Empowering Seafarers as Agents of Their Mental Health: The Role of Information and Communication Technology in Seafarers’ Well-Being

Abstract

The academic literature seldom views information and communication technology (ICT) as a means to empower merchant seafarers in terms of their active and positive contributions to their mental health (MH) and overall well-being. Seafarers are often viewed as recipients and not the sources of health interventions. Using mixed methods, this paper examines how seafarers’ MH has not been the top priority among seafarers themselves, and how ICT and formal education might empower seafarers in health promotion. The pervasive culture of “ship first” in the maritime industry is palpable in the findings of this study, where seafarers do not prioritize their MH because the ship’s safe operations take precedence over everything else. Data shows that seafarers perceive MH interventions provided by companies as more useful when these have direct implications or effects on their families. In effect, seafarers may not see a priorities the physical and mental health support directly impacting their well-being. Nevertheless, there are some fundamental changes in the maritime industry in using technology to improve the MH of seafarers and their overall well-being, such as the development of MH applications (“apps”), helplines, or websites, coupled with the growing comfort of seafarers to use ICT.

Filipino seafarers’ experiences and perceptions of psychosocial interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Overall, there is a need to improve seafarers’ mental health and empower seafarers through awareness and education strategies on the importance of mental health to their lives and careers (Abila et al, 2023). The increased awareness and evidence on the mental health problems of seafarers during the pandemic lends urgency to what the WHO (2005) refers to as mental health promotion strategies.…”

Exploration of Seafarers’ Mobile Proficiency as a Prerequisite for Possible Health App-based Health Promotion on Board

“…This indicates that upcoming research efforts should not solely aim to enhance technological competence, but also to comprehend and address the various other impediments, ranging from limited leisure time to economic and linguistic hurdles or missing awareness of the importance of health support in seafarers. 29 The accessibility of internet connections on ships remains another significant factor that influences the implementation and usage of health apps. However, the limitation of offline availability may not be as significant a hurdle as it once was, as numerous shipping companies are now in the process of providing internet services on their merchant ships, making an app-based health promotion an even more promising approach.…”