As World Mental Health Day (October 10) approaches, maritime healthcare leader VIKAND is urging the global shipping industry to move beyond awareness campaigns and adopt regulatory frameworks that make mental health support a mandatory part of maritime operations. The company argues that only through compliance and accountability can the sector achieve sustainable improvements in crew welfare.
Addressing the Mental Health Gap at Sea
Despite growing awareness and the introduction of mental wellness tools, stigma, cultural barriers, and cost concerns continue to hinder meaningful investment in crew mental health. According to VIKAND’s OneHealth telehealth programme, only 2.1% of healthcare encounters are related to mental health issues a clear sign of severe underreporting.
Martin Hedman, Director of Mental Wellness Practices at VIKAND, emphasised that voluntary goodwill is not enough. “We can’t expect stigma to disappear overnight, or for shipowners to simply volunteer greater investment in mental health,” he said. “What is truly needed for change is regulation frameworks that compel companies to take responsibility and integrate preventive mental healthcare into operations.”
Recent policy developments such as the 2022 Maritime Labour Convention Amendments, the new STCW provisions on bullying and harassment, and the EU Supply Chain Act and CSRD have begun to place crew welfare and mental health accountability at the forefront of maritime governance.
Innovative Mental Wellness Solutions for Seafarers
VIKAND has developed a range of digital and telehealth-based solutions designed to make mental health support more accessible for seafarers.
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OneHealth Telehealth Support: Provides 24/7 access to remote mental health assessments, counselling, and therapy. In one case, a 45-year-old senior officer suffering from depressive symptoms received immediate counselling and continued therapy while onboard, ensuring continuity of care and safe vessel operations.
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Crew Pulse Check: An anonymous, data-driven tool that enables seafarers to share their emotional wellbeing through simple digital check-ins. Using welfare pulse sampling and nudging techniques, this tool has achieved over 80% engagement rates, allowing for early detection and proactive intervention.
These tools not only enhance crew resilience and wellbeing but also contribute to a safer, more sustainable maritime workforce.
As this year’s World Mental Health Day theme, “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” highlights, the maritime sector must take decisive steps toward ensuring that every seafarer has reliable access to psychological care.
According to VIKAND, embedding mental health within compliance frameworks is the only way to create long-term cultural change. By making mental health a regulated standard rather than a voluntary effort, the maritime industry can safeguard its most valuable asset its people and foster a future where seafarers can truly thrive.
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Source: VIKAND
