Original Publication
Brooks, S. K., & Greenberg, N. (2022). Mental health and psychological wellbeing of maritime personnel: a systematic review.
BMC Psychology, 10, 139.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-022-00850-4
Why This Research Matters
Seafarers work in an environment where long hours, disrupted sleep, social isolation, noise, vibration, limited privacy and prolonged separation from family can occur at the same time. The reviewed research shows that mental wellbeing at sea is shaped not by one isolated factor, but by the combined effect of working conditions, relationships onboard, access to support and the length of time spent away from home.
What the Research Found
The systematic review examined 63 peer-reviewed studies published between 2012 and 2021. The authors identified a broad group of risk factors associated with poorer mental health among maritime personnel. These included high job demands, long and irregular working hours, night shifts, poor sleep, weak team cohesion, limited management support, low autonomy, uncertainty about schedules, long periods at sea and inadequate social support.
The review also found that younger seafarers, single seafarers and those in poorer physical health may be particularly vulnerable. At the same time, the authors stressed that better leadership, stronger communication, peer support, adequate crewing and education can improve wellbeing.
The Practical Problem
A seafarer may arrive in port already tired, under pressure and with very limited time ashore. Even where support exists, it may remain unused if the seafarer does not know where to go, how to get there, whether the centre is open, what services are available or whom to contact. In practice, lack of access to reliable local information can turn an existing welfare service into an invisible service.
IMWIRSA Scientific Commentary
IMWIRSA considers the findings of this review highly relevant to the future of port-based welfare. Many major causes of poor mental health must be addressed by shipowners, managers and regulators. However, welfare organisations can still reduce part of the burden by making support easier to locate, faster to access and more responsive to the limited shore time available to seafarers.
Port welfare should therefore be viewed not only as hospitality, but also as a practical recovery system. A short visit ashore cannot remove the structural causes of fatigue or isolation, but it can provide human contact, a safe environment, trusted information, communication with family, transport assistance and access to appropriate local services.
The key issue is accessibility. A service has little value if a seafarer learns about it after the vessel has sailed. Modern welfare must connect the seafarer with help at the right time, in the right language and in a form that is easy to use.
Practical Welfare Response
- Provide clear and current information about welfare centres, opening hours and available services.
- Offer simple transport guidance from terminals and port gates.
- Maintain direct contact channels with local welfare staff and volunteers.
- Create short recovery options suitable for limited shore leave.
- Make multilingual support available wherever possible.
- Coordinate referrals to medical, psychological, legal or social assistance when needed.
- Collect feedback from seafarers and update local information regularly.
How MWApp Can Help
MWApp is not presented as a medical solution and cannot replace professional mental-health care. Its role is more practical: to reduce information barriers and help seafarers reach existing welfare resources more quickly.
- Port Cards can present essential local welfare information in one place.
- Centre Cards can show current services, opening hours and contact options.
- Transport guidance can help seafarers use limited shore time more effectively.
- Direct contact functions can connect users with trusted local welfare representatives.
- Offline access can preserve critical information when port connectivity is weak.
- Multilingual assistance can make welfare information easier to understand and use.
Recommendations
For seafarers' centres:
- Publish only verified information and assign responsibility for keeping it current.
- Design at least one short-duration service for seafarers with less than one hour ashore.
- Provide a direct contact option for crews before arrival whenever possible.
For ports and agents:
- Improve access to information about shore leave, transport and welfare services.
- Include welfare contacts in arrival information supplied to vessels.
- Support safe and realistic routes between terminals, gates and welfare facilities.
For shipping companies:
- Treat communication, social support and access to welfare as part of preventive wellbeing.
- Ensure that crews know what support is available before entering port.
- Do not present digital tools as a substitute for adequate staffing, rest and professional care.
IMWIRSA Perspective
The study confirms that seafarers' mental wellbeing depends on both onboard conditions and access to meaningful support. Digital technology cannot solve fatigue, isolation or depression by itself. It can, however, shorten the distance between a seafarer and the people, places and services able to help.
Editorial note: This commentary summarises and interprets the cited research. It does not alter the authorship or conclusions of the original publication.
Brooks, S. K., & Greenberg, N. (2022). Mental health and psychological wellbeing of maritime personnel: a systematic review. BMC Psychology, 10, 139. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-022-00850-4
Why This Research Matters
Seafarers work in an environment where long hours, disrupted sleep, social isolation, noise, vibration, limited privacy and prolonged separation from family can occur at the same time. The reviewed research shows that mental wellbeing at sea is shaped not by one isolated factor, but by the combined effect of working conditions, relationships onboard, access to support and the length of time spent away from home.
What the Research Found
The systematic review examined 63 peer-reviewed studies published between 2012 and 2021. The authors identified a broad group of risk factors associated with poorer mental health among maritime personnel. These included high job demands, long and irregular working hours, night shifts, poor sleep, weak team cohesion, limited management support, low autonomy, uncertainty about schedules, long periods at sea and inadequate social support.
The review also found that younger seafarers, single seafarers and those in poorer physical health may be particularly vulnerable. At the same time, the authors stressed that better leadership, stronger communication, peer support, adequate crewing and education can improve wellbeing.
The Practical Problem
A seafarer may arrive in port already tired, under pressure and with very limited time ashore. Even where support exists, it may remain unused if the seafarer does not know where to go, how to get there, whether the centre is open, what services are available or whom to contact. In practice, lack of access to reliable local information can turn an existing welfare service into an invisible service.
IMWIRSA Scientific Commentary
IMWIRSA considers the findings of this review highly relevant to the future of port-based welfare. Many major causes of poor mental health must be addressed by shipowners, managers and regulators. However, welfare organisations can still reduce part of the burden by making support easier to locate, faster to access and more responsive to the limited shore time available to seafarers.
Port welfare should therefore be viewed not only as hospitality, but also as a practical recovery system. A short visit ashore cannot remove the structural causes of fatigue or isolation, but it can provide human contact, a safe environment, trusted information, communication with family, transport assistance and access to appropriate local services.
The key issue is accessibility. A service has little value if a seafarer learns about it after the vessel has sailed. Modern welfare must connect the seafarer with help at the right time, in the right language and in a form that is easy to use.
Practical Welfare Response
How MWApp Can Help
MWApp is not presented as a medical solution and cannot replace professional mental-health care. Its role is more practical: to reduce information barriers and help seafarers reach existing welfare resources more quickly.
Recommendations
For seafarers' centres:
For ports and agents:
For shipping companies:
IMWIRSA Perspective
The study confirms that seafarers' mental wellbeing depends on both onboard conditions and access to meaningful support. Digital technology cannot solve fatigue, isolation or depression by itself. It can, however, shorten the distance between a seafarer and the people, places and services able to help.