IOSH joins calls to better protect seafarers

Concerns have been raised about hundreds of thousands of seafarers – who have been “pivotal” in keeping trade flowing during the Covid-19 pandemic – being stranded at sea and unable to return home.

After a declaration calling for seafarers to be designated as key workers was signed by more than 300 firms and organsiations, IOSH says there needs to be a cross-industry push to protect them.

IOSH has previously identified the need for more action to protect seafarers’ wellbeing, with research published with Cardiff University highlighting how long working hours, isolation and extended periods away from home puts them at risk of poor mental health.

Dr Ivan Williams, policy development manager at IOSH said, “Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, seafarers have been pivotal to keeping trade flowing. They have also made huge sacrifices to ensure the continuity of global supply chains. Yet hundreds of thousands of seafarers remain stranded at sea and exposed to extreme risk to their welfare.

“IOSH welcomes global collaborative efforts that recognise seafarers as key workers and contribute to build a more resilient maritime supply chain. We also encourage cross-industry alignment through initiatives such as the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change that puts maritime shipping safe operations in the spotlight and help to push forward the safety, physical and mental health of these frontline workers.”

Seafarers usually work on contracts of four to six months, working up to 12 hours a day, seven days a week. This is usually followed by a period of leave.

The IOSH/Cardiff research, published well before the pandemic in November 2019, urged cargo shipping companies to provide greater support for workers to help prevent conditions such as anxiety and depression.

However, the pandemic has led to travel bans being implemented by many governments, meaning seafarers are spending far longer away from home than the norm.