Talking to a trusted person onboard ship may help, and there is also help available outside the ship such as the 24/7 multilingual helpline and chat service at SeafarerHelp.org, as well as the work of port-based organisations such as Mission to Seafarers.
ISWAN’s brochures are being distributed as part of this training package, available as downloads from the dedicated KVH Videotel website. In addition, KVH Videotel is providing brief facilitator notes to assist those who will use this programme to run training sessions on vessels.
“Seafarers’ Mental Health and Wellbeing” was produced with overwhelming support from within the industry. Steering group members include: Anglo-Eastern Ship Management Ltd; Associated British Ports; International Maritime Employers’ Council; International Maritime Organization (IMO); “K” Line LNG Shipping (UK) Limited; The Mission to Seafarers; Nautilus International; Sailors’ Society; Shell International Ltd; The Shipowners’ Club; Swire Pacific Offshore; John H. Whitaker (Tankers) Ltd. Seafarers UK and other organisations are assisting with distribution and promotion of the training package.
Latest News
Smart Ship Hub expects breakthrough year for digitalisation in 2026
(Posted on 23/12/25)Leading vessel performance platform Smart Ship Hub says the industry should expect a breakthrough year... Read more
Accelerating zero-carbon shipping in the Nordics
(Posted on 18/12/25)The Nordic countries are taking an important step towards decarbonising maritime transport with the... Read more
Steelpaint appoints ADD Marine to drive growth in Greece and Cyprus
(Posted on 18/12/25)Germany’s Steelpaint has appointed ADD Marine as its representative for Greece and Cyprus, strengthening... Read more
Rio Tinto’s first Pilbara-made rail car built by Gemco in Karratha
(Posted on 09/12/25)Rio Tinto’s first Pilbara-made iron ore rail car has rolled off the production line in Karratha... Read more
Electric Liebherr portal crane strengthens Baria Serece, Vietnam
(Posted on 04/12/25)Precision meets progress at Phu My Port, Vietnam. The LPS 550 has been deployed to handle bulk commodities... Read more
bound4blue targets Asian growth with new production capabilities
(Posted on 02/12/25)bound4blue, a global leader in wind propulsion systems, has expanded its industrial footprint in Asia... Read more
DNV: Methanol as marine fuel at high readiness level
(Posted on 02/12/25)As the industry explores multiple decarbonisation pathways, methanol is gaining attention as a practical... Read more
Repeat Aasen bulk carrier order emphasises Wärtsilä hybrid strength
(Posted on 24/11/25)Technology group Wärtsilä will supply an integrated hybrid propulsion system for a bulk carrier... Read more
Superior bring big iron and bigger ideas
(Posted on 24/11/25)Superior Industries, Inc., a US-based manufacturer and global supplier of bulk material processing and... Read more
ESL connectivity upgrade enables smarter operations and supports crew wellbeing
(Posted on 15/11/25)ESL Shipping has taken a significant step forward in digitalisation by deploying a new multichannel... Read more
