SHIPPING “SHOULD CARE ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH”

[proud_ionian]

source: MGN

THE London P&I Club warns that the shipping industry should pay more attention to psychological disorders among seafarers.

In the latest issue of its StopLoss Bulletin, the cub says, “Too often, such problems are not identified, or dealt with, as quickly, as knowledgeably or as sympathetically as is the case with physical illness and injury. This seems to be particularly the case in the context of the robust working environment typically encountered at sea.”

It adds: “The Club views with concern the large numbers of seafarers now being repatriated early suffering from a range of psychological difficulties. One report suggests that as many as one in three repatriations which require a medical escort are related to such ailments. Great care must be taken to protect the interests of all seafarers when dealing with such issues. In extreme cases, the afflicted crew member can be a danger to others on board, or may constitute a suicide risk.”

The club quotes Prof Francesco Amenta, Italian-based Centro Internazionale Radio Medico's (CIRM) Scientific Director, who says, “When dealing with psychological problems, including stress, anxiety and depression, requests for medical advice should always be sought at the earliest opportunity. What may be lacking in the maritime culture is sufficient sensitivity to health problems. For example, shipping is much more sensitive to technology and safety issues than it is to health problems, so it is perhaps not surprising to hear about the difficulties being encountered in dealing with mental health issues at sea.”