Sailing the open seas is a dream for many, but life on board a ship can be challenging. Crew welfare is an important aspect of any successful voyage, and it encompasses various aspects, including addressing bullying, HR management, the captain’s responsibilities, and mental health support. With help from Kim Fry, Safeguarding and Welfare Manager at United Kingdom Sailing Academy (UKSA), a maritime youth charity and training centre, in this blog, we will explore these crucial topics and shed light on their significance in ensuring a harmonious and productive sailing experience.
Bullying on Board
Bullying is an unfortunate reality on some vessels, and it can have severe consequences for the individuals involved, the ship’s overall performance, and more, such as:
- Crew Morale: Bullying can lead to low crew morale, reducing teamwork and overall job satisfaction.
- Safety Risks: A hostile environment can be compromising as crew members become distracted or demoralised. Those who feel harassed or belittled are less likely to perform their duties effectively, which can jeopardise the safety of everyone on board.
- Mental Health: Victims of bullying may experience stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
- High Turnover: Frequent bullying incidents can lead to crew turnover, increasing recruitment and training costs.
- Legal Consequences: Shipowners and operators may face legal repercussions if bullying cases are not addressed appropriately.
It is essential for shipowners, captains, and HR personnel to take a zero-tolerance stance on bullying. Creating clear anti-bullying policies, offering anonymous reporting channels, and conducting regular training on respectful communication can help prevent and address bullying incidents on board.
Human Resources Management
Effective HR management is a cornerstone of crew welfare. HR professionals on board are responsible for ensuring fair treatment, resolving conflicts and disputes among crew members, and managing crew schedules and benefits. They also play a crucial role in addressing bullying, discrimination, and harassment cases as they facilitate communication, mediate disagreements, and ensure that any issues are addressed promptly and fairly.
Building positive relationships among crew members is essential for a harmonious work environment. HR promotes teamwork, diversity, and inclusion while addressing any issues related to discrimination, harassment, or bullying.
Shipowners should invest in comprehensive HR training for onboard staff and provide them with the tools needed to create a supportive work environment. Additionally, regular evaluations of HR practices can help identify areas for improvement and ensure the well-being of the crew.
The Captain’s Responsibility
The captain of a ship is not only responsible for navigation but also for the well-being of the crew. They are the leaders on board, and their actions set the tone for the entire team. Captains must foster a culture of respect and open communication, making it clear that bullying and harassment will not be tolerated.
Additionally, captains should work closely with HR professionals to address crew concerns promptly. Ensuring that crew members feel comfortable approaching the captain with any issues is essential for maintaining a healthy work environment.
To address and prevent bullying on board, the captain or HR representative (if there is a dedicated HR person) should implement:
- Clear Policies: Establish clear anti-bullying policies that outline the consequences of such behaviour.
- Training: Provide training to all crew members, emphasising respectful communication and conflict resolution skills.
- Anonymous Reporting: Create anonymous reporting channels to encourage crew members to report bullying incidents without fear of retaliation.
- Investigate Promptly: Take all reports seriously and investigate them promptly to address issues before they have the opportunity to escalate.
- Support Systems: Offer support systems such as regular check-ins to assess well-being and address any concerns and counselling services for victims and bullies to address the root causes of the behaviour.
- Leadership Example: Encourage captains and officers to lead by example, promoting a culture of respect and professionalism.
- Zero Tolerance: Enforce a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, making it clear that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
Mental Health Support
Life at sea can be isolating, and crew members may experience feelings of loneliness and stress. Shipowners should consider providing access to mental health resources for crew members, some ideas include:
- Onboard Counselling Services: Some vessels may have onboard counsellors or mental health professionals who can provide confidential counselling and support to crew members. These professionals can help individuals cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
- Onboard Wellbeing Toolkit: Kim at UKSA explains that creating a toolkit will support those in leadership roles to signpost the crew to helpful resources, as well as enable the crew to self-signpost, and recommends looking at Sailors’ Society’s:
- Telemedicine: Telemedicine services can connect crew members with mental health professionals onshore, via video or phone calls. This allows for remote consultations and support, making it easier for seafarers to access mental health care when needed.
- Crisis Helplines: Provide access to 24/7 crisis helplines that crew members can call in case of emotional distress, anxiety, or other mental health emergencies. These helplines can offer immediate support and guidance. Here are just some of the helpline services available for seafarers:
- Mental Health Training: Offer mental health awareness and first-aid training to crew members and officers. This training can help individuals recognise signs of distress in themselves and their colleagues, fostering a supportive environment.
- Stress Management Workshops: Conduct workshops on stress management techniques, relaxation exercises, and coping strategies to help crew members manage the pressures of life at sea effectively. Make this part of the crew’s wellbeing culture and link into The Five Ways to Wellbeing, researched and developed by the New Economics Foundation, which includes:
- Connect
- Be active
- Take notice
- Keep learning
- Give
- Peer Support Programs: Establish peer support networks where crew members can talk to their colleagues who have received training in providing emotional support. Peer support can be valuable for sharing experiences and seeking help from someone who understands the challenges of maritime life.
- Mindfulness and Well-Being Practices: Encourage crew members to engage in mindfulness exercises, yoga, meditation, or other well-being practices to help reduce stress and improve mental resilience.
- Internet and Communication Facilities: If possible, ensure that crew members have access to the internet and communication facilities to stay connected with their families and friends. Maintaining these social connections can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Recreation and Entertainment: Organise recreational activities and entertainment options on board to help crew members relax and unwind during their downtime. Having enjoyable activities can improve morale and mental well-being.
- Regular Check-Ins: Establish a system of regular check-ins with crew members to assess their mental and emotional well-being. Encourage open communication, normalise talking about mental health, and create a safe space for them to express their concerns.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Be culturally sensitive to the diverse backgrounds of crew members. Recognise that different individuals may have varying ways of coping with stress and may require tailored support.
- Family Support: Provide resources and assistance to crew members’ families, as their well-being can also impact the mental health of seafarers. Offer information on support services and communication options for families.
Moreover, promoting a work-life balance and ensuring that crew members have access to social connections and emotional support systems can help alleviate stress and improve crew morale.
Enhance Crew Welfare
Sailing crew welfare is a multifaceted issue that shipowners and maritime organisations must prioritise to create a safe, respectful and supportive environment for their crew members.
Kim at UKSA comments: “Mental health is just as important as physical health and you simply cannot have one without the other, they are interconnected. When we feel mentally healthy, our bodies respond by feeling better, so it makes sense that when our mental health is compromised, our physical health is also compromised, and vice versa. There is no health without mental health. One in four people struggle with their mental health and it is important to note that just like physical health, mental health can be changeable. Having an awareness of what mental health is and wellbeing, and why is it important, is vital. It is essential that the crew are able to recognise the changes in behaviour in both them and other crew members, and it is also crucial that this is done in a non-judgemental and supportive way. Both crew and leadership need to know what to do if they are worried, how to signpost and who to, how to implement and actively maintain a culture that promotes wellbeing onboard, and normalise having conversations about mental health and wellbeing. A crew should thrive at sea, not just survive.”
By addressing bullying, implementing effective HR practices, empowering responsible captains, providing mental health resources, and creating a culture of wellbeing onboard, we can navigate the challenges of life at sea while ensuring that crew members are treated with the respect and care they deserve. In doing so, we not only promote crew welfare but also enhance the safety and success of maritime endeavours. Just think: a more resilient crew is a more productive and happy crew.
Whether you are a part of the crew, the captain, or the HR person, we would love to hear if you have any additional welfare tips or activities you may partake in to help make sailing enjoyable for everyone onboard. Why not share them with us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram? Search our handle @SoakInsure to find us.
