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.”