Mental Health and Wellness for Seafarers

Seafarers are the backbone of global trade, responsible for moving over 90% of the world’s goods. Yet, the psychological demands of a life spent between sea and port require ever more resilience, especially as mental health ranks among the most significant challenges faced by modern sailors.  

The majority of seafarers (and their shore-based coworkers) love working in jobs in ports and shipping, but there is no denying that life can be physically and mentally challenging sometimes. 

This up-to-date guide provides actionable advice, authoritative resources, and new research trends that reflect the current realities of seafarer life. 

Read more: How to Cope with Stress When You Work in a Seafarer Job 

Why Focus on Mental Health for Seafarers? 

Mental health is defined by the World Health Organization as “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to his or her community”.  

Seafarers face unique risks - prolonged isolation, unpredictable schedules, high-pressure environments, and limited shore leave - which can compound feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout. 

The Latest Data Snapshot 

• The Seafarers Happiness Index for Q2 2025 reports a wellbeing score of 7.54/10, an uplift from previous quarters but with ongoing concerns about sleep deprivation and fatigue. 

• Over 33% of seafarers report insufficient sleep, and more than 25% admit to “falsifying work/rest logs” highlighting persistent fatigue and compliance challenges. 

• Recent surveys indicate that more than a quarter of seafarers experience symptoms of depression and high levels of loneliness and anxiety while at sea. 

Read more: 6 Ways to De-Stress When You get Home from a Seafarer’s Job 

7 Evidence-Based Pillars for Seafarer Wellbeing 

There are so many different examples of maritime jobs and from ratings to officers, and from those working in entry-level cargo ship jobs to marine chief engineer jobs, your experience might be very different to your fellow crew members onboard. 

And of course, we’re all different as humans, so what works for one person as a mental health tip might not work for another. 

And naturally, while there are obstacles to overcome when working in maritime jobs, one thing that is a given is that for the right person, life at sea and working in jobs at sea can be immensely rewarding in ways that a 9 to 5 desk job can’t be. 

So how do you stay mentally healthy while spending months away from your loved ones and facing these obstacles, while also building a career and making the most of opportunities that your unique circumstances offer? 

1. Strong Onboard Community 

A supportive shipboard community is cited as one of the strongest protective factors against mental health crises. Proactively build bonds through: 

• Team-building activities (sports, games, shared meals) 

• Open forums for discussion 

• Informal peer-support networks 

Creating a positive culture combats isolation, encourages trust, and allows early identification of those who may be struggling. 

2. Managing Fatigue and Sleep 

Fatigue remains a critical safety and health risk. Ship operators are urged to: 

• Ensure compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 standards on work/rest hours 

• Promote at least 7 hours’ sleep per 24-hour period 

• Provide quiet spaces for restful sleep away from operational noise 

• Encourage honest recordkeeping to address root causes, not just compliance 

3. Enabling Physical Wellness 

Current research shows that vessels providing exercise and recreation space report higher crew morale and wellbeing. Try: 

• Maintaining access to basic gym equipment 

• Scheduling regular exercise sessions (solo or group) 

• Fostering a “healthy eating” onboard culture, despite limited stores 

Physical health and mental wellbeing are intertwined - address both systematically for best results. 

4. Encouraging Digital Connectivity 

Lack of regular contact with families is a leading driver of psychological distress at sea. Employers and shipowners are increasingly urged to: 

• Provide free or affordable internet access for crew 

• Foster policies that allow for digital communication during rest periods 

• Support privacy and confidentiality in online interactions 

Read more: How Does Smart Technology Help the Maritime Industry? 

5. Stress and Mindfulness Skills 

High stress is inevitable, but so is the capacity to manage it. Evidence-based self-help strategies include: 

• Guided meditation (e.g., using apps like Headspace or Calm) 

• Breathing and relaxation exercises 

• Cognitive behavioral tools such as journaling or setting positive daily intentions 

Training senior officers in basic mental health first aid is also recommended. 

6. Work-Life Balance and Flexibility 

The IMO and ILO now emphasize work scheduling flexibility where possible: 

• Adjusting watch rotations and non-essential workloads 

• Providing regular shore leave and wellness breaks 

• Enabling flexible duties for crew members revealing mental health struggles 

Supporting seafarers’ work-life balance isn’t just kind: it is fundamental for retention, safety, and wellbeing. 

7. Access to Professional Support 

Ship operators should prominently publicize access to: 

• Telehealth counselling services 

• Shore-based psychological support 

• Trained mental health officers or chaplains onboard 

These add a critical layer of professional help, ensuring at-risk individuals get timely, confidential expert support. 

Supporting Resources and Support 

For more in-depth reading or support, see: 

• Martide’s Seafarer Wellness Resources – Updated content on crew wellbeing. 

• World Health Organization – Global health definitions, programs, and pandemic impact resources. 

• International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) – 24/7 helplines, self-help materials, and emergency support. 

• SAFETY4SEA Research & Surveys – Latest crew happiness, safety, and wellness barometers. 

• Mission to Seafarers – Chaplaincy and in-port counselling for seafarers worldwide. 

• Wikipedia on Mental Health – Authoritative definitions, global metrics, and contemporary trends. 

Martide Makes Applying for Seafarer Jobs Easier

We make applying for your next contract even easier while you’re currently working in maritime jobs (or if you’re looking to get back to sea after a period ashore.)

For anytime, anywhere access to our maritime jobs, download our mobile app from the Apple Store or Google Play now.

You’ll be able to check out our vacancies for seamen even without creating an account.

At Martide we have great opportunities for crew members of all levels of experience and we’d love to help you find the right role for you whether you’re looking for entry level ship jobs, ship’s cook jobs, wiper or oiler jobs, marine chief engineer jobs, and plenty more besides!

Read more: How to Find Meaning and Happiness in Your Career at Sea

Once you’ve downloaded the app, all you need to do to apply is register an account with Martide, create your seafarer profile, find a job you like the look of, and then click the apply button to submit your application.

The other great thing about downloading the app is that employers and manning agents will be able to easily stay in contact with you too.

Whether they have information about your contract, about other maritime industry news that you need to know about, or they’re looking for someone with your skills to line up for one of their maritime jobs.

Downloading the app takes away the uncertainty of not knowing where your next job is coming from and not knowing what’s happening while you’re away from home.

Removing that uncertainty will lower your stress levels and help you increase your mental health and wellbeing while you’re onboard.

Stay safe and stay well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

What are the most common mental health risks for seafarers? 

Isolation, fatigue, inadequate rest, and poor work-life balance are the leading causes of mental health challenges for seafarers. Depression, anxiety, and burnout are widely reported, often exacerbated by limited social support and difficulty accessing professional help at sea. 

How can crew support one another onboard? 

Look for changes in behavior, such as withdrawal, agitation, or decreased work performance. A simple conversation, offering a listening ear, or alerting a supervisor can make a significant difference. 

What should employers prioritize for crew wellbeing? 

Current best practices recommend: ensuring digital connectivity for family contact, enforcing fair work/rest hours, providing physical wellness facilities, and making mental health support easily available, both online and ashore. 

Are there new trends in seafarer mental health post-pandemic? 

Yes, wellness is increasingly recognised as a company-wide cultural priority. Sleep deprivation, bullying, digital wellbeing, and holistic health are now industry-wide focus areas. Employers are urged to measure and improve crew experience as part of broader sustainability and recruitment strategies. 

Where can seafarers find 24/7 support? 

ISWAN and the Mission to Seafarers offer hotlines and online resources, while many companies now provide confidential telehealth channels.  

By embracing these principles, community, evidence-based self-care, work-life balance, and ready access to expert help, the maritime industry moves closer to a future where every seafarer’s mental wellbeing is central, not incidental. 

This post was originally published on 2nd May 2019 and last updated on 5th October 2025.