PBIBS18: Yacht crew mental health warrants attention

Mar 22, 2018 by Dorie Cox

By Dorie Cox

Yacht crew mental health is an issue, according to presenters, as well as an audience, at a seminar during the U.S. Superyacht Association’s 5th annual Superyacht Summit on Tuesday.

“Recent research by IMO [International Maritime Organization] indicates that seafarers may be more likely than their shore counterparts to experience mental health problems,” said seminar moderator Frank Brand, instructor and course developer at the Star Center in Dania Beach, Florida. “Health care has historically focused on physical health. There is little or no mental health assessment to determine suitability.”

An audience of mariners and industry professionals attended the breakout seminar on “Health and Wellness on Deck: Making a Happy and Healthy Crew, plus recognizing warning signs for mental and physical issues.” Several attendees shared experiences working onboard during the full-day event in West Palm Beach before the Palm Beach International Boat Show.

The group discussed several aspects of yachting that contribute to potential mental issues on board, including unpredictable work schedules and demands, long working hours, difficulty adapting to unfamiliar environment and cultures, feelings of isolation, unrealized expectations, challenging and demanding work environments, and confined living and working conditions.

Just one part of a large topic, Brand said these facts have implications for yacht and crew safety, interpersonal relationships and the yacht owner’s experience.

Although Brand created a full PowerPoint presentation, conversation and questions from the audience consumed the allotted time. But he made sure to highlight warning signs to watch for in people with potential mental health issues. Top on the list are confusion, prolonged depression, extreme emotional swings, excessive anxiety, dramatic changes in eating/sleeping habits, social withdrawal, reduced productivity and focus, and reliance on self-medication/substance abuse.

Also recognizing that the discussion of mental health takes time, ISS GMT President Tim Davey’s query confirmed an interest in an expanded discussion for next year’s summit.

This year’s full-day summit featured five presentations and nine breakout sessions covering topics such as cyber security, advocacy advances, branding, yacht owner image, product promotion in Europe, natural disasters, green yachting, marketing, legal aspects of social media, native advertising and sponsored content, and the Jones Act.

Nearly 150 industry professionals attended, according to Kitty McGowan, president of the group.

Next year’s summit will move to April 9, 2019 to complement the Refit International Exhibition & Conference in Fort Lauderdale.

Dorie Cox is editor of Triton Today. Comments are welcome below.

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About Dorie Cox

Dorie Cox is a writer with Triton News.

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