WiseStella tool allows shipowners to better manage crew well-being challenges

(Posted on 13/02/25)

WiseStella, the Singapore-based maritime learning provider, has unveiled a pioneering crew wellbeing assessment tool that aims to change the way in which shipping companies address the increasing mental and physical health issues faced by seafarers.

Amidst growing concern about workplace harassment, bullying, stress and fatigue, the Wise Well-Being module has been developed in collaboration with HR experts and psychologists to identify and address a number of important issues, ultimately enhancing seafarer safety, contentment and retention.

“Seafarers often operate in isolated environments with limited access to mental health support,” said WiseStella’s Chief Executive Officer Ferhat Abul.

“Many seafarers are reluctant to speak out about their struggles, particularly in cases of bullying and harassment. They need a voice under a cloak of anonymity that helps them, and their employers, take appropriate action. It’s about creating a proactive approach to seafarer well being.”

The new Wise Well-Being module is unlike existing seafarer happiness or wellbeing indices in that it has been designed for direct use by shipping companies, rather than third parties, delivering more precise data that reflects their specific workplace conditions.

Through an interactive digital survey, with questions based on input from leading psychologists and health specialists, Wise Well-Being measures the physical, mental, social, and intellectual health of a company’s workforce.

“Responses enable HR teams to better identify problem areas and implement more targeted training and resources to foster a safer and more supportive, inclusive working environment. It provides shipping companies with an easy-to-use and anonymous platform to better understand the physical and mental wellbeing of their crews,” said Abul.

WiseStella Board Advisor Dr Rafet Emek Kurt, a renowned expert in maritime safety and risk, specialising in the role of human factors in shipping, furthered: “Bullying and harassment at sea are more common than many realise, but the hierarchical nature of the maritime sector makes it difficult for victims to report misconduct,” he said, referring to a case where a qualified and competent female crew member was refused permission to board her ship simply because of her gender.

Another incident involved a European officer called Emily who was sexually assaulted in her cabin. Emily’s case was reported in a presentation given at the recent International Maritime Human Factors Symposium by Deborah Layde, Chief Executive of The Seafarers’ Charity.

A 2022 WISTA Survey found that 60% of female respondents experienced gender-based discrimination onboard ship, two thirds said that they had experienced harassment and intimidation from male co-workers, and one-in-four reported that physical and sexual harassment was common, involving intrusions on their privacy.

“There are many cases where seafarers, male and female, experience verbal, psychological, sexual and physical abuse,” said Kurt. “This leads directly to poor mental health, potential lawsuits and reputational damage, and significantly increases the risk of accidents at sea.

“We need a safer, more inclusive industry, and have to address these problems head-on by integrating anonymous well-being assessments and anonymous reporting procedures into the overall safety management system. Shipowners have a duty of care to improve the wellbeing of their seafarers.”

Latest News

Associated Terminals advances marine cargo innovation with two Liebherr CBG 500 E Cranes

Associated Terminals has announced the commissioning of two Liebherr CBG 500 E cranes, customised with... Read more

Marlow Navigation enhances fleet data security with Dualog Drive

Marlow Navigation, a leading name in global ship and crew management, has strengthened its fleet-wide... Read more

Latvian port receives electric KG MHC for lower-emission operations

Stena Line Ports Ventspils JSC in Latvia has taken delivery of its first electric Konecranes Gottwald... Read more

Wärtsilä hybrid propulsion solution for four new Dutch vessels

Technology group Wärtsilä will supply an integrated hybrid propulsion solution for four... Read more

Electric Liebherr LHM 280 strengthens Saga Fjordbase’s sustainable port operations

Saga Fjordbase’s investment in the Liebherr LHM 280 mobile harbour crane underscores its... Read more

Tymor Marine transforms draft surveying with AI-powered DRFT MRKS App

Tymor Marine has unveiled a groundbreaking solution to one of the maritime industry’s most persistent... Read more

Telestack’s instrumental role in groundbreaking Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project

Telestack has played an instrumental role in the supply of two mobile shiploading systems to one of... Read more

NAVTOR partners with Chris-Marine to enhance data collection

NAVTOR has taken another step in its mission to ‘make life easier’ for shipping crews and... Read more

Kaiko to streamline bulker hold inspection with an AI-powered app

Kaiko Systems has announced the launch of a new product to provide an efficient and more streamlined... Read more

PT Bahtera Bahari Shipyard’s innovative milestone in transshipment

PT Bahtera Bahari Shipyard (PT BBS) has taken a bold step in advancing Indonesia’s maritime capabilities... Read more