Guidance

MIN 635 (M) - Wellbeing at Sea Publications

Published 15 September 2020

© Crown copyright 2020

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/min-635-m-wellbeing-at-sea-publications/min-635-m-wellbeing-at-sea-publications

1. Background

Wellbeing can be described as an individual feeling of fulfilment and contentment in life. It includes a state of good physical, mental and emotional health.

Overwhelmingly, research has shown that safety and wellbeing are inherently linked. Poor employee wellbeing is consistently linked to a greater accident and error rate, reduced productivity and increased absenteeism at work.

Seafarers work in unique environments that can be immensely rewarding and at times challenging. As understanding of health, wellbeing and safety increases, the industry is aware that some characteristics inherent to the environment onboard (e.g. prolonged periods away from loved ones, noise and vibration) may have a negative effect on the wellbeing of Seafarers.

2. Publications available

‘Wellbeing at Sea: A Guide for Organisations’ and ‘Wellbeing at Sea: A Pocket Guide for Seafarers’ address a range issues that can threaten wellbeing at sea to empower Seafarers and Management (Companies and Personnel) to make improvements that will enable all crew to stay safe, healthy and well.

‘Wellbeing at Sea: A Guide for Organisations’ provides pragmatic advice for organisations on how policy, procedures and company culture can be adapted to improve crew wellbeing.

‘Wellbeing at Sea: A Pocket Guide for Seafarers’ provides practical personal advice for Seafarers to empower them to take care of their own and be aware of others’ wellbeing.

These publications are non-mandatory but supports mandatory texts such as the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers.

3. Order printed copies

Printed copies of ‘Wellbeing at Sea: A Guide for Organisations’ (ISBN 9780115536076) and ‘Wellbeing at Sea: A Pocket Guide for Seafarers’ (ISBN 9780115537875) are available from 29 May 2020 from:

4. More Information

UK Seafarer Services
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/17 Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG

Tel : +44 (0) 203 8172114

Email: humanelement@mcga.gov.uk

General Enquiries: infoline@mcga.gov.uk

Please note that all addresses and telephone numbers are correct at time of publishing.

Safer Lives, Safer Ships, Cleaner Seas.

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