COVID-19: The Impact on Crew

The physical effects on the body are well-documented. Many of us might become infected without ever knowing, some will experience mild symptoms of fever, shortness of breath and a persistent cough, but serious cases can lead to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which can be fatal.

While many countries are on lockdown, shutting down all but essential services, ships continue to trade. Often forgotten, seafarers provide a vital service in these difficult and unprecedented times.

Therefore, we must not forget about the potential effects on a seafarer’s mental health.

Effect on crew mental health

Seafarers are under pressure. Contract lengths are being extended as a result of most affected countries placing restrictions on crew changes and reduced flights. This is in addition to ports banning shore leave, leaving crew with the prospect of spending weeks, if not months, without being able to step foot off the ship.

It’s not just the seafarer’s life on board that is being affected. As the number of infection cases and deaths rise around the world, a crewmember might, very understandably, be worried about the health of his or her family back home.

Mind Matters

We recognise that the good mental health and wellbeing of seafarers is as important as their physical health, each often having an impact on the other. Our “Mind Matters” initiative was launched in 2018 and it’s as important as ever.

Life at sea can be stressful. Long periods away from family, long hours, and limited social time. Add to that the sometimes-pressured work environment, bad news from home or a traumatic incident on-board and it’s easy to see why seafarers can become stressed, anxious or depressed.