The UK Marine team are going to be working with ISWAN (International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network) to provide our senior officers with training in Mental Health Awareness course, tailored specifically to the marine environment.  This mental health awareness training provides an introduction to mental health awareness for management-level personnel on shore and on board ships in understanding mental health, recognising the signs of mental health problems and first response to concerns that can arise on board.

Matt Bland commented: “It is important to recognise that the challenges and stresses faced by those on our ships can be very different to those in our land-based operations. This training will help our senior officers to better support our crews and look after their wellbeing. Mental health issues can affect us all, so this training will help to raise awareness and increase understanding of common mental health problems, while empowering officers to build better team relationships.”

ISWAN is a membership organisation which works to promote and support the welfare of seafarers all over the world. Seafarers bring us 95% of the things we use every day and take care of us when we travel by sea, but their lives are often tough. They experience long periods away from family and friends with limited or no communication, fast turnaround of ships in ports with severely restricted shore leave, reduced crew numbers and increased workloads. Welfare services and facilities both on board and ashore can be a lifeline for seafarers.