How do the Depression and Mental Health of Crew Members Create Threats to The Shipping Industry?

Abstract

Seafarers are facing a threat in their profession from the beginning, yet this threat is not being recognized or acknowledged as it should be by health organizations and seafarers. This threat is depression. Research has shown seafarers have a highest risk of depression than any other major. This study aims to determine that depression and mental health problems are critical issues, and there is no precise treatment for these issues onboard. Based on a literature review, depression and cognitive problems are massive discomfort among seafarers. The authors surveyed seventy-five people by sending them eleven questions and interviewed five professionals. Analysis of the responses and interviewees demonstrated that depression and mental health disorders affect seafarers negatively, and they have little or no help onboard. The authors strongly recommend that mariners, shipping companies, and owners take depression and mental health disorders seriously and deal with them at their first stages.