Seafaring stressors aboard merchant and passenger ships

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify stressors in seafaring aboard merchant and passenger vessels. Furthermore, their dependence on occupational and non-occupational factors was assessed.

Methods: A total of 134 male seafarers sailing under German-flagged vessels were interviewed (response 81.3 %). The seamen rated the individual stress level of 23 different stressors aboard.

Results: Separation from their family (named 48 times), time pressure (30 times), long working days (28 times), heat in workplaces (24 times), and insufficient qualification of subordinate crew members (16 times) were regarded as the most important stressors aboard. In comparison to non-officers, officers stayed on board for considerably shorter periods (4.8 vs. 8.3 months) but had significantly more often an extremely high number of working hours (63.5 % vs. 21.1 %, Chi-square-test: p < 0.001). Correspondingly, officers complained more frequently of a higher stress level due to time pressure (52.4 % vs. 36.6 %).

Conclusions: Particular attention should be paid to preventive organizational measures such as avoiding long-time separation from family, time-pressure, extremely long working days, and a long stay on board.