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
Inmarsat and Maritime London establish SEA-CARE working group
(Posted on 10/01/25)Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, supported by Maritime London, have established SEA-CARE as a new... Read more
Chowgule partners with LR to develop first-ever ESG report and strategy
(Posted on 07/01/25)Chowgule & Co., a leading shipbuilding and engineering conglomerate in India, is partnering with... Read more
Martin Engineering opens new business unit in Kazakhstan
(Posted on 17/12/24)A world leader in bulk handling solutions, Martin Engineering, has announced fresh expansion in Central... Read more
Zelim appoints USCG SAR expert for North American expansion
(Posted on 17/12/24)Edinburgh-headquartered maritime safety innovator Zelim has appointed a former Commander of the United... Read more
Telestack secures prestigious Mibau Stema aggregates handling contract
(Posted on 11/12/24)Telestack has announced a significant new contract with Mibau Stema, secured in collaboration with long... Read more
Deployment of Starlink/VSAT Hybrid connectivity on 58 Vroon vessels completed
(Posted on 11/12/24)KVH Industries, Inc. has announced that, together with international shipping leader Vroon, they have... Read more
Damen advances sustainable dockings with shore power from Elma Systems
(Posted on 04/12/24)Damen Shiprepair Oranjewerf is giving a green boost to ship repair, maintenance, conversion and refit... Read more
Superior’s TeleStacker Conveyor automation gets major upgrade
(Posted on 29/11/24)Superior Industries, Inc., a US-based manufacturer and global supplier of bulk material processing and... Read more
Superior opens new manufacturing facility in Minnesota
(Posted on 20/11/24)Superior Industries, Inc., a US-based manufacturer and global supplier of bulk material processing and... Read more
Low-friction coatings set to improve RightShip GHG rating
(Posted on 20/11/24)RightShips’ EVDI methodology is familiar to most drybulk ship owners, with chartering customers... Read more