How are seafarers faring in an age of mental wellbeing?

 

There are numerous types of maritime jobs, ranging from ratings to officers, and from entry-level cargo ship jobs to marine chief engineer jobs. Your experience may differ significantly from that of your fellow crew members onboard.

And, as humans, we are all unique, so what works for one person as a mental health tip may not work for another. And, while there are challenges to overcome when working in maritime jobs, one thing is certain: for the right person, life at sea and working in maritime jobs can be immensely rewarding in ways that a 9 to 5 desk job cannot be. Follow the tips below:

1. Concentrate on what makes you happy.

It may sound like something out of a new-age self-help book, but happiness is essential for a long and rewarding career in maritime jobs. It's easy to get caught up in the minutiae of life, so it's worth sitting down with a pen and paper (or the Notes app on your phone) and making a list of the things you love about your life on a container ship. Maybe it's the first time you step aboard your vessel, or maybe it's the chance to travel and get away from the stress and/or boredom of everyday life on land.

 2. Become the best possible sailor you can be.

Maybe you're just starting out in entry-level ship jobs and need time to adjust to life onboard a container ship and expand your knowledge so you feel more settled and at home. You may want to accelerate your maritime career and move up the ranks as quickly as possible.

You may have spent years working in marine chief engineer jobs and have decided to look for shore-based maritime jobs or jobs in ports and shipping offices.

 3. Maintain physical fitness in order to maintain mental fitness.

Happiness and physical and mental health are inextricably linked, and we all know that exercise releases chemicals in our bodies called endorphins, which make us feel happier.

Therefore, it’s important that you try not to neglect your workout routine.

4. Get your community on board.

You've finished your shift and are exhausted. You're working on an entry-level cargo ship and have no idea how to make friends at sea. You've been at sea for years and have grown weary. You wish there was something to do, but no one appears to be organizing anything.

5. Avoid putting too much pressure on yourself.

Because of the nature of maritime jobs, life at sea, and supporting your family ashore, you're probably already under a lot of stress.

Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Things that make you happy and improve your mental health don't have to be earth-shattering occurrences.

6. Stay alert and listen carefully.

Being alert is an essential part of your maritime job, including keeping an eye on those around you. Just as it's critical for you to communicate if you're feeling down, whether, with family or fellow crew members, it's also critical to watch for signs that someone else is struggling mentally as well.

Life on a ship entails taking responsibility for one another, so if you suspect someone you know is exhibiting signs that their mental health is suffering, don't hesitate to offer support, either in person or by speaking with a superior.

7. Concentrate on the future

Being organized is an important part of maintaining good mental health. When your life is disorganized, your mind can be as well. Being organized has been shown to reduce stress levels, and while there isn't much you can do about the physical organization (tidying up a cluttered house or backyard, for example), there are things you can do to reduce stress while onboard or traveling to or from your vessel. You can, for example, reduce your stress by knowing when your next paycheck will arrive. That means planning ahead of time for maritime jobs. When you've determined your next embarkation date, you'll feel much better knowing that your family and friends are prepared.

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