Published on Australian Maritime Safety Authority (https://www.amsa.gov.au)



Mental health guidance for seafarers

Being a seafarer can be demanding at the best of times.

We recognise the significant impact and challenges experienced by seafarers. 

Mental health issues among seafarers is an increasing area of concern. Dealing with long periods of time separated from family and friends, long work hours, shift work and fatigue, along with the general operational hazards of seafaring, all play a part in creating a stressful environment.

Operators and the masters are responsible to ensure their crew have the necessary information and strategies to help alleviate the effects of stress that can lead to mental health issues.

Educate your crew 

Masters and senior crew members should know about the psychological impact of stress and mental health issues, including knowledge of the short and long-term consequences of stress.

Masters and senior crew should also:

Identify behaviours 

Be aware of the following behaviours in crew, if they are out of character:

Know some strategies for helping a seafarer having difficulties:

Crew reactions to stressful events

After a stressful event, people are often very sensitive to how others react toward them or describe the event, their role and their reaction. Validation of the stressful experience has an important effect on a person’s recovery. 

Make sure all crew are aware of how stress can affect them. This way, experiencing a mental health issue is likely to be recognised and validated. If senior crew are aware of the principles of mental health first aid, the crew are more likely to receive the appropriate support they need in such situations.

Crew with low morale typically exhibit the highest risk for psychological injuries. This is because strong morale acts as a buffer or protective factor against the effects of mental health issues and other stressors. 

The master or senior crew should schedule regular catch ups, including:

Crew strategies

Distractions, stress and fatigue brought about by unfamiliar and changing tasks, extended working hours, competing priorities, concerns for work mates or family who may be at risk or vulnerable, etc. can increase the risk of mental health issues. 

An important aspect to combat the effects of distraction, stress and fatigue is to ensure we look after our health and nutrition to the best of our abilities. The only way to prevent fatigue is to get enough sleep. When we are not fatigued, our concentration is better, it’s easier to avoid distractions and we can better handle stress. 

As maritime activity increases with the easing of restrictions, we should think about our limitations, and recognise that we and our crews are an important part of our risk assessment and safety control measures and thus ensure your crew get the support they need to limit the risk of mental health issues.  

Links to helpful information:

We have recently released the Australian Fatigue Guidelines for International Shipping. These guidelines provide important information about ways to deal with and reduce fatigue. 

We have also published information specifically to DCVs on managing the risk of fatigue and is developing further guidance specifically to DCVs in this area. 

Last updated: 11 January 2024