The life of a seafarer is no ordinary journey. With long hours, demanding tasks, and the isolation of being away from home, maintaining physical wellness is paramount—not just for the individual but for the smooth operation of the entire vessel.
Yet, physical wellness is often overlooked, with limited access to nutritious food, healthcare, and preventive medical practices. Fortunately, the maritime industry is taking steps to address these challenges, as evidenced by a recent panel discussion during the 4th Crew Welfare Week,
In particular, the panel discussion, moderated by Sandra Psychogiou, Editor in Chief, SAFETY4SEA, highlighted not only the critical connection between physical wellness and mental health but also actionable strategies to improve crew wellbeing.
The following experts participated: Elisabeth Calbari, Founder & Executive Neuroleadership Consultant, Self Balance; Dr. Christian Lubaton, Medical Director for Holistic Care, Nordic Medical Clinic; Dr. William Moore, Global Loss Prevention Director, The American Club; and Capt. VS Parani, Vice President Marine, Tufton Asset Management Ltd.
Physical wellness: The backbone of crew performance
Elisabeth Calbari underscored the interdependence of physical and mental health, emphasizing that a holistic approach is essential. “Physical wellness and mental health are deeply interconnected,” she remarked, noting that optimal performance stems from treating crew members as whole individuals. She highlighted the importance of considering the human element in all its aspects, as physical health impacts psychological and emotional wellbeing.
Dr. William Moore expanded on this by discussing the success of the American P&I Club’s enhanced pre-employment medical exam (PEME) program. For over two decades, this initiative has helped identify and address potential health issues before crew members board vessels. “It has benefited shipowners, individual seafarers, and the broader industry,” he noted, underscoring the value of proactive measures in reducing repatriations and improving long-term outcomes.
The physical demands of life onboard
Capt. VS Parani painted a vivid picture of the physical challenges seafarers face daily:
- Standing watch for long hours
- Climbing gangways, ladders, and navigating the ship in extreme temperatures
- Performing labor-intensive tasks such as handling heavy equipment and preparing meals for the entire crew
Even something as basic as keeping a lookout requires physical fitness—spotting lights 12 nautical miles away demands excellent eyesight and stamina,
…Capt. Parani explained.
Dr. Lubaton highlighted chronic illnesses as a rising concern among seafarers, fueled by poor diet, sedentary lifestyles during shore leave, and limited access to proper healthcare.
We see a lot of processed food consumption and lifestyle habits that increase the risk of diabetes, hypertension, and other conditions. The solution lies not only in testing and monitoring but also in educating seafarers on adopting healthier behaviors both on and off the ship.
…..he noted.
Industry efforts and initiatives to enhance physical wellness
The maritime industry has recognized the importance of physical wellness and is implementing a variety of initiatives to address it:
- Shipboard fitness programs: Many vessels now provide fitness equipment such as treadmills, stationary bikes, and free weights. Some shipowners also encourage crew fitness challenges or organized group exercises to foster a culture of wellness.
- Telemedicine services: Telemedicine platforms allow seafarers to consult doctors remotely, ensuring prompt diagnosis and treatment of physical ailments while onboard. These services also provide mental health support, bridging the gap between physical and emotional wellness.
- Improved nutrition: Shipping companies are investing in healthier meal options by hiring trained cooks and providing guidance on balanced diets. Some vessels include hydroponic gardens to grow fresh vegetables onboard, ensuring access to nutritious food during long voyages.
- Prevention and screening programs: Enhanced pre-employment medical exams (PEME) and regular health screenings help to identify and mitigate chronic health risks before they worsen. These programs emphasize long-term prevention and offer personalized health plans for seafarers.
- Education and wellness workshops: Shipping companies and industry stakeholders are offering workshops to educate seafarers on topics like maintaining physical fitness, managing chronic illnesses, and adopting healthier lifestyle habits.
- Access to recreation: Some vessels are equipped with recreation rooms for sports or games, allowing crew members to unwind and maintain their physical and mental health during downtime.
- Collaborative Industry programs: Many organizations collaborate with shipping companies to launch wellness initiatives, including wellness guides and physical activity programs tailored to seafarers.
A call to action
While these initiatives are promising, there is still more to be done. As Dr. Moore pointed out, physical wellness challenges often arise when seafarers are at home, where access to healthcare and healthy habits may decline. To ensure consistency, the industry must focus on continuous education and wellness support, both onboard and ashore.
The maritime industry must continue prioritizing the human element at sea, recognizing that a healthy crew is the foundation of a safe and efficient ship. As Capt. Parani eloquently stated..
To get the job done, we need to take care of the body—our most important vessel.
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