

(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.
Bruks Siwertell Group has announced a leadership transition as Peter Jonsson steps down as CEO after... Read more
ClassNK has issued an approval in principle (AiP) for a Rigid Windsail Type Wind-Assisted Propulsion... Read more
Elcome International’s new high-speed internet service, WELCOME, is revolutionising the way ship... Read more
Kaiko Systems, a leader in AI-driven frontline intelligence for the maritime industry, today announced... Read more
Marcegaglia’s latest acquisition, the LHM 600, marks a significant milestone as the 2,000th mobile... Read more
The Isle of Man Ship Registry (IOMSR) is playing a key role in the development of a high-tech sail aimed... Read more
AtoB@C Shipping, subsidiary of ESL Shipping, has taken delivery of Terramar in Goa, India on 14 March... Read more
As a new strategy period commences, VIKING Life-Saving Equipment A/S has achieved strong financial results... Read more
Baltic Exchange has introduced a series of green fuel options to its FuelEU voyage and compliance cost... Read more
Veson Nautical, a global leader in maritime data and freight management solutions, and Cargill have... Read more