- Marking a significant step forward in seafarer welfare, a group of established maritime entities have joined forces to build a digital platform.
- It is aimed at improving the emotional well-being of the world’s 1.7 million seafarers.
- The Safebridge CrewCare app is a joint venture developed by various volunteer groups.
- It encourages seafarers to open up about their feelings and thoughts to mitigate the risk of depression and suicide.
A recent news article published in the Safebridge reveals that a new app has been launched for the welfare of seafarers.
Who developed the Safebridge CrewCare app?
The app was developed by Container Shipping Supporting Seafarers (CSSS), maritime EdTech company Safebridge, data analytics company Motion Ventures, and the Universities of Manchester and Plymouth.
Each organisation participating in this project collectively applied its knowledge, expertise, and capabilities to contribute to the CrewCare app’s vision and success.
How does the app help?
CrewCare makes it possible to create a real-time connection between crew managers and their seafarers, offering the level of support that goes far beyond career development.
The app facilitates crew managers’ ability to monitor the status of the seafarers’ well-being, general health, and COVID-19 risks but also gives them the power to take immediate action and offer direct support to those in need.
A professionally qualified questionnaire
The app incorporates a professionally qualified questionnaire based on techniques medical practitioners use to make decisions when presented with a patient’s symptoms.
An algorithm rates the multi-choice answers given to rate the mood of the seafarer from 1 (low risk) to 10.
If a user scores 9 or 10, then that person is identified, and actions can be taken by the ship management company to mobilise appropriately qualified personnel in support of the individual.
The driving force behind the app
Philip Eastell, CSSS founder and the driving force behind the CrewCare initiative, said: “Where concern exists there is now an opportunity for seafarers to get help. The app is a very low-key diagnostics tool set up to ensure that those seafarers struggling to cope receive the care they need.”
“We are hoping that the shipping lines will recognise the importance of this application,” he said.
Other special features
It also features an integrated communications function and affords access to the 24h International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) helpline SeafarerHelp.
Roger Harris, CEO, ISWAN, said: “We welcome this application and the many benefits it will bring to seafarers and ship managers alike, especially during the current crew change crisis when many seafarers are suffering from increased anxiety and stress.”
A solution for seafarers’ well being
The industry has been looking for a solution that caters to the well-being of all our seafarers for some time now.
The CrewCare App enables forward-thinking companies to provide their seafarers with a smart tool designed not only to manage their seafarers’ well-being but also to help them provide the requisite care.
This app allows ship managers to take positive action and provide support where and when it is needed
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Source : Safebridge
