Page 25 - 2021 - Q2 - Minerva in Focus

Chief Engineers’ Insight frontline workers, so their wellbeing should
be regarded as a priority.
Research has shown that several factors
Matthaios Lymperis impact seafarer wellbeing. Among them are
Chief Engineer, M/T Minerva Helen the difficulties in crew changes or repatria-
tion, stress due to isolation, and the chal-
The issue of wellbeing is lenges encountered at sea, which increase
very important for every- their anxiety levels and lead to depression.
one, especially us seafarers Irregular working hours and other factors
working away from our can also lead to sleep disorders and fa-
families for extended periods under stress- tigue, resulting in compromised safety and
ful conditions such as bad weather, rough accidents.
seas, and frequent time-changes. Therefore, Concluding, it is vital to understand that
we must find ways to enhance our wellbeing seafarer wellbeing - especially the wellbe-
while at sea. For me, this means communi- ing of new seafarers- is extremely important
cating with my family, exercising regularly, to ensure the continuity of global trade,
getting on well and cooperating with all the safety of life at sea, effective seafaring,
crew members, and trying to keep physically the protection of the environment, and the
healthy under these difficult circumstances. avoidance of sea accidents. All institutions
should consider the factors that improve
seafarers’ wellbeing and create the best
Erwin P. Bartolome conditions to enhance their psychological
Chief Engineer, M/V Schinousa health.

Seafarer wellbeing is a
holistic concept that is a Evangelos Gkantzios
combination of physical, Chief Engineer, M/T Minerva Emily
mental, spiritual, and social
wellbeing. Life at sea is full of potential
sources of stress like homesickness, fatigue, In 2020, seafarers undoubt-
family issues, discrimination, and poor work edly experienced enormous
relationships. If a seafarer’s wellbeing is challenges such as extend-
not optimized, he may have difficulty con- ed periods of separation
centrating on his job, which will affect his from their families, canceled shore leaves,
overall work performance. A seafarer can and worries over health, thus magnifying job
deal with these stressors in many ways. He pressures. Wellbeing is a crucial component
Capt. Efstathios Paxinos can ring up/video call his loved ones with of life at sea, and it should be enhanced
Master, M/V Sapientza the help of advanced technology, as access and enjoyed as much as possible by the
to the Internet is now readily available. He crew who serve on our vessels. If seafarers’
can establish good camaraderie with col- wellbeing is not optimized, they may have
The wellbeing of seafarers leagues and make sure that he has enough difficulty concentrating on doing their job. A
is of crucial importance rest, eats healthily, and enjoys some form of positive and professional work environment
due to the well-known recreation in his free time. He should also guarantees high morale and performance.
challenging nature of their remain motivated and learn how to cope The social setting on the vessel also needs
profession, especially during the difficult with loneliness. Above all, he should have to be addressed, although widespread in-
times of the COVID-19 pandemic and the strong faith and pray a lot. ternet connectivity on today’s ships tends
increasing demands and pressures from to lead seafarers to isolation in their cabins.
many sides. Not living well can negatively Georgios Νeofytos In the past, seafarers would meet in the
affect their physical, mental, and social well- Chief Engineer, M/T Minerva Aries smoking rooms and engage socially. Those
being, safety at work, and their families that days are long over, as is the genial spirit of
depend on them. That is why as seafarers, togetherness. The ship is an institution, a
each of us from his side and to the extent Given that global trade place where seafarers work, rest, and have
it depends on us, should try to ensure that relies heavily on the mari- recreation under the same roof, in the com-
everything runs smoothly on the ship, and time industry to transport pany of people they have not chosen to be
at the same time, safeguard our wellbeing 80%-85% of goods, one with. With this in mind, wellbeing becomes
while performing our duties and tasks; could safely say that seafarers are the most an even more complicated issue.
therefore, the mentality, social culture, way important workers in the maritime industry.
of thinking, and respect of those involved in Ships carry goods such as food supplies,
shipping are critical factors. How much they fossil fuels, and medical equipment vital for
want and can do to contribute to seafarers’ humanity. For this reason, seafarers belong
wellbeing plays a significant role. to the global workforce and are considered

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