125
1 INTRODUCTION
The International Maritime Organization (2017) [6]
reported that more than 90% of the world’s
merchandise is transported by sea. As such, the
shipping industry employs more than 1,500,000
seafarers originating from various countries [9].
Though seafaring is perceived to be a lucrative job, it
is also subject to a stressful work environment [5] and
can often be a dangerous occupation [7]. Seafarers are
vulnerable to many types of work-related strain,
including but not limited to mental health, physical,
and social stressors. Mental health stress can be
derived from confinement in the same environment
during prolonged periods at sea, poor working
conditions and low compensation, and lack of job
security. Further, physical stress can arise from long
working hours with short shift turnaround times,
leading to sleep deprivation and fatigue, constant ship
motions, vibrations and noise, and limited access to
medical aid onboard the ship. Finally, social factors
such as separation from family and friends,
harassment, bullying, and cultural differences
combined with the potential threat of piracy attacks
and criminal activity onboard contribute to a feeling
of social isolation and lack of safety in the workplace.
These contributing factors may lead to a considerable
rise in anxiety and depression rates among crews of
seafarers [7, 9]. If left untreated, this issue may result
in alarming increases of suicide attempts [7, 9, 11–13].
If taken for granted, the deteriorating mental health of
the crews may pose a greater monetary burden on
shipping companies and charters down the line [7].
A comprehensive report written by Iversen (2012)
[7], highlighted the striking number of cases of suicide
in the seafarer population in Australia. From 1960 to
2009, 5.9% (1,011 deaths) of 17,026 reported deaths
Mental Health of Filipino Seafarers: The Contributory
Factors and the Strategies Applied Onboard Ship
B.G.S. Sarinas
1
, J.D.D. Botante
2
, J.S. Nacion
3
, M.L.B. Bernas
1
& O. Rodriguez
1
1
John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Iloilo City, Philippines
2
Vships - Pacific Ocean Manning, Inc.
3
Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Iloilo City, Philippines
ABSTRACT: Mental health is equally important with physical health. Many reports found out that poor mental
health is one of the major factors of depression among seafarers. This study ascertains the factors affecting
mental health and the strategies applied by Filipino seafarers to combat these issues. A survey was used as a
research design. A total of 100 seafarers taken through convenience and snowball sampling answered the
validated researcher-made questionnaire. The questionnaire was sent in the JBLFMU Alumni Portal, messenger,
and Gmail. Frequency, percentage, and rank were used. Themes were used to classify the strategies applied by
seafarers to counteract mental health issues onboard ship. The results revealed that the major contributory
factor affecting the mental health of Filipino seafarers is stress, while they believed that a positive outlook in life
makes one’s self free from mental health problems onboard. The top three factors are stress, fatigue, and
separation from families and friends. The top three strategies to counteract factors that affect seafarers’ mental
health onboard ship are staying positive, socializing with crewmates, and communicating with family.
http://www.transnav.eu
the International Journal
on Marine Navigation
and Safety of Sea Transportation
Volume 16
Number 1
March 2022
DOI: 10.12716/1001.16.01.14
126
resulted from suicide. Additionally, out of the 4,487
reported deaths due to illness, 13.1% (590 deaths)
were attributed to suicide. These percentages could be
higher if they accounted for the 50% of deaths due to
seafarers disappearing at sea [7]. Moreover, Jensen
and Oldenburg (2019) [8] conducted a study to assess
the extent to which seafarers in 12 German ships were
subject to traumatic events and the psychological
effects on the individuals. From the sample
population, 83.6% experienced after-effects, such as
dreaming about a traumatic experience. According to
the 12 shipping companies interviewed, 2 cases of
suicide were noted out of 14 deaths in the last three
years [8]. Lastly, Pocock, Nguyen, Lucero-Prisno III,
Zimmerman, and Oram (2018) [10] also reported a
high incidence of mental health issues among
seafarers in various countries in Southeast Asia,
particularly Cambodia and Myanmar. However, this
study highlights the considerable lack of thorough
research done in the region as most literature on
seafarer’s health issues is based on European or
western seafarers [10].
Mental health has become a crisis across the
maritime industry. Many shipping companies have
taken notice of the huge surge in suicide cases and
mental health issues among their crews and have
advanced their efforts to enhance the overall health of
seafarers [1, 2]. Different approaches such as daily
exercise, proper nutrition, and psychological support
have been implemented by various shipping
companies [2]. However, new measures such as the
creation of educational programs to remove the
stigma associated with mental health and
comprehensive initiatives to address the root causes
of these problems directly need to be implemented
[1]. For instance, Hayward (2019) [4] suggests
ensuring a good quality Pre-Medical Employment
Examination (PEME) before the start of a work term
and adopting policies surrounding mental health
could improve outcomes for shipping companies.
Moreover, Sliskovic and Penezic (2015) [11] assert that
ship owners, unions and international regulatory
bodies should aim to enhance seafarers’ lives onboard
by decreasing working hours, reducing periods of
separation form families, and improving
telecommunications, recreational opportunities and
team-building social events onboard, among other
initiatives [11].
Consequently, organizations such as the
International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance
Network and the International Council on Social
Welfare have developed initiatives to combat the
mental health crisis aboard ships. Through booklets
and leaflets, information campaigns have proven to be
effective in various cases where direct causes cannot
be addressed [1, 2]. For instance, the Rotary Club of
Melbourne South developed and distributed
informative booklets and leaflets about depression to
seafarers on 3,500-4,000 ships in 17 major Australian
ports [7]. Additionally, the International Maritime
Health Association proposed a comprehensive mental
health promotion program that includes creating
educational training resources (online courses,
modules, etc.), small support groups for students at
sea and onshore and training on peer support and de-
escalation of stressful situations.
In brief, the available literature emphasizes the
need for more comprehensive programs to improve
working conditions and promote mental health
support and training for seafarers at sea. It must also
have highlighted the apparent lack of research on the
strategies to combat mental health issues enforced by
Southeast Asian shipping companies or whether these
exist. The increasing rates of depression and anxiety
have amplified concerns for the mental health issues
that sailors consistently face as they lead to growing
numbers of suicide reports onboard ships. According
to existing literature, promoting mental health
onboard ships would increase seafarers’ work
conditions and, in turn, work quality and safety.
Hence, shipping companies should be encouraged to
promote mental health alongside proper work safety
to decrease and alleviate some of the contributing
factors that lead to depression, anxiety, and ultimately
suicide among crew members [1]. The following study
was conceptualized to address the gap in available
literature concerning seafarers’ mental health and the
growing need for mental health awareness and
education among seafarers and shipping companies.
Furthermore, this study is anchored on the Philippine
Republic Act No. 11036 on Mental Health, where
Filipino seafarers are covered in terms of saving their
lives onboard ship and maintaining a healthy way of
thinking.
This study aimed to ascertain the factors affecting
the seafarers’ mental health onboard ship and the
strategies they apply to combat these issues. In
particular, this investigation looked for answers to the
main contributing factors that affect the mental health
of seafarers’ onboard ship and the strategies the
seafarers apply to counteract these factors.
2 MATERIALS AND METHODS
2.1 Research design
This study employed a descriptive survey. A
descriptive survey uses the same set of questions for
large number of individuals [3]. In the present study,
survey method was used to assess the perceptions of
the target populations on the following two variables:
the contributing factors that impact the mental health
of Filipino seafarers and the strategies that seafarers
utilized to counteract the factors that affect their
mental health onboard ship.
2.2 Respondents
The total study respondents were 100 seafarers taken
through convenience and snowball sampling
techniques. Convenience sampling in the sense that
the researchers took some of the respondents in the
JBLFMU Alumni Portal and messenger. Snowball was
also used because the identification of other seafarer
respondents was based on the referral of other
respondents. According to Fraenkel & Wallen (2010)
[3], the minimum number of respondents in
descriptive research is 100.
127
2.3 Instrument
The content validated researcher-made questionnaire
emanated from available literatures aimed to
determine the two variables such as factors affecting
seafarers’ mental health onboard ship and strategies
used. Part 1 of the instrument includes the
respondent’s personal identification; Part 2 consists of
30 contributory factors affecting seafarers’ mental
health onboard ship; and Part 3 is a table where
respondents answer the strategies they apply to
counteract the factors that affect their mental health
onboard ship.
2.4 Data collection
The questionnaire was distributed online through
JBLFMU Alumni Portal, messenger, and Gmail. Data
collection lasted for more than six months due to the
availability of the seafarers, including their internet
connections. The respondents were not identified by
name, kept confidential, and not reflected in the final
research report.
Mental health is a delicate subject matter; thus, the
researchers have taken steps to ensure that the
respondents are treated ethically, and the information
they provide is collected with the utmost discretion.
Filipino seafarers received all necessary
information pertaining to the purpose of the study
and the data collection process. Then, respondents
were invited to participate and fill out a consent form.
The survey was kept anonymous, and no information
that could be used to identify an individual was
collected.
The survey contained general questions regarding
factors that may affect mental health status. The
survey does not ask the respondents to provide any
information regarding specific traumatic events that
could cause the respondents distress. A professional
psychologist oversight the data collection process to
ensure its adherence to safe and ethical practices.
The data collection started June 1, 2020 up to
December 17, 2020 while there is a Covid-19
pandemic. Participation of respondents is also limited
due to the availability of internet onboard ship and
nature of work onboard ship during the data
collection.
2.5 Data analysis
Frequency, percentage, and rank were used to
determine the contributing factors and strategies
applied by seafarers to counteract the factors that
affect their mental health onboard ship. Meanwhile,
themes were used to classify seafarers’ strategies to
counteract factors that affect their mental health
onboard ship.
3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Table 1 shows the contributing factors that affect the
mental health of seafarers. The top 10 contributing
factors of seafarers’ mental health onboard ship
include: stress (78%, Rank = 1) which is the same as
the result of Hystad and Eid (2016) [5]; fatigue or
temporary loss of power to respond (64%, Rank = 2)
that is similar to the findings of Hystad and Eid (2016)
[5], The Manila Times (2019) [2], Barker (2018) [1], and
Iversen (2012) [7]; separation from families and
friends (58%, Rank = 3) where it supports the findings
of The Manila Times (2019) [2], Barker (2018) [1],
Sliskovic and Penezic (2015) [11], and Iversen (2012)
[7]; not enough sleep (57%, Rank = 4) that is similar to
the results of Sliskovic and Penezic (2015) [11] and
Iversen (2012) [7]; prolonged period of time at sea or
long voyages (55%, Rank = 5) that supports the claims
of Hystad and Eid (2016) [5] and Barker (2018) [1];
long working hours (54%, Rank = 6) that supports the
result of Jensen et al. (2017) [9]; loneliness (44%, Rank
= 7) that supports the results of Jensen et al. (2017) [9],
Sliskovic and Penezic (2015) [11], and Iversen (2012)
[7]; increased pressure (42%, Rank = 8.5) similar to the
findings of Barker (2018) [1]; confined in the same
environment (42%, Rank = 8.5) that supports the claim
of Hystad and Eid (2016) [5]; and lastly, social
isolation or far from home (40%, Rank = 10) that
agrees to the findings of Hayward (2019) [4], Barker
(2018) [1], and Sliskovic and Penezic (2015) [11]; and
family problems (40%, Rank = 10) that supports the
result of Hayward (2019) [4].
Table 1. Contributing factors that affect the mental health of
seafarers (N=100)
_______________________________________________
Factors f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Stress 78 78 1
Fatigue (temporary loss of power to 64 64 2
respond)
Separation from families and friends 58 58 3
Not enough sleep 57 57 4
Prolonged period of time at sea or long 55 55 5
voyages
Long working hours 54 54 6
Loneliness 44 44 7
Increased pressure 42 42 8.5
Confined in the same environment 42 42 8.5
Social isolation or far from home 40 40 10.5
Family problems 40 40 10.5
Lack of shore leave 37 37 12
High workload 35 35 13
Little contact with family and friends 34 34 14
Bullying 30 30 15
Ship motion 29 29 16
Cultural problems 26 26 17
Harassment 25 25 18
Poor working conditions 24 24 19
Threat to piracy attack 22 22 21
Lack of crew cohesion 22 22 21
Noise 22 22 21
Low salary 21 21 23.5
Limited medical aid onboard ship 21 21 23.5
Short ship turnaround times 20 20 25
Physical abuse 18 18 26.5
Criminalization 18 18 26.5
Work-role conflict 17 17 28
Vibration 13 13 29
Job security 12 12 30
_______________________________________________
The seafarers listed different strategies applied to
counteract the identified 30 mental health problems
onboard ship. Table 2 shows the strategies applied by
seafarers to counteract the factors that affect their
mental health onboard ship, particularly stress. The
top three strategies are to pamper one’s self, socialize
with crewmates, and take a break. Figure 1 shows the
values in percent.
128
Table 2. Strategies applied by seafarers toward stress
onboard ship (n=63)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Pamper one’s self 28 44 1
Socialize with crewmates 9 14 2
Take a break 8 13 3
Stay positive 7 11 4
Communicate with family 5 8 5.5
Enjoy while working 5 8 5.5
Write a journal 1 2 7
_______________________________________________
Figure 1. Strategies toward stress in percent
Table 3 shows the strategies applied by seafarers to
counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on fatigue. The top two strategies are to
pamper one’s self and take a break. Figure 2 shows the
values in percent.
Table 3. Strategies applied by seafarers toward fatigue
(n=49)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Pamper one’s self 40 82 1
Take a break 6 12 2
Talk to someone 2 4 3
Check one’s health 1 2 4
_______________________________________________
Figure 2. Strategies toward fatigue in percent
Table 4 shows the strategies applied by seafarers to
counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on separation from families and friends.
The top strategy is to communicate with family.
Figure 3 shows the values in percent.
Table 4. Strategies applied by seafarers toward separation
from families and friends (n=40)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Communicate with family 36 90 1
Stay positive 3 8 2
Think of my family as an inspiration 1 2 3
_______________________________________________
Figure 3. Strategies toward separation from families and
friends in percent
Table 5 shows the strategies applied by seafarers to
counteract mental health problems onboard ship
particularly on lack enough sleep. The top strategy is
to pamper one’s self. Figure 4 shows the values in
percent.
Table 5. Strategies applied by seafarers toward not enough
sleep (n=44)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Pamper one’s self 34 77 1
Manage time wisely 6 14 2
Drink coffee 4 9 3
_______________________________________________
Figure 4. Strategies toward not enough sleep in percent
Table 6 shows the strategies applied by seafarers to
counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on the prolonged period of time at sea or
long voyages. The top two strategies are to stay
positive and pamper one’s self. Figure 5 shows the
values in percent.
Table 6. Strategies applied by seafarers toward prolonged
period of time at sea or long voyages (n=46)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Stay positive 18 39 1
Pamper one’s self 1816 35 2
Socialize with crewmates 189 20 3
Communicate with family 183 6 4
_______________________________________________
Figure 5. Strategies toward prolonged period of time at sea
or long voyages in percent
129
Table 7 shows the strategies applied by seafarers to
counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on long working hours. The top two
strategies are to take a rest and enjoy while onboard
ship. Figure 6 shows the values in percent.
Table 7. Strategies applied by seafarers toward long
working hours (n=47)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Take a rest 26 55 1
Enjoy while onboard ship 7 15 2
Manage time wisely 6 13 3
Think of one’s family as inspiration 3 7 4
Stay focus 2 4 5.5
Communicate with crewmates 2 4 5.5
Drink lots of water 1 2 7
_______________________________________________
Figure 6. Strategies toward long working hours in percent
Table 8 shows the strategies applied by seafarers to
counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on loneliness. The top two strategies are
to socialize with crewmates and communicate with
family. Figure 7 shows the values in percent.
Table 8. Strategies applied by seafarers toward loneliness
(n=41)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Socialize with crewmates 26 63 1
Communicate with family 7 17 2
Pamper one’s self 6 15 3
Stay positive 2 5 4
_______________________________________________
Figure 7. Strategies toward loneliness in percent
Table 9 shows the strategies applied by seafarers to
counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on increased pressure. The top two
strategies are to stay positive and manage time wisely.
Figure 8 shows the values in percent.
Table 9. Strategies applied by seafarers toward increased
pressure (n=22)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Stay positive 12 54 1
Manage time wisely 8 36 2
Take a rest 1 5 3.5
Learn to say ‘no’ 1 5 3.5
_______________________________________________
Figure 8. Strategies toward increased pressure in percent
Table 10 shows the strategies applied by seafarers
to counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on the confined in the same environment.
The top two strategies are to socialize with other crew
and keep one’s self busy. Figure 9 shows the values in
percent.
Table 10. Strategies applied by seafarers toward
confinement in the same environment (n=27)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Socialize with other crew 11 41 1
Keep one’s self busy 5 19 2
Refresh one’s self 4 15 3.5
Adapt to the situation 4 15 3.5
Take short shore leave 3 10 5
_______________________________________________
Figure 9. Strategies toward confinement in the same
environment in percent
Table 11 shows the strategies applied by seafarers
to counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on social isolation or far from home. The
top three strategies are to communicate with family,
socialize with other crew, and pamper one’s self;
along with these is to think of one’s family as
inspiration. Figure 10 shows the values in percent.
Table 11. Strategies applied by seafarers toward social
isolation or far from home (n=22)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Communicate with family 10 45 1
Socialize with other crew 3 14 3
Pamper one’s self 3 14 3
Think of one’s family as inspiration 3 14 3
Enjoy while onboard 2 9 5
Stay focus 1 4 6
_______________________________________________
130
Figure 10. Strategies toward social isolation or far from
home in percent
Table 12 shows the strategies applied by seafarers
to counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on family problems. The top three
strategies are to communicate with family, talk to
someone onboard ship, and keep one’s self busy.
Figure 11 shows the values in percent.
Table 12. Strategies applied by seafarers toward family
problems (n=22)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Communicate with family 8 36 1
Talk to someone onboard ship 5 23 2
Keep one’s self busy 4 18 3
Pray 3 13 4
Be patient 1 5 5.5
Ask advice from relatives 1 5 5.5
_______________________________________________
Figure 11. Strategies toward family problems in percent
Table 13 shows the strategies applied by seafarers
to counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on lack of shore leave. The top two
strategies are to enjoy while onboard ship and pamper
one’s self. Figure 12 shows the values in percent.
Table 13. Strategies applied by seafarers toward lack of
shore leave (n=19)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Enjoy while onboard ship 8 42 1
Pamper one’s self 6 32 2
Communicate with family 3 16 3
Talk to stevedores 1 5 4.5
Be patient 1 5 4.5
_______________________________________________
Figure 12. Strategies toward lack of shore leave in percent
Table 14 shows the strategies applied by seafarers
to counteract mental health problems onboard ship
particularly on high workload. The top three
strategies are to be organized, have time management,
and seeking help from officers. Figure 13 shows the
values in percent.
Table 14. Strategies applied by seafarers toward high
workload (n=19)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Be organized 6 32 1.5
Time management 6 32 1.5
Seek help from officers 4 21 3
Work with compassion 2 10 4
Pray 1 5 5
_______________________________________________
Figure 13. Strategies toward high workload in percent
Table 15 shows the strategies applied by seafarers
to counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on little contact with family and friends.
The top two strategies are to communicate with
family and enjoy crewmates’ company. Figure 14
shows the values in percent.
Table 15. Strategies applied by seafarers toward little
contact with family and friends (n=16)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Communicate with family 10 63 1
Enjoy crewmates’ company 4 25 2
Read books 1 6 3.5
Stay positive 1 6 3.5
_______________________________________________
131
Figure 14. Strategies toward little contact with family and
friends in percent
Table 16 shows the strategies applied by seafarers
to counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on bullying. The top strategy is to keep
distant. Figure 15 shows the values in percent.
Table 16. Strategies applied by seafarers toward bullying
(n=7)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Keep distant 4 57 1
Stay positive 3 43 2
_______________________________________________
Figure 15. Strategies toward bullying in percent
Table 17 shows the strategies applied by seafarers
to counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on ship motion. The top strategy is to
ignore and get used to it. Figure 16 shows the values
in percent.
Table 17. Strategies applied by seafarers toward ship motion
(n=6)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Ignore and get used to it 3 50 1
Take medicine and rest 2 33 2
Breath fresh air 1 17 3
_______________________________________________
Figure 16. Strategies toward ship motion in percent
Table 18 shows the strategies applied by seafarers
to counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on cultural problems. The top strategy is
to understand the situation. Figure 17 shows the
values in percent.
Table 18. Strategies applied by seafarers toward cultural
problems (n=17)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Understand the situation 15 88 1
Observe and adapt 1 6 2.5
Be with fellow Filipino crew 1 6 2.5
_______________________________________________
Figure 17. Strategies toward cultural problems in percent
Table 19 shows the strategies applied by seafarers
to counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on harassment. The top strategy is to
report to officer. Figure 18 shows the values in
percent.
Table 19. Strategies applied by seafarers toward harassment
(n=4)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Report to officers 2 50 1
Be respectful 1 25 2.5
Talk personally 1 25 2.5
_______________________________________________
Figure 18. Strategies toward harassment in percent
Table 20 shows the strategies applied by seafarers
to counteract mental health problems onboard ship
place, particularly on poor working conditions. The
prevailing strategy is to keep one’s self healthy. Figure
19 shows the values in percent.
Table 20. Strategies applied by seafarers toward poor
working conditions (n=5)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Keep one’s self healthy 3 60 1
Observe and adapt 1 20 2.5
Stay positive 1 20 2.5
_______________________________________________
Figure 19. Strategies toward poor working conditions in
percent
132
Table 21 shows the strategies applied by seafarers
to counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on threat to piracy attack. The top three
strategies are to be alert and prepared, pray, and
educate one’s self. Figure 20 shows the values in
percent.
Table 21. Strategies applied by seafarers toward threat to
piracy attack (n=15)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Be alert and prepared 6 40 1
Pray 4 27 2
Educate one’s self 3 19 3
Adhere to company protocols 1 7 4.5
Ask senior officers 1 7 4.5
_______________________________________________
Figure 20. Strategies toward threat to piracy attack in
percent
Table 22 shows the strategies applied by seafarers
to counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on lack of crew cohesion. The top
strategies are to understand the situation and stay
humble. Figure 21 shows the values in percent.
Table 22. Strategies applied by seafarers toward lack of crew
cohesion (n=5)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Understand the situation 2 40 1.5
Stay humble 2 40 1.5
Socialize with other crew 1 20 3
_______________________________________________
Figure 21. Strategies toward lack of crew cohesion in
percent
Table 23 shows the strategies applied by seafarers
to counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on noise. The top strategy is to adapt with
the environment. Figure 22 shows the values in
percent.
Table 23. Strategies applied by seafarers toward noise (n=5)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Adapt with the environment 3 60 1
Put on the earphones and turn on 1 20 2.5
the music
Refresh one’s self 1 20 2.5
_______________________________________________
Figure 22. Strategies toward noise in percent
Table 24 shows the strategies applied by seafarers
to counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on low salary. The top strategy is to work
harder for promotion. Figure 23 shows the values in
percent.
Table 24. Strategies applied by seafarers toward low salary
(n=8)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Work harder for promotion 5 63 1
Appreciate the value of money 3 37 2
_______________________________________________
Figure 23. Strategies toward low salary in percent
Table 25 shows the strategies applied by seafarers
to counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on limited medical aid onboard supply.
The top strategy is to bring one’s own medicine.
Figure 24 shows the values in percent.
Table 25. Strategies applied by seafarers toward limited
medical aid onboard supply (n=8)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Bring one’s own medicine 5 63 1
Safety first 3 37 2
_______________________________________________
Figure 24. Strategies toward limited medical aid onboard
supply in percent
Table 26 shows the strategies applied by seafarers
to counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
133
particularly on short ship turnaround. The top two
strategies are to manage time wisely and take a rest.
Figure 25 shows the values in percent.
Table 26. Strategies applied by seafarers toward short ship
turnaround (n=7)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Manage time wisely 3 43 1
Take a rest 2 29 2
Cooperate with crewmates 1 14 3.5
Stay positive 1 14 3.5
_______________________________________________
Figure 25. Strategies toward short ship turnaround in
percent
Table 27 shows the strategies applied by seafarers
to counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on physical abuse. The prevailing
strategies are to be respectful and report to senior
officer. Figure 26 shows the values in percent.
Table 27. Strategies applied by seafarers toward physical
abuse (n=4)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f Rank
_______________________________________________
Be respectful 2 50
Report to senior officer 2 50
_______________________________________________
Figure 26. Strategies toward physical abuse in percent
Table 28 shows the strategies applied by seafarers
to counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on criminalization. The top strategy is to
calm down. Figure 27 shows the values in percent.
Table 28. Strategies applied by seafarers toward
criminalization (n=3)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Calm down 2 75 1
Be friendly 1 25 2
_______________________________________________
Figure 27. Strategies toward criminalization in percent
Table 29 shows the strategies applied by seafarers
to counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on work-role conflict. The top strategy is
to seek assistance from superior. Figure 28 shows the
values in percent.
Table 29. Strategies applied by seafarers toward work-role
conflict (n=3)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Seek assistance from superior 2 67 1
Know one’s work and responsibility 1 33 2
_______________________________________________
Figure 28. Strategies toward criminalization in percent.
Table 30 shows the strategies applied by seafarers
to counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on vibration. The top strategy is to adapt
with the environment. Figure 29 shows the values in
percent.
Table 30. Strategies applied by seafarers toward vibration
(n=4)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f % Rank
_______________________________________________
Adapt with the environment 3 75 1
Put on the earphones and turn on 1 25 2
the music
_______________________________________________
Figure 29. Strategies toward vibration in percent
Table 31 shows the strategies applied by seafarers
to counteract mental health problems onboard ship,
particularly on job security. The prevailing strategies
134
are to perform a job well done and do one’s best.
Figure 30 shows the values in percent.
Table 31. Strategies applied by seafarers toward job security
(n=4)
_______________________________________________
Strategies f %
_______________________________________________
Perform a job well done 2 50
Do one’s best 2 50
_______________________________________________
Figure 30. Strategies toward job security in percent
4 CONCLUSIONS
This study concludes that the top three factors that
affect the seafarers’ mental health are stress, fatigue or
temporary loss of power to respond, and separation
from families and friends. This finding can be gleaned
in the studies of Hystad and Eid (2016) [5], The
Manila Times (2019) [2], Barker (2018) [1], and Iversen
(2012) [7]. On the other hand, the top three common
strategies to counteract factors that affect seafarers’
mental health onboard ship are to stay positive,
socialize with crewmates, and communicate with
family. This finding can be gleaned in The Manila
Times (2019) [2] and Barker (2018) [1].
Seafarers must focus mainly on their well-being.
Numerous factors can affect one’s mental health. With
the workload onboard ship, the physical aspect is also
affected. Thus, seafarers must help themselves to
balance their life and work. One must have faith in
God and have a positive outlook in life in order to
survive onboard ship and be physically fit and
mentally healthy.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We are grateful to Dr. Lourdes N. Morano for the valuable
suggestions and recommendations to improve the
manuscript. We also thank Ma. Elena S. Francisco for the
language editing.
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