The October 2022 welcome message from the AMWS Chairman,
Mr David Parmeter
Mr David Parmeter
Hello everyone,
And welcome to the latest edition of the AMWS newsletter.
In this message I want to focus on the mental health and psychological wellbeing of seafarers.
Concern about this issue has been growing in the industry for some time. The nature of modern shipping with small crew sizes and quick turnarounds in port, means that the opportunity for meaningful social interaction is reduced and seafarers are more likely to suffer from feelings of isolation and exclusion. Also bullying can be a problem on board vessels, that fortunately some individuals are now more willing to speak out about. In recent years the industry has started to realise that the psychological wellbeing of the seafarer is just as important as physical health and safety. It is critical that at all times seafarers have access to regular and reliable communication with family and friends at home, plus guaranteed periods of off duty shore leave. AMWS has been active in supporting and working with welfare providers who are addressing these issues.
Unfortunately, at the height of the COVID pandemic this situation deteriorated markedly. With international travel severely curtailed, we saw a terrible situation where seafarers were forced to complete extended periods on board ship. Many seafarers were away from family and loved ones for far longer than normal, and in some cases, over a year. At the same time shore leave was cancelled, meaning crewmembers had no opportunity to escape from the circumstances on board the vessel. This resulted in extreme stress and anxiety for thousands of seafarers. There were very disturbing reports of self harm among some affected individuals.
A corollary of understanding the importance of the psychological wellbeing of the seafarer, is an appreciation of the importance of respecting diversity and inclusion in our industry. When a crewmember is a member of a minority on board a vessel, and female seafarers are a good example, the sense of isolation and exclusion is reinforced.
On a related theme I want to encourage all members to read the lead article in this newsletter, written by AMWS Councillor Jeanine Drummond. It directs to the issue of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the Maritime Industry, with a special focus on people with disability. It is an important topic and Jeanine’s article challenges all of us to do more to make the industry a safer and more inclusive place.
I hope you enjoy this edition of the newsletter.
And welcome to the latest edition of the AMWS newsletter.
In this message I want to focus on the mental health and psychological wellbeing of seafarers.
Concern about this issue has been growing in the industry for some time. The nature of modern shipping with small crew sizes and quick turnarounds in port, means that the opportunity for meaningful social interaction is reduced and seafarers are more likely to suffer from feelings of isolation and exclusion. Also bullying can be a problem on board vessels, that fortunately some individuals are now more willing to speak out about. In recent years the industry has started to realise that the psychological wellbeing of the seafarer is just as important as physical health and safety. It is critical that at all times seafarers have access to regular and reliable communication with family and friends at home, plus guaranteed periods of off duty shore leave. AMWS has been active in supporting and working with welfare providers who are addressing these issues.
Unfortunately, at the height of the COVID pandemic this situation deteriorated markedly. With international travel severely curtailed, we saw a terrible situation where seafarers were forced to complete extended periods on board ship. Many seafarers were away from family and loved ones for far longer than normal, and in some cases, over a year. At the same time shore leave was cancelled, meaning crewmembers had no opportunity to escape from the circumstances on board the vessel. This resulted in extreme stress and anxiety for thousands of seafarers. There were very disturbing reports of self harm among some affected individuals.
A corollary of understanding the importance of the psychological wellbeing of the seafarer, is an appreciation of the importance of respecting diversity and inclusion in our industry. When a crewmember is a member of a minority on board a vessel, and female seafarers are a good example, the sense of isolation and exclusion is reinforced.
On a related theme I want to encourage all members to read the lead article in this newsletter, written by AMWS Councillor Jeanine Drummond. It directs to the issue of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the Maritime Industry, with a special focus on people with disability. It is an important topic and Jeanine’s article challenges all of us to do more to make the industry a safer and more inclusive place.
I hope you enjoy this edition of the newsletter.