The biggest challenges in addressing crew well-being and mental health in the maritime industry, and the changes needed to ensure long-term improvements

By Peter Hult, CEO, VIKAND

Despite advancements in technology and safety protocols, the human element of the maritime industry often remains overlooked and there are still significant challenges in addressing crew welfare and mental health. To ensure the long-term sustainability of our industry, we must confront these challenges head-on and implement meaningful changes.

Historically, seafaring has been viewed as a rugged occupation, demanding physical endurance and stoicism. This "stiff upper lip" mentality discourages open discussions about mental health, leading many to suffer in silence and the need to consider feelings alongside practical results is a new, and for many uncomfortable, shift in focus. The stigma around discussing sensitive matters, such as mental health, has created a culture where we avoid talking about well-being so to dismantle this stigma we must normalise conversations about mental health across all levels, from crew members to executives. Training and education both onboard and in offices can accelerate this cultural shift, fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to express their concerns.

It has always been challenging to convince result-driven companies to invest in products that have a moral value, such as those which make people feel happy and well, rather than products where they can see a direct link to ROI. While spending on equipment or operational efficiencies are readily justified, investments in mental health are mistakenly seen as lacking tangible ROI. This perspective overlooks the profound impact of mental wellbeing on safety, productivity, and retention. Studies across various industries have demonstrated that employees who feel mentally and physically well are more engaged and productive. To bridge this gap, the maritime industry should conduct pilot programmes and collaborative studies that directly measure the outcomes of proactive mental health interventions, thereby making the business case clearer.

The maritime industry has traditionally adopted a reactive approach to challenges, addressing issues only after they arise. This mindset, which is also seen in other industries, is particularly detrimental when dealing with mental health, where early intervention is crucial. Proactively addressing mental health concerns not only prevents crises but also enhances overall crew morale and efficiency and addressing issues early prevents bigger problems later.

While discussions about mental health and crew welfare have gained traction, tangible actions from industry leaders remain limited, and very few are ready to invest and take a stand.  Much focus is being placed on environmental concerns and operational strategies, but the human element is being sidelined. By integrating mental health into boardroom agendas and strategic planning, leaders can drive meaningful change and set a precedent for the industry.

Encouraging open dialogues about mental health, and making it a regular topic in safety briefings and meetings, will help break the stigma, while implementing proactive mental health programmes, including counselling services and regular mental health check-ups, will enable early intervention.

Maritime leaders should visibly support mental health initiatives, allocate necessary resources, and integrate well-being metrics into organisational performance indicators. Creating an environment where seeking help is viewed as a strength, not a weakness, and where crew members support one another, will strengthen the industry’s foundation, while engaging in industry-wide studies to assess the effectiveness of mental health interventions will ensure that best practices are shared and implemented.

By addressing these areas, we can cultivate a maritime industry that not only excels operationally but also prioritises the health and happiness of its most valuable asset -  its people.

VIKAND provides proactive total healthcare solutions for the shipping, cruise, yachting and offshore industries. Its teams manage more than 100,000 medical encounters per year across 330 vessels, and support the physical and mental wellness of hundreds of thousands of passengers and crew.