Long contracts, distance from family, tight schedules and limited privacy can all affect how you feel. Recognising pressure early — in yourself and in crewmates — makes it easier to manage.
Stress
Some stress is normal. Persistent tension, poor sleep, headaches or losing interest in things you usually enjoy are signs to take action: talk to someone, keep to a routine, and make time for exercise and rest.
Isolation and homesickness
Plan regular contact with home where connectivity allows, and keep small rituals — photos, music, a hobby. Missing home is common and not a weakness.
Sleep
Sleep and mood are closely linked. See Sleep & Fatigue.
Work pressure
Speak up early if workload is unmanageable or rest hours are not being respected. Your company’s procedures and the ship’s safety management system exist for this.
Social connection
Shared meals, crew activities and simply checking in with a crewmate build a supportive culture on board.
Fatigue
Fatigue can feel like low mood. Use the fatigue self-assessment to reflect on your rest.
Mental wellbeing
Mental-health difficulties are common and treatable. SeafarerFit does not diagnose mental-health conditions. If you are struggling, please reach out to someone you trust, your company’s support programme, or a professional.
Where to find help
- SeafarerHelp — a free, confidential, multilingual helpline for seafarers and their families, run by the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN): seafarerhelp.org.
- Your company’s employee assistance or welfare programme, if available.
- A doctor or local health service when ashore.
If you or someone on board is in immediate danger or thinking about suicide, tell the master or another senior officer now so that medical advice can be obtained (for example through radio medical services), or contact local emergency services when in port.
Sources
- International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) — SeafarerHelp — free, confidential helpline for seafarers (opens in a new tab)
Links go to the original publishers. SeafarerFit is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organizations.