12
Jul 22

UK Chamber of Shipping reacts to new MCA report on mental health

The UK Chamber of Shipping reacts to a new MCA report on mental health at sea

Following the publication of a new MCA report focusing on seafarers' mental health the UK Chamber of Shipping has issued the following statement. 

UK Chamber of Shipping Policy Director Tim Springett said:

“Any suicide is a tragedy. It is right that we pay as much attention to mental health as we do to physical health.

“A crucial part of doing this is placing seafarers’ wellbeing, and their voices, at the heart of company cultures. This means ensuring no seafarer feels fearful to speak out and active mental health support for crew members must be a priority. It is also important to stay on top of people’s welfare and take action to address the working environment and patterns before issues arise.

“The creation of an international register of deaths at sea will not be without it challenges, not least in terms of administration. But it will be an important step in information sharing alongside the launch of the Wellbeing at Sea tool to allow everyone to help deliver better mental health at sea.” 

The report comes alongside the launch of MCA’s new digital tool designed to support seafarers’ health and wellbeing. Called the Wellbeing at Sea Tool, the new website provides practical advice for seafarers and is designed to help organisations monitor wellbeing and support their employees.