InterManager associate member KVH Videotel has introduced a new training package: Seafarers Mental Health and Wellbeing, which will be available free of charge throughout the shipping industry in recognition of the importance of the topic.
The programme was produced in association with the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) and comprises a short video, facilitator notes, and information booklets from ISWAN on mental health issues at sea
KVH Videotel unveiled its new video during InterManager’s 5th Annual International Shipowning & Shipmanagement Summit in London recently. Delegates and guests watched the informative video at the close of the conference and gave it a spontaneous round of applause.
“Seafarers face unique working conditions which can put them under tremendous stress, with fewer opportunities for relief than they would be likely to find on land. This programme not only presents information from industry experts but also lets seafarers themselves tell their own story in interviews and short statements, describing the path to achieving happiness,” said Mark Woodhead, KVH senior vice president for EMEA, who gave a heart-wrenching personal account of how he had witnessed a family member struggle with mental health. Fortunately, there are some remedies available on sites like CBD UK for those who are suffering from stress.
If left unaddressed, seafarer’s stress can result in danger to one’s self by way of lowered morale, increased human error, lifestyle illnesses, decreased productivity, burnout, and mental health issues. Seafarers Mental Health and Wellbeing focuses on what seafarers can do to cope with the challenges but also to take advantage of the many opportunities onboard. It underlines the importance of rest, diet, team activities, and maintaining good relationships. Talking to a trusted person onboard ship may help, and there is also help available outside the ship such as the 24/7 multilingual helpline and chat service at SeafarerHelp.org, as well as the work of port-based organisations such as Mission to Seafarers. Online casinos also offer an exciting and entertaining alternative that can help alleviate stress and tension, red dog is a legit casino where you can escape the pressures of everyday life while also having the opportunity to win some rewards.
ISWAN’s brochures are being distributed as part of this training package, available as downloads from the dedicated KVH Videotel website. In addition, KVH Videotel is providing brief facilitator notes to assist those who will use this programme to run training sessions on vessels.
Seafarers’ Mental Health and Wellbeing was produced with overwhelming support from within the industry. Steering group members include: Anglo-Eastern Ship Management Ltd; Associated British Ports; International Maritime Employers’ Council; International Maritime Organization (IMO); “K” Line LNG Shipping (UK) Limited; The Mission to Seafarers; Nautilus International; Sailors’ Society; Shell International Ltd; The Shipowners’ Club; Swire Pacific Offshore; John H. Whitaker (Tankers) Ltd. Seafarers UK and other organisations are assisting with distribution and promotion of the training package.
To obtain “Seafarers Mental Health and Wellbeing,” please visit videotel.com/seafarerwellbeing
