In recent years, ISM, TMSA, and other agencies have added recommendations, or regulations, to assess seafarers' mental health.
Despite the benefits that this service can offer to the industry, there is still a great deal of skepticism about the necessity and effectiveness. This skepticism has been somewhat reduced by the implementation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which include, inter alia, the evaluation of behavioral skills for officers. However, there is little research work on the psychological safety of seafarers. This is striking given that, by the nature of the job, sailors are among the first professions to experience work stress, exhaustion and a host of other psychological problems.
Psychosocial risks in the workplace
1. Lack of psychological support
2. Troubled corporate culture
3. Lack of clear leadership & expectations
4. Lack of courtesy & respect
5. Problematic psychological adjustment to the job role
6. Absence of job development opportunities
7. Lack of recognition & reward
8. Absence of professional involvement & influence
9. Problematic workload management
10. Decreased professional commitment
11. Psychological problems
12. Inadequate psychological protection
13. Bullying
Work schedule
The work program, including many hours and shifts, is closely linked to job satisfaction. It also gives the sailors a sense that "I'm always at work and it gets tiring" as they say. Recent ITF studies have shown that fatigue is one of the leading causes of accidents on ships.
Corporate culture and operation.
There are various aspects of corporate culture that can be seen as stressful by seafarers and increase the chances of being injured or leaving work. These include bad communication, bad leadership, and problematic relationships with colleagues, but will be described below.
Interpersonal relationships on board.
Bad interpersonal relationships at work are considered to be one of the most important stressors and stressors. Bad or at least problematic interpersonal relationships can take various forms such as: social isolation, problematic relationships with superiors, interpersonal conflicts, lack of support and intimidation, violence at work. Especially in a ship where people are confined and constantly interacting with each other, the above critical issues increase the likelihood of problematic relationships between seafarers that can undoubtedly affect the safety and teamwork required.
One of the most practical risk management templates includes the following steps:
• Risk identification
• Risk assessment
• Design of applicable interventions
• Implementation of interventions
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the intervention
• Risk assessment
• Information and training of employees
Therefore, assessing the mental health, personality and behavior of the seafarer, regardless of his position, ensures the safety of the crew, the ship, and the safety of the organization as it has done and is doing everything possible to protect the above
Source: HSQE Officer DDPA/DCSO, Theodorou Christos