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MARINE | Crew wellbeing In association with Gard
The tools that make a difference Kunal Pathak, Loss Prevention Manager, Gard, provides expert advice on the critical area of crew wellbeing that has shot up the agenda in the shipping industry in the Covid-19 era Gard has been looking into crew wellbeing since well before Covid-19 disrupted the world order. We know there is a series of existing measures some relatively easy to implement - that can make a world of difference to the health and safety of our seafarers. Crew wellness has been high on the agenda in the maritime industry over the last year. From the several discussions that we have had with our members and our peers in the industry, the one common observation is that crew wellness is multi-dimensional. No one policy or procedure is sufficient on its own. Crew wellness requires a holistic approach and a conducive environment to be effective.
SAFE AND SECURE WORKPLACE The multi-dimensional approach to crew wellness can be summarised as two key strategies. The first would be to ensure that the crew has a safe and secure place to work. This would include, amongst others, policies on: > Employment contracts, including pre-joining medical examinations; > Fatigue management; > Diet and food management; > Management of hierarchy on board; The Marine Insurer Nordic & Asia Special Edition | April 2021
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KPI’s and the system of reward and reprimand; Safety management systems and plans; Shore-based support to seafarers; Use of internet and other recreational facilities; and, Welfare of next-of-kin.
Several of the above policies have been used by our members, with some being more effective than others. However, when collectively implemented, their effectiveness was commented on positively by the seafarers we interviewed a few years ago. In addition to the above, seafarers are also recommended to manage their own wellbeing. Some shipowners have issued handbooks and guides to self-care which include activities like yoga, meditation, regular workouts, social gathering and writing daily journals. Gard has published an insight on how seafarers can help themselves during the uncertain Covid-19 period (see Gard.no). However, while the first strategic approach to ensure a safe and secure workplace is important, we still need to plan for when things go wrong.
MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS The second strategic approach becomes effective when a crisis hits. A number of shipowners/managers have tried different approaches to deal with cases of mental illness or crisis onboard.
