Social Interaction Matters - Report published today by the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network
Regular social interaction on board benefits overall crew wellbeing,
reduces isolation and stress and helps to build and motivate safe and efficient
teams on board, new research shows.
ISWAN’s research findings from Phase One of the Social
Interaction Matters (SIM) Project have been published today with the support of
the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Red Ensign Group who sponsor the
project. The SIM Project was initiated with the primary objective of
encouraging social interaction on board. This was achieved by conducting
research that examined the relevant drivers and barriers to the promotion of
social interaction and specific activities which seafarers around the world
identified as helping to engage people. The project acknowledges the importance
of crew coming together during their leisure time and the positive impact this
has on wellbeing and operational efficiency and safety as a result. 
Picture credit: Capt. Tonci Gvozdanovic
The need for this project was recognised long before the
widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the consequential crew change
crisis has placed even more importance on the need for strong crew cohesion.
Connecting with others and time for hobbies and recreational activities are
fundamental to wellbeing but this is challenging for seafarers who live and
work on board for many months. Extended time on board has exacerbated these
existing challenges and emphasises the value of strong relationships on board
now more than ever.
The project is divided into three phases with this report
marking the end of Phase One. The research consisted of a large survey of
seafarers and other maritime stakeholders as well as 10 in-depth telephone
interviews. Key research findings highlight the necessity of good leadership –
which supports an inclusive and unifying on board culture – to encourage crew
to interact comfortably together. Conversely, increased workloads and fatigue
were identified as the biggest barriers to social interaction on board.
Evidence also showed that many obstacles to social interaction are seen to
impact on each other. For example, smaller crew sizes and increased workloads
can lead to fatigue and isolation with seafarers simply not having enough
energy to mix socially during their down time.
Dr Kate Pike, research lead and author of the report said:
“Although
measures can be put in place to facilitate recreational gatherings on board, it
is these fundamental issues that need to be addressed for a long-term impact to
take effect. Social interaction on board has a unifying impact that promotes a happier,
more motivated crew that can work more effectively and safely together”.
The project is still ongoing but the report details many
important takeaways for shipping companies and ship operators. For example, the
research shows that crew differences including nationality, gender, and age,
should be considered in the planning of social activities as these factors can
influence recreational preferences. It is therefore important for ship
management to consider what engages and brings people together and adapt
suitable activities to their own company requirements. The research provides
numerous examples of such activities and these can be adapted to accommodate
most vessel types, voyage patterns, nationalities, and time constraints.
Ensuring that crew engage socially, even for small amounts of time every day,
is vital and should be a priority on every voyage, however long.
Katy Ware, Director of Maritime Services, also co-chairs the
Red Ensign Group Conference and is the UK’s Permanent Representative to the
International Maritime Organization.
She said: “Our seafarers provide a vital service, keeping
the hearts of nations beating and we can’t underestimate their role in our
lives. They work in unique environments that can be both immensely rewarding
and at times incredibly demanding on physical, mental and emotional health.
“The MCA works closely with seafarer charities and industry
to understand the challenges faced by seafarers and to strive to make further
improvements which could potentially have positive short and long-term impacts
on the wellbeing of seafarers and is committed to spotting early signs of
people who may require help as well as providing suitable support to ship
owners, who owe their crew a duty of care under the Maritime Labour
Convention.”
 |
| Picture credit: Peter Cornelissen |
Building on these findings, ISWAN is working with a number of shipping companies interested in strengthening crew cohesion on their vessels to trial social engagement initiatives on board. This will form Phase Two of the SIM Project. Following this, Phase Three will use the data and feedback from the trials to develop guidance for shipping companies in the form of a toolkit to be shared publicly. The toolkit will document proven successes, recommendations and ways to overcome challenges to social interaction on board, all with the end goal of happier, healthier, safer and more engaged crews on board.
Caitlin Vaughan, ISWAN Project Manager said:
“We began
this project at a difficult time for the industry so the widespread enthusiasm
we’ve received from many different companies and seafarers about participating
in the project is very encouraging. We’re looking forward to building on the
valuable findings in this research to ensure all companies recognise the
importance of facilitating social interaction on board.”
The full report is available for download along with a summary of the key findings. For
more information about the SIM project and Phase One research findings, please
contact Caitlin Vaughan.
Comments
Post a Comment